What steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that kinship carers receive the same financial support as that provided by local authorities to unrelated foster carers?
It is our intention that all foster carers, including kinship foster carers, are treated fairly and receive the support they need to care for the children and young people they look after. Kinship foster carers should receive the national minimum fostering allowances set by the Welsh Government, but additional fees and support are determined by local authorities.
We are working with local government and other agencies to set up a National Fostering Framework. As part of the Phase 2 work programme in 2016-17 the Association for Fostering and Adoption Cymru undertook a significant piece of work on kinship care, which will be developed into a best practice guide on kinship care issues including assessment, support and payments. Also in Phase 2, the Fostering Network undertook a review of the fees and allowances paid to foster carers across Wales, which will be developed into an action plan to harmonise fees and allowances across each region. This work will include both kinship and non-relative foster carers.
We are supporting the National Fostering Framework with £400k implementation funding in 2017-18. This includes funding for the best practice guide and action plan.