Providing a safe, nurturing environment for children who cannot live at home for whatever reason is an important duty. Those that want to help children by fostering usually have a passion to help others. They consider fostering a vocation.
Just because it is a vocation, however, does not mean that you have to cover all of the costs. Being a full-time foster parent can be a career, but before you consider fostering as a career that is perfect for you, you need to be aware of the costs and compensation involved.
How much can I make fostering?
Table of Contents
Fostering’s isn’t paid, so much as it is compensated. What this means is that the allowance you are provided is intended to cover costs for the child and a bit more. How much you could receive in compensation will depend on how many children you are fostering at once, and where you live.
According to Fosterplus, for example, in England you will earn around £17,200 per child between the ages of 0 to 4 per year. That compensation increases to £20,100 per year for every child between the ages 5 and 10. Fostering a kid aged 11 to 17 is compensated with £21,800 per year.
In Scotland you will earn between £21,000 and £27,000 per child you foster.
If you live in a large property that can comfortably house four children at a time you could receive up to £95,000 in Scotland and £87,200 in England.
Considering the Costs
The money you earn is to cover your costs and is not a wage. The costs in question include accommodation costs and utilities, as well as the cost of food, clothes, and whatever else the children need throughout the year. While in some areas this money may mean things are tight when you foster and take care of these children, in other areas where living costs are more affordable it can keep you and the fostered children comfortable.
Why Fostering Can Be Considered a Career
Fostering can absolutely be considered a career since it typically allows you to be a full-time parent and bring in enough money to cover the important living and accommodation costs. If you have a partner who then works you can use that second income towards your savings and personal purchases. This can put you in a very comfortable position income-wise.
Why some may not consider fostering’s a career and rather a vocation is that it is a 24/7 position. There is no off-time being a foster parent the same way there is no off-time being a parent. When you foster you aren’t just providing a safe space for these children you are caring for them – including their problems and emotions.
If you want to make a difference, fostering’s is a great path to take. If you want to help children who may have come from terrible home conditions or a bad fostering experience, and if you are in it for the long-haul, then fostering can be the perfect career option for you. It is hard work, but you can make a massive impact on a child’s life while also covering all of your living costs.
