Exciting proposals are set to be presented to Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet next week, potentially resulting in foster carers in Swindon receiving up to £10,000 extra per year.
These proposals aim to demonstrate the council’s appreciation for its current foster carers and attract prospective carers to consider fostering with the local authority. The plan includes an increase in fees, improvements to the training program, and enhanced therapeutic support for local foster carers.
In the previous financial year, the council spent £21.6 million on placing an average of 265 children in homes outside of their family environment. On average, caring for one child costs £81,300 per year. By recruiting and retaining more foster carers employed by the council, it will be possible to provide more local homes for children and young people, allowing them to remain closer to their families, friends, and schools. This approach also helps reduce the high costs associated with placing children and young people in residential care settings or with foster carers employed by private companies, which often leads to their relocation far away from Swindon.
Under the proposed changes, the average foster carer payment would increase from £374 to £572 per week. As carers develop their skills, their payments would continue to rise accordingly. According to the plan, a carer at the highest skill level responsible for looking after a young person with complex issues would receive an allowance of £42,020 per year, a significant increase from the current fee of £24,628.
Eileen Koppoe, a dedicated foster carer who has been working with Swindon Borough Council for 12 years, shared her perspective on the proposed changes: “Foster carers are an integral part of the team providing care and stability for children. Receiving better financial compensation for our work, skills, time, and experience will not only motivate us to continue but also send a positive message that our work matters greatly. This, in turn, will benefit the children and young people we care for in Swindon.”
Koppoe further emphasised the commitment of Swindon’s foster carers to the local community: “Many of us have had opportunities to work with other local authorities, but we have chosen to remain in Swindon because we are devoted to caring for Swindon children and young people who are our priority.
“To enable foster carers to achieve and maintain professional status, it is vital to continue investing in training and providing the necessary support. This will increase foster carers’ confidence in their work of caring for Swindon’s children.”
Swindon Borough Council currently requires at least 25 additional carers each year. Individuals interested in becoming foster carers are encouraged to visit www.swindon.gov.uk/fostering. The council’s team regularly organises information sessions where people can learn more about fostering, the support they will receive, and the application process.
In addition to traditional foster care, there are other types of care available, such as Supported Lodgings. This option involves looking after an older child who is often in college or employment and still needs a supportive environment to come home to, with someone to assist them in cooking and developing adult skills. The council is also seeking carers who have the time and space to provide respite care for parents with children with high needs, allowing them a few hours away.
Councillor Paul Dixon, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, expressed his admiration for the dedication and impact of foster carers, stating, “They make such an important difference to children and young people’s lives, by giving them the support and guidance they need to grow.”
The council conducted a survey among existing foster carers and used their valuable feedback to inform the proposed changes. Councillor Dixon added, “We know that people don’t become foster carers for the money, but we also recognise that financial support is essential. I am pleased to see these proposals, which aim to increase the payments to our wonderful carers, being brought to Cabinet.
“This will hopefully help us increase the number of in-house carers, reducing our reliance on placements with independent agencies that come at a much higher cost.”
The Council’s Cabinet meeting, where these proposals will be discussed, is scheduled for Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 6 pm.
