Allowances and Fees

Fostering allowances for all foster carers are set by the Minister for Children. They represent the maximum that can be paid by us or other independent fostering agencies.

We do not just compensate you financially though. At FFI, we offer unrivalled levels of support and training to all our foster carers.

How much do foster parents get paid in Ireland?

The basic fostering allowance for children placed with FFI is currently up to €427 per week, per child. Some children have more challenging needs and requirements than others, so enhanced payments can be requested from Tusla for certain types of placements.

What can it be used for?

The fostering allowance takes into account the costs of living with a foster child. This includes:

• Food
• Clothing
• Basic travel
• Household bills
• Education costs
• Everyday living
• Holidays and summer camps
• Special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas.

The foster care allowance is in respect of, and for the benefit of the foster child and therefore must be used to meet the day to day costs associated with looking after a foster child. It is not a payment or salary to foster carers. Fostering involves caring for very vulnerable children and it is important that these children would experience equality of care and opportunity within a foster family.

Is tax relief available for foster carers in Ireland?

The allowance you receive when fostering in Ireland with us is exempt from taxation under the Finance Bill 2005. This also means that the money you receive is not usually classed as income when applying for certain benefits. However, we recommend that you consult with the Department of Social Protection for confirmation on this.

Could you become a foster carer?

"*" indicates required fields

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Do you have spare bedroom?*

Yes

No

I will have soon

Great-it is vital that foster children should have their own space in their new home.

You need to provide a children with their own bedroom in order to be a foster carer with FFI. Should a bedroom become available in your home in the near future we will be happy to discuss your options with you.

If you are moving home in the near future or are planning to free up a bedroom we would be delighted to discuss you options with you in more detail.

Do you have a full driver's license and a car?*

Yes

No

I am learnig to drive

Great it is important that FFI foster carers have a car and a full licence.

FFI Foster carers outside of Dublin city need to have a full licence and a car to be able to transport children to important appointments such as family visits as well as attend any required meetings and training.

That is great. Once you have passed your test and have a full licence we would be delighted to discuss your options with you.

If you have children is your youngest child over three years of age?*

Yes

No

Not Applicable

Great- it is recommended that your youngest child should be over three before you foster as recommended by Tusla as a best practice fostering requirement.

It is recommended that your youngest child is over three years of age, this is a recommendation from Tusla as a best practice fostering requirement. Once they have turned three please contact FFI and we will discuss your options in more detail.

You don’s have to be a parent to become a foster carer please contact us if you would like to further discuss becoming a foster carer.

Do you have flexibility in your working arrangements?*

Yes

No

Being a foster carer requires you to be available to attend meeting and training. FFI offer financial allowances, comprehensive training and support programmes to ensure you have all the tools you need to change a child’s life.

Fostering a child requires that you to have the flexibility to be able to attend training, meeting and appointments that take place during standard working hours. Please contact FFI to discuss what your fostering options could be.

Have you experience of working with or caring for children?*

Yes

No

Great. Your experience will stand you in good stead for the rewarding challenges of being a foster carer

FFI provides comprehensive training to all successful applicants with 24/7 support and our Team Parenting approach will help you to ensure you are more than ready to make a difference in a child’s life.

Name*

First Name Surname

Email*

Phone

County*

CarlowCavanClareCorkDonegalDublinGalwayKerryKildareKilkennyLaoisLeitrimLimerickLongfordLouthMayoMeathMonaghanOffalyRoscommonSligoTipperaryWaterfordWestmeathWexfordWicklow

Information provided will only be used for the sole purpose of contacting you in relation to fostering. For more details about how we use your data, please see our privacy notice here

Thank you for considering becoming a foster carer.

Unfortunately it seems you may not quite meet the criteria to foster a child at this moment in time. However, please do contact us to discuss your options on more depth and we’ll be sure to point you in the right direction.

Email

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