Fostering Allowances For Children and Young Persons Allowances For Children and Young Persons ... Tax Relief for Carers – useful website address Page 6 ... Age of child 0-4 5-10

Version 2.07

CH(F)13

Fostering Allowances

For Children and Young Persons

(up to and including aged 17)

Financial Year 2015/16

(1st April 2015 – 31st March 2016)

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Version 2.07 Finance Team CH 7th Floor CH(F)13 Fostering Allowances Page 2 of 25

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FOSTERING ALLOWANCES INDEX

Section 1 Fostering Allowance Rates for Carers: Page 4 Guide to what is covered by maintenance allowance

Section 2 Allowances for Carers of young people aged 16/17 Page 5 Calculations for YPs in further Education/Working/Training/Apprenticeship

Tax Relief for Carers – useful website address Page 6

Section 3 Short Term Break Scheme for Children with Disabilities Page 7

Section 4 Support Foster Care – Short Breaks Page 7

Section 5 General Information and Contact Numbers Page 8

Section 6 Pocket Money and Personal Allowances Page 9

Section 7 Payment for Additional Expenses Incurred by Carers Page 10

In Caring for a Child:

Initial Foster Allowance “

Birthday and Christmas Allowances etc “

Holiday Allowance “

Cost of Holidays and Outings by Schools Page 11

Childcare for Children Excluded from School “

Payment for Other Related Childcare “

Exceptional Travel and Fares “

Exceptional School Transport Costs Page 12

Children Temporarily Away from the Foster Home for “

Up to 6 Nights A Week

Relief Care “

Hospitality Allowances Page 13

Spectacles “

Household Expenses Exclusions “

Life Story “

Special Purposes “

Section 8 Payments for Other Expenses incurred by Carers: Page 14

Equipment “

Attendance at Foster Carer Training Courses “

Sessional Payments “

Section 9 Staying Put Arrangements for Young Adults over 18 Page 15 Including Financial Arrangements and University

Section 10 Retainer Payments Page 17

Section 11 Mother and Baby Placements Page 17

Section 12 Allegations Page 17

Section 13 Recovering Overpayments Page 18 Guidance Notes for Office Staff - Procedures for Ceasing an Agreement Page 21

Appendix 1 Special Purposes/Aptitudes Page 22

Appendix 2 New Cost Centre Codes Page 23

Appendix 3 Subjective Codes Page 24

Appendix 4 Transport Further Analysis Codes Page 25

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1. Foster Allowance Rates for Carers

Amounts payable per WEEK from 01.04.15 shown by age and accreditation.

Payments will continue to be made fortnightly.

Accreditation Level 1 2 3 4 5

First Child Subsequent

Child Accreditation fee

added to basic

maintenance

allowance.

Basic

maintenance Allowance

£33

£60

£104

£329

£219

Total amount payable per week

Age of Child £ £ £ £ £ £

0 – 4

124

157

184

228

453

343

5 – 10

139

172

199

243

468

358

11 – 15

159

192

219

263

488

378

16 (in school)

185

218

245

289

514

404

16** (employment or further education)

186

219

246

290

515

405

17** (employment or further education)

187

220

247

291

516

406

** Payments adjusted to give young person responsibility for own personal costs etc. – see following page Some children may be eligible for Disability Living Allowance or personal independence payments if over 16, additionally, if over 16, they may also be eligible for Employment Support Allowance. This could be considered as part of the Placement Plan. The Basic Maintenance Allowance is designed to cover the costs incurred in caring for a child. The table below gives the proportion of the allowance likely to be needed for the 'average' child for clothing etc. Note this is for guidance only and the proportion will vary according to the child's needs.

Age of child 0-4 5-10 11-15 16 in Year 11 16 +

Clothing, Personal & Activities *

28% (£34.72) 34% (£47.26) 36% (£57.24) 43% (£79.55) See pg 5

Transport ** 15% (£18.60) 15% (£20.85) 15% (£23.85) 15% (£27.75) See pg 5

* includes pocket money. See rates on page 9.

** 'Normal' transport only. Not including exceptional transport costs - see pages 11 & 12.

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2. Allowances for Carers of Young People Aged 16 and 17 Who

Have Completed Year 11. To ensure appropriate preparation for a young person's transition from care to independent living, young people who have completed year 11 will move towards greater financial independence

Allowances for Care Leavers:

All finance arrangements including allowances, must be set out in the young person’s Pathway Plan. Where appropriate, the Pathway Plan should also identify contingency arrangements for changes in circumstances (including, for example, arrangements if the young person receives a benefit sanction).

Eligible children: Foster care: It is essential that young people who have a care plan to move to independence begin to experience money management at an early stage. The default position will be that in the September following the end of year 11, a staged process will begin. This is illustrated in the table below:

See * below

Standard / default

starting position

Aspiration: most

young people are

here by age 17.5

Amount

(paid to

bank

a/c)

£15.00 £30.00** £57.90**

Carer

Provides

Accommodation Utilities Transport Food Clothing Activities

Accommodation Utilities Transport Food

Accommodation Utilities

Young

Person

Provides

Money for “socialisation” (e.g. contribution to mobile phone; magazines etc.)

Socialisation Clothing / toiletries Activities

Socialisation Clothing / toiletries Activities Transport Food Contribution towards accommodation and utilities

*Where the Social Worker (SW) or Personal Adviser (PA) identifies significant evidence that making direct payment to the young person is not in their best interests, this must be explained to them and reasons clearly written in the Pathway Plan. This must be reviewed at subsequent Statutory Reviews, or sooner if appropriate. ** These amounts will be revised annually and included in CH(F)13

The young person must be supported by their PA and the foster carer to develop their financial capability. In addition to identifying actions which will develop the young person’s financial

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capability, the Pathway Plan should identify how and when the young person will move to preparing their own food etc. and move on to the higher level allowance.

Impact on Carer Carer no longer provides, pocket money, toiletries, and bus fares. Carer has £15/£30/£57.90 per week deducted from their payment depending on the amount directly paid to the young person. Any money the young person earns through part-time/weekend work is disregarded (including summer work between academic years). Young people should be encouraged to learn the work ethic and to save.

Young Person in Education or Training Aged 16-19 A young person in education or training aged 16-19 may be entitled to funds under the 16-19 Bursary. Students may receive a maximum bursary of £1200 a year at the discretion of their school, college or training provider. For more details go to: https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund

The young person/carer/worker should contact the school, college or training provider

for more details and to find out how to apply. Young person in full time employment

(excluding Apprenticeships)

The young person’s contribution to their keep will be calculated in the following way:

Their net earnings (up to £115.00* per week) deducted by the minimum protected allowance of £57.90 per week and the resulting amount divided in half, so as an example: (£115-£57.90)/2 = £28.55. This means in this example the young person will contribute £28.55 to their former foster carer for keep. The amount of keep calculated to be paid by the young person to their former foster carer will be deducted from the overall payment made to the former foster carer by Norfolk County Council. It should also be remembered that the former foster carer for the young person will no longer provide pocket money, toiletries, bus fares etc and so payments to the former foster carer will consequently also be reduced by £57.90 per week in lieu of these items.

*NB Any net earnings above £115 per week will not be taken in to account by Norfolk

County Council when calculating keep, so the amount will never be more than £28.55.

Young Person in Apprenticeship The amount of income a young person receives from an apprenticeship can vary significantly. The principle is that a young person should not be significantly disadvantaged or advantaged as a result. For a young person undertaking an apprenticeship they can retain their Personal Allowance (i.e. £57.90). Should they earn above this they should contribute 50p per £1 earned above this rate up to a maximum weekly payment to the foster carer of £57.90.

Tax Relief for Carers For information on tax relief for Carers, visit the website below: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/individuals/foster-carers.htm

https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/individuals/foster-carers.htm

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3. Short Term Break Scheme for Children with Disabilities

Currently the hourly rate is £5.55 per hour. The time period used to determine the daily rate is 8 hours. A day is defined literally as a calendar day i.e. from 00:00 to 23:59. Thus:

Per hour £5.55

Per day £44.40

Per week £310.80

Calculation of STB payments Day care: For a period of less than 24 hours, not including an overnight stay,

the actual number of hours up to a maximum of 8 is paid. Overnight (under 24 hours): For a period of less than 24 hours, which includes an overnight stay,

the actual number of hours up to a maximum of 8 up to midnight, plus the actual number of hours up to a maximum of 8 from midnight.

24 hours plus: For a period of more than 24 hours, the actual number of hours up

to a maximum of 8 on the first day, then the daily rate for every subsequent day, including the last day. (There will be few occasions when a child would leave their carers before 8:00 a.m.)

4. Support Foster Care – Short Breaks

When an accredited foster carer provides a placement for a child as part of a series of Short Breaks, a retainer will be paid for the duration of the agreed short break plan, as long as the number of overnight stays that the child has with the foster carer is not less than an average of 4 per month throughout the agreed period. The retainer will be equal to the accreditation fee

for the carer, but never more than a level 4 fee. No more than 1 retainer will be paid to a foster carer, even though they may enter in to more than one Support Foster Care arrangement at a time. The retainer will cease as soon as there are no Support Foster Care arrangements in place. The carer will receive their normal fee and allowance when a child is with them, per day – so 1 night with the carer will attract 2 payments, 2 nights 3 payments etc. If a part of the Support Foster Care plan includes care offered during the day, but not overnight, then the carers will receive a full payment of both allowance and fee per day, regardless of the duration of the day care provided. Birthday and Religious Holiday allowances will not be paid to the carer for children they are offering Support Foster Care to, but exceptional travel expenses can be claimed in the usual way. Pocket money should not be passed on by the carer.

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5. General Information and Contact Numbers Because payments are sent during the course of a fortnightly pay period and children may leave foster carers before the date to which the payment has been calculated, an overpayment of allowances may arise. Overpayment can also occur when documents notifying movements of children are lost or delayed. In these circumstances recovery is affected by deduction from the next payment if possible, but otherwise repayment is required.

If foster carers receive allowances to which they are not entitled, they should notify the

Exchequer Services (Foster Payments Section) at County Hall as soon as possible.

Further guidance on overpayments can be found at Section 13 – Recovering

Overpayments.

Payments are not permissible from local offices. When a young person remains in placement over the age of 18 their carers are no longer acting as foster carers. The financial arrangements for carers in these circumstances are set out in Section 9 at the end of this paper. If foster carers wish, for any reason, to contact the Exchequer Services (Foster Payments Section) by telephone, the numbers are:

Carer Surname Contact Number A - J (01603) 222176 K – Z (01603) 222156 Leaving Care (01603) 222120

Norfolk Tax Office 0845 366 7851

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6. Pocket Money and Personal Allowances for Children and Young

People

Pocket money for the child is included in the basic allowances. This is the minimum amount

that should be paid. The amounts payable are:

Age of Child Amount per Week

£

Under 5 years Under 5 years at carers discretion

5 – 7 2.00

8 – 10 3.00

11 - 12 3.50

13 4.50

14 6.00

15 7.00

16* until client

completes year

11

8.00

Personal allowances for over 16's:

Young Person in Employment (but not in an Apprenticeship) Young people in employment will be expected to contribute towards their keep. Contributions are ‘capped’ at first £115.00 per week of client’s net income. See example on page 6.

Young Person seeking employment or suffering ill health (signed off by G.P.) When a young person is unemployed, or is unable to follow normal employment through sickness or for some other reason, the £57.90 allowance will be paid. Any benefits, which the young person is entitled to claim, will be taken into account to determine the amount of the basic allowance payable.

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7. Payments for Additional Expenses incurred by Carers in Caring

for a Child

Carers must obtain agreement for additional expenses in advance of expenditure.

Wherever possible, funding should be discussed at the Placement Agreement meeting

and reviewed as part of the Statutory Review process for the child. Receipts should be provided where appropriate.

Initial Fostering Allowance Initial expenditure at first placement, based on the individual child’s needs in order to bring their clothing and personal possessions up to a reasonable level. This can include school uniform and, in the case of babies, an initial supply of nappies. This allowance is available via the carer’s supervisor for expenditure incurred within the first month of placement to allow for an accurate assessment of needs.

It is expected that once a child has been initially equipped with clothing, school uniform, nappies etc, that these will be maintained at a reasonable level from the normal fortnightly allowances.

Birthday Allowance An amount equivalent to one week’s basic allowance appropriate to the child’s age will be paid in addition to the normal fortnightly assessed payments. This allowance is paid automatically to Foster Carers by County Hall to cover presents and related costs.

Christmas / Religious Festival Allowance An amount equivalent to one week’s basic allowance appropriate to the child’s age (up to maximum of 16yrs ‘in school’ rate for YPs aged 16+), will be paid in addition to the normal fortnightly assessed payments. This allowance is paid automatically to Foster Carers by County Hall to cover presents and related costs.

Holiday Allowance An amount equivalent to two week’s basic allowance appropriate to the child’s age (up to maximum of 16yrs ‘in school’ rate for YPs aged 16+) is included in the Basic Maintenance Allowance calculation. This has been calculated on a pro-rata basis for the year (i.e. spread

out over the 52 weeks). This no longer requires claiming for.

Age of

Child 0 – 4 5 – 10 11 – 15

16 (in

school)

16 (employ

or FE)

17 (employ

or FE)

£ per

week* 5 5 6 7 7 7

BMA w/o

HA ** 124 139 159 185 186 187

BMA inc.

HA pw *** 129 144 165 192 193 194

* Amount added to the Basic Maintenance Allowance for the Holiday Allowance per week. ** Basic Maintenance Allowance without including the Holiday Allowance *** Basic Maintenance Allowance including Holiday Allowance per week.

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For Young People on Care Orders but living in the community, an Expenditure Proposal Form will need to be raised to ensure payment of entitlement. This is 2 weeks basic allowance less the pro rata allowance.

Cost of Holidays by Schools, Youth Groups, Scouts etc.

The cost of holidays with school, youth groups etc may be claimed in addition to the normal fortnightly assessed payments and holiday payments.

NB Only one Children’s Services educational organised holiday abroad will be paid for in any three-year period, unless there are special circumstances approved by the Director of Children's Services.

Childcare for Children Excluded from School Childcare payments can be made to Level 1-4 inclusive carers for children temporarily excluded from school for whom carers provide additional supervision and a structured programme of activities. This payment may be made to the carers with whom the child is placed or to other carers. As such payments are expenses rather than a sessional payment for work undertaken (see below), they are exempt from tax.

The rate is £6 per hour per child for a maximum of 10 hours a day (2 sessions per day up to 5 hours each), and should be claimed via the carer’s supervisor. Associated receipts should be attached.

Payments for Other Related Childcare Where childcare is needed to enable a carer to have a break from a demanding placement or to attend a meeting related to the child another carer, or adult friend/relation, may be found to provide childcare. The carer, or adult friend/relation, offering childcare will receive expenses at £6 per hour for each child up to a maximum of 10 hours a day (2 sessions per day up to 5 hours each). This should be approved in advance and claimed via the carer’s

supervisor using CS(FIN)020 version 1 Carers Mileage & Expenses Form.

NCC approved childminders should be used where there is no one available that knows the child. Details can be obtained from the Customer Service Centre on 0344 800 8020. Foster Carers can search for NCC approved childminders on the following link: http://search3.openobjects.com/kb5/ncc/directory/families.page

Exceptional Travel and Fares

The basic fortnightly allowance incorporates an element for travelling expenses (see table on page 4) and it is anticipated that this should be sufficient to cover the normal travelling expenses incurred in looking after a child. However, where exceptional travelling expenses are incurred, they may be claimed as an additional allowance. This is paid at the NCC Mileage Rate of 45p per mile (this may vary in-year as it is based on the HMRC Mileage rate). Examples of travel that is NOT exceptional and therefore not acceptable to claim for include:

School trips under 2 miles for children aged under 8 yrs old or 3 miles for those aged 8 or over.

School Activities e.g. After-school clubs, disco’s etc.

Hobbies e.g. Clubs, horse riding, Scouts/Guides, ballet etc.

Doctors and Dentists appointments.

Holiday/Day Trip Activities e.g. swimming, theme parks, bowling etc.

http://search3.openobjects.com/kb5/ncc/directory/families.page

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Visits to friends

Eating out Whether a journey is considered exceptional will depend on the reason for the journey, rather than its cost. Travel Claim Forms (CS(FIN)020) should be submitted, as a minimum, on a monthly basis and by the 7th April for March claims in order that all the costs can be accounted for in the appropriate financial year. This is in accordance with NCC Financial Regulations.

Exceptional School Transport Costs Travel/fares to school are covered by the basic fortnightly allowances. However, in exceptional cases this may be claimed. As a guide, the national statutory regulations concerning children travelling to their school stipulate the following distances as being reasonable in expecting families to be able to get their children to school without the help of the Local Authority:

If the child is under 8, Norfolk’s rule is that, wherever possible, a carer should be expected to get their child to school at their expense up to two miles, a total of 20 miles per week.

If the child is aged 8 years or over they are expected, again wherever possible, to get their child to school up to three miles distance, a total of 30 miles per week.

All Exceptional School Transport costs must be agreed by the child’s Social Worker and Team Manager and the claim form should be submitted to the Fostering Supervising Social Worker. Exceptional school transport costs will be funded for up to one term only unless the child is in KS4.

Children Temporarily Away From the Foster Home 1. When, as part of a planned introduction or assessment (either home or to another

carer), a child is temporarily not in placement full time, the carer must continue to receive

the full entitlement. In these circumstances the payments section needs to be informed by the authorising Team Manager following authorisation from the Responsible Budget Officer. This should be reviewed on a 4 weekly basis.

2. When a child is admitted to hospital the full allowance can be paid for the first four

weeks and then at the discretion of the Director of Children's Services. 3. Foster care beds can only be put on hold by agreement of the Director of Children’s

Services. 4. Where foster carers can no longer care for a child due to the carers serious ill health

they will be paid the full allowance for 2 weeks and the accreditation fee for 2 weeks.

Relief Care When a child is placed for 'relief care' in order to give the main carer a break:

The 'main' carer will receive a retainer equivalent to the relevant accreditation payment plus 25% of the basic allowances. This will not normally be more than two weeks at a time unless stipulated in the child’s Placement Plan.

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Two Households The relief carer will be paid the age related basic allowance plus an accreditation

payment in line with the relief carers' assessed level.

Same Household The relief carer will only be paid the level accreditation payment in line with the relief

carers' assessed level.

Hospitality Allowances Where carers are required by the Department to offer hospitality to parents, adoptive parents or siblings of any child placed with them, they can reclaim any expenditure incurred in respect of meals, refreshments etc up to the following rates:

NB These rates are the maximum claimable per person and must be accompanied with a receipt for the appropriate amount:

Breakfast £6.00

Lunch £8.00

Tea £3.00

Evening meal £10.00

Claims cannot be made for the consumption of alcohol.

Spectacles The necessary cost of providing spectacles for the child will be met in full. It will be assumed, however, that full advantage is taken of the vouchers available under the National Health Service schemes.

Household Expenses Exclusions

No household expenses may be claimed for (including internet access). It is expected that these expenses would come from the Basic Maintenance Allowance.

Life Story

A life story 'book' is usually prepared with the child by a social worker, foster carer and/or adoptive parent or permanent foster carer. The book includes the recording of significant information and events for a child to refer to when they are older or as they grow up, such as a description of their birth family, where they were born, significant people in their lives, and their care history.

Life story work can take the form of a book, scrapbook, photo album, interactive CD or collection of personal items, such as a hospital bracelet, first teddy bear, or drawings that date back to the child’s time with their birth or foster family.

Any claim for costs associated with a child’s Life Story should receive prior approval from a Fostering Manager and up to a maximum of £75.00 per annum. Receipts should be submitted with the claim form.

Special Purposes / Aptitudes NCC Staff - Please see Appendix 1 for what is included and excluded as a Special Purpose payment.

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8. Payments for Other Expenses incurred by Carers

Equipment

The costs of providing essential equipment, to enable the foster carer to safely care for children, will be met by the Norfolk Fostering Service. Equipment will normally be purchased direct by the Norfolk Fostering Team and loaned to the carer household. However, with the prior agreement of the Fostering Team Manager, carers may be asked to purchase some necessary items themselves. Receipts should be submitted to the carer's supervisor who will arrange for reimbursement of agreed expenditure.

Attendance at Foster Carer Training courses Child care costs (including where a child is looked after by adult family/friends) and travelling expenses incurred by carers in attending foster carer training courses will be reimbursed. This is reimbursed at the standard rate the Service Provider charges up to a maximum of £6 per hour.

Mileage rate: 45p per mile (this may vary in-year as it is based on the HMRC Mileage rate). To claim carers are asked to complete a Carers Exceptional Mileage and Expenses Claim Form (CS(FIN)020) and pass to their supervising Social Worker. It is not possible to offer compensation for loss of earnings.

Sessional Payments

Can be paid to carers undertaking a variety of work including: Membership of Foster Panels Acting as the foster carer representative on foster carer training Membership of formally established working groups These payments are regarded as earnings and therefore taxable. The carer should complete an SS(PER)1 Sessional Claim form for the hours worked, including NI number,

and submit it to their Supervisor. These claims go direct to Payroll. The travel element is not taxable, and is paid via claim form through the payments section as per other claims.

Rate payable:

S.C.P. 8 = £7 per hour

Travel costs at volunteer mileage rate (45p per mile - this may vary in-year as it is based on the HMRC Mileage rate)

Carers will be paid £14.45 per hour plus 45p per mile for co-presenting training courses.

If additional childcare costs are incurred these will be reimbursed at the standard rate the Service Provider charges up to a maximum of £6 per hour.

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9. Staying Put arrangements for Young Adults over 18

In keeping with the aims and objectives of the Children (Leaving Care) Act, it is possible for former relevant children to continue to live with their accredited carers beyond the age of 18.

Where this is identified as a possible option, it should be fully considered as part of the Pathway Planning process and where agreed, details must be clearly stated in the young person's Pathway Plan.

Guidance to the Children (Leaving Care) Act states: "The Pathway Plan should be pivotal to the process whereby young people map out their future, articulating their aspirations and identifying interim goals along the way to realising their ambitions".

Financial arrangements: Arrangements must be agreed and set up in line with the young person's Pathway Plan.

For carers accredited at Levels 1 to 4, the carer’s total income in respect of the placement should remain in line with their accreditation status (i.e. as if they were caring for a Looked After / eligible child aged 17). It is expected that all young adults over 18 who remain living with their foster carers will claim Housing Benefit if they are able to do so and this will be paid to the foster carer. Children’s Services will top up the foster carer’s money to match the carer’s accreditation level, up to a maximum of £233.10. This is calculated from the Level 4 accreditation level of £291.00 less the YP allowance of £57.90 (see example on page 5). The expectation is that the YP will also claim Housing Benefit and therefore the carer should receive the difference between the Housing Benefit and the appropriate accreditation level amount as they will receive the Housing Benefit from another source.

Accreditation Level 1 2 3 4

18+ Payments to Carers £129.10 £162.10 £189.10 £233.10

Payments to carers accredited at Level 5 will be capped at the Level 4 rate. Post 18 payments need to be agreed in the young person’s Pathway Plan. Payments can only be made to the foster carer until the young person reaches the age of 21.

The taxation implications for carers may differ from those applied when they are caring for a young person aged under 18. Tax issues remain the responsibility of the carer. The Tax Office can be contacted on 0300 200 3300 or for details of other relevant tax numbers call 0844 474 0101. The website http://hmrc.gov.uk also provides useful information.

The funding for continued accommodation may come from a variety of sources. These must include a contribution from the young person i.e. claim from Housing Benefit. The carer should receive the difference between the Housing Benefit and the appropriate accreditation level amount as they will receive the Housing Benefit from another source.

The Young Person's Social Worker, with the young person and the carer, must arrange Housing Benefit claims etc. (where available), and must calculate any contribution due from the young person (see the Leaving Care Act Financial Procedures)

The Responsible Budget Officer must be consulted and, if in agreement, must authorise any shortfall (including accreditation payments) to be met from the relevant teams Payments to Carers budget before final arrangements are agreed with the young person and their carer.

http://hmrc.gov.uk/

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The Young Person's Social Worker should then produce a statement showing the various funding sources and amounts, which make up the amount that the carer is due, and clarify arrangements for payment.

Where a young person who has remained living with their former foster carer after they have reached 18, as part of an agreement reached in a pathway plan, and they are in full time employment, the young person contribution to their keep will be calculated in the following way:

Their net earnings (up to £115.00* per week) deducted by the minimum protected allowance of £57.90 per week and the resulting amount divided in half, so as an example: (£115-£57.90)/2 = £28.55. This means in this example the young person will contribute £28.55 to their former foster carer for keep. The amount of keep calculated to be paid by the young person to their former foster carer will be deducted from the overall payment made to the former foster carer by Norfolk County Council. It should also be remembered that the former foster carer for the young person will no longer provide pocket money, toiletries, bus fares etc and so payments to the former foster carer will consequently also be reduced by £57.90 per week in lieu of these items. In all examples the Young Person will keep their first weekly wage packet before any contributions for their keep are made to the foster carer, so there will be no deduction by Norfolk County Council of the allowance paid to the former foster carer in respect of keep in the first week of the young person’s employment.

*NB Any net earnings above £115 per week will not be taken in to account by Norfolk

County Council when calculating keep, so the amount will never be more than £28.55

Pathway Plan incentives for Relevant Children living independently:

There are a small number of “Relevant Children” (i.e. those aged under 18 who have left care) who are living independently and who are entirely reliant on allowances from the Council under the Children (Leaving Care) Act. For Relevant children the Council will pay an additional incentive of 35% of the benefit level for a child of the same age who would qualify for benefit. This incentive must be agreed as part of the young person’s Pathway Plan. The Responsible Budget Officer has the discretion to suspend or withdraw the incentive if a young person is unwilling to co-operate or engage in Pathway planning. For the current year the incentive payment will be: £20.27 per week. Please note that arrangements for Birthday / Christmas (or other religious festival) allowances, and contributions to holidays will be in line with arrangements for relevant /former relevant

children and not with allowances for Looked After Children in fostering placements.

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University

As part of Children’s Services’ efforts to support care leavers going into higher education, young people can negotiate assistance to help meet their accommodation costs as part of their Pathway Plan. For young people in Higher Education regulations require the provision of accommodation during vacations. Where appropriate, the Social Worker/YPA should endeavour to ensure that temporary accommodation is offered to enable clients returning to Norfolk to visit. This can vary from meeting the costs of Bed and Breakfast accommodation to contributing to the cost of staying with ex-foster carers. The department will only assist in contributing to the cost of one type of accommodation during this time (i.e. not pay for rent at University accommodation and also accommodation in Norfolk for the same period), with the exception of brief (e.g. weekend) visits.

Where claimed by the young person, payments to ex foster carers will not exceed £100 a week.

10. Retainer Payments From 1st April 2010 retainer payments will be paid with the word “Retainer” following the child’s name. If this word does not follow the child’s name the payment is not a retainer payment and the carer should contact their social worker and the Payments Team immediately if the child stated is not in their care. The payments system only has the ability to record a limited number of characters and therefore an “R” at the end of the name will also represent a retainer payment. Any overpayments will be offset against future payments (as per Section 13 – Recovering Overpayments) A retainer payment can only be paid if approved by the Director of Children’s Services. The reason for the retainer must be specified on the Service Agreement. Payment is limited to the accreditation rate, to specifically named children and for a specified time, as detailed on the Service Agreement.

For retainer payments for Support Foster Care placements, please see Section 4 above.

11. Mother and Child Placements

If both the mother and the child are under the age of 18 the Basic Maintenance Allowance and Accreditation Level will be paid for both placements. Where the mother is over 18 and in receipt of an income and/or benefits the Basic Maintenance Allowance and Accreditation Fee will be paid for the child. The adult parent will be paid the 17 year old Accreditation Level. The parent will be expected to pay all their own costs and the child’s costs i.e. clothes and food from their benefits/income. The allowance paid for the child will cover the foster carers extra costs of having two people in the placement.

12. Allegations Where a child has been removed after an allegation and an investigation is continuing the foster carer will receive their full fostering payment for 2 weeks from the date of removal of the child. This will be followed by the payment of their accreditation fee until the date of the final Strategy Meeting or for 6 months, whichever is earlier. At the discretion of the Assistant Director Children’s Social Work, accreditation fee payments can continue beyond 6 months and up to a year.

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13. Recovering Overpayments

The definition of an overpayment is where a carer is paid an amount in excess of their Service Agreement/contractual entitlement.

All carers have a responsibility to notify their social worker and The Payments Team by phone/fax/post/email (as below) on the day a child leaves the placement or the next working day.

If a carer continues to receive payments after reporting that a child has left their care then they must contact The Payments Team immediately. Any overpayments must be repaid in full. Ending of placements must be reported to the child’s Social Worker and the Exchequer Services (Foster Payments Section) of Norfolk County Council using the contact details below.

The computer system will automatically recover all overpayments by making deductions from subsequent payments.

The system will attempt to recover the total overpayment from the next payment due, or where the overpayment amount exceeds normal payments for that period, from subsequent weeks until the overpayment has been recovered.

In certain circumstances, alternative recovery arrangements can be made subject to the agreement of the carer’s supervising Social Worker and Team Manager. Any requests to vary or negotiate overpayments will be assessed on a case-by-case basis according to circumstances. Any final decision will be the responsibility of the Payments Manager. Where there are no further placements planned then an invoice will be issued.

Carer Surname Contact Number A - J (01603) 222176 K – Z (01603) 222156 Leaving Care (01603) 222120

Post (Please note – this has changed) Exchequer Services (Foster Payments Section) County Hall Annexe Ground Floor Martineau Lane NORWICH NR1 2UE

Email [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Fostering Allowances and Expenses: Guidance Notes for Staff

Controls To Pay Level 5 Carers

The Notification of Approval is completed and signed for approval to pay the carer at the higher Level 5 rate for all subsequent placements. Currently, the fostering payments team receive these forms when the carer is approved or re-approved for accreditation. If there are double placement costs (Level 5 higher and subsequent rate) for one young person, a Service Agreement must be authorised and agreed by the Head of Social Work Resources. If there is a request to pay a foster carer the higher level 5 rate for all subsequent placements, a Service Agreement must be agreed and authorised by the Head of Social Work Resources.

'Payment delivery is closely linked to foster carer satisfaction. The efficiency of the

payment systems, the respect foster carers are shown when they apply for funds and the

way errors are resolved can feel as significant to foster carers as the level of the

allowance itself.' (DfES National Minimum Fostering Allowance 2006 p6)

The National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services 2002 state that:

Standard 29.1 'Each foster carer receives an allowance and agreed expenses which cover the full cost of caring for each child or young person placed with him or her. Payments are made properly and at the agreed time. Allowances and fees are reviewed annually'.

Standard 29.2 'There is a written policy on fostering allowances. This, and the current allowance levels, are well publicised and provided annually to each carer. The carer receives clear information about the allowances and expenses payable and how to access them before a child is placed'.

Norfolk's Fostering Service is subject to annual inspection to ensure compliance with the standards. Inconsistencies, delays and difficulties over the payment of expenses are the most frequently cited source of dissatisfaction amongst carers, both locally and nationally.

Good practice principles In 2006 the DfES published 'National Minimum Fostering Allowances' which states:

'The following principles underpin efficiency and effectiveness in payment systems:

1. Paramount: payments to foster carers are treated with the same importance as salaries to staff;

2. Planning and review: payments are discussed at the pre-placement meeting and subject to ongoing review to ensure they reflect the needs of the young person;

3. Responsiveness: systems are able to respond promptly to a range of circumstances, including necessary additional costs and emergency placements;

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4. Transparency: there are clear statements about entitlements, decision making processes and payment methods;

5. Consistency: all payments follow explicit policies;

6. Simplicity: systems are easy to understand and operate

7. Comprehensiveness: systems address all areas of payments to carers;

8. Centrality: there is ownership and oversight of the system by one person with the understanding and ability to ensure consistency' (DfES National Minimum Fostering Allowance 2006 p6 -7)

A national minimum In July 06 the government published national minimum rates for fostering allowances for 07-08. The national minimum allowance was described as 'the basic core allowance that foster carers receive to cover the costs involved in looking after any fostered child’. The rate is intended to set a benchmark for payment rates to all foster carers. The actual level of allowance that any foster carer will receive will depend on a number of factors, in particular the specific needs of an individual child. The introduction of the national minimum allowance is therefore intended, in essence, to provide a safeguard for foster carers.

Norfolk's Fostering Allowances The 'Basic Maintenance Allowance' (Level 1) for 2015-16 on page 4 of this document is set at the revised National Minimum Allowance rate. The additional fees acknowledge the skills, experience and training of foster carers and should be disregarded in the calculations of expenses for the care of a particular child. In some cases, it may be appropriate to pay a double accreditation amount for a placement if the Young Person’s placement would otherwise be under threat by placing another child with the carer. This must be agreed by the relevant member of the Children’s Services Leadership Team for the young person. Level 5 carers, may under certain criteria be paid at the higher rate for more than one placement. This must be agreed by the Head of Social Work Resources.

'Former Relevant' Young People who continue to live with their Foster

Carers

In keeping with the aims and objectives of the Children (Leaving Care) Act, it is possible for former relevant children to continue to live with their accredited carers beyond the age of 18.

Where this is identified as a possible option, it should be fully considered as part of the Pathway Planning process and where agreed, details must be clearly stated in the young person's Pathway Plan.

Please note:

Guidance to the Act states: "The Pathway Plan should be pivotal to the process whereby young people map out their future, articulating their aspirations and identifying interim goals along the way to realising their ambitions".

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Therefore, the Pathway Plan must show how remaining with carers contributes to achieving the goals identified in the Pathway Plan.

Remaining with accredited carers should not be seen as an automatic option simply because there are no objections from the young person or the carers. It should always be one of a range of options which are considered as part of the Pathway Planning process, and used only where it is identified as the most suitable and appropriate option under the circumstances.

It is essential that the carer’s supervisor is fully involved in any planning processes which may result in the young person continuing to live with carers beyond the age of 18. Such arrangements may affect the carer’s fostering status and may require reference to the fostering panel. It may also be necessary for the impact upon any other children in the foster home to be taken into account.

It is also important to recognise that the placement itself will not constitute a fostering placement and that the young person will no longer be looked-after. The young person’s status will be that of another adult living in the household, and again the implications of this should be discussed with the carer and their supervisor.

Procedures for Ceasing a Placement If the Division is aware of a placement ending they must notify the Placements Team, by emailing the LAC Placements Team mailbox – [email protected] who will cease the Service Agreement. It is important that the Payments Team are also emailed or contacted in a timely manner to ensure payments are stopped. Their email address is [email protected]. Observations can be used to record details of any discussions. The Divisions are responsible for updating/ceasing the CLA Episode. The Placement Team should update CareFirst to confirm the service agreement will cease. The Payments Team will retrieve the ceased service agreement from CareFirst to confirm payment has already ceased.



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FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Appendix 1

Special Purposes/Aptitudes It should be noted that from 1st April 2012 three new costs SA4356, City & South, SA4357 North & East and SA4358 Breckland & West have been set up for special purposes. Each budget has £40,000, strictly capped, for special purposes for additional items. This budget requires prior approval and will be closely monitored. Approval and any advice must be sought through the Head of Social Work Resources and coded to subjective code 53910.

Use of the funding:

One off special occasions e.g. Prom Dress

Special Activity e.g. Child picked for Youth England Football Trials

Emotional / Well-being requirement e.g. Horse Riding

Exceptional Circumstances e.g. Visa to visit long lost relatives.

It may be expected that the child is expected to contribute towards the costs and is discussed in their pathway plan

For expenditure under £100 please seek prior approval from the Team Manager However, for all expenditure over £100 must have prior approval from the Head of Social Work Resources.

Payments which can’t be included under Special Purposes

Initial Fostering Allowances

Birthday Allowances

Christmas Allowances

Holiday Allowances

Cost of Holiday & Outings

Childcare

Costs away from the Foster Home

Relief Care

Hospitality Expenses

Equipment

Training Courses

Sessional Payments

Clothing, Personal & day to day Activities

Travel Costs

Contact and Social Work related Costs

Directly Commissioned Work e.g. Community based assessments and Therapy work

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FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Appendix 2

New Cost Centre Codes

Division New Cost Centre Description RBO In-house Foster Payments LAC

City & South SA4810 Foster Care Payments City and South

Fostering Team Manager

North & East SA4820 Foster Care Payments North and East


West & Breckland SA4830 Foster Care Payments West and Breckland


In-house Foster Payments Leaving Care

City & South SA4910 Leaving Care Payments City and South


North & East SA4920 Leaving Care Payments North and East


West & Breckland SA4930 Leaving Care Payments West and Breckland


Special Purposes

City & South SA4356 Special Purposes Fostering City and South

Head of Social Work Resources

North & East SA4357 Special Purposes Fostering North and East


West & Breckland SA4358 Special Purposes Fostering West and Breckland


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FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Appendix 3

Subjective Codes Type of Allowance Subjective Code Responsibility Notes

Basic Maintenance 53600 Fostering Service

Accreditation Level 53620 Fostering Service

Initial Fostering 53600 Fostering Service

Birthday 53900 Payments Team

Christmas/Religious Festival 53890 Payments Team

Holiday * 53600 Payments Team

Holiday * (Living in the Community) 53870 Payments Team

Cost of Holiday by Schools, Scouts etc 53870 Head of Social Work Resources

Childcare for Children Excluded from School 53600 Fostering Service

Other Related Childcare 53600 Fostering Service

Exceptional Travel and Fares 35700 Fostering Service

Exceptional School Transport Costs Coded by PTU Fostering Service

Children Temp Away from Foster Home 53600 Assistant Director Children’s Social Work

Relief Care 53600 Child’s Social Worker

Hospitality Allowances 53600 Fostering Service

Spectacles 53600 Fostering Service

Life Story 53600 Fostering Service

Special Purposes ** 53910 Head of Social Work Resources

Equipment 40850 Fostering Service

Attendance at Foster Carer Training Courses 46730 Fostering Service

Sessional Payments 44560 Fostering Service

Leaving Care Payments to Foster Carers 54160 Young Person’s Social Worker

Retainer Payments 53610 Assistant Director Children’s Social Work

Allegations 53600 Fostering Service

Young Persons Contribution (over 18) 92580 Social Worker

* Holiday Allowance is now included as part of the Basic Maintenance Allowance unless the child is living in the community. ** Special Purposes should be coded to one of the specific divisional cost centres. See Appendix 2.

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FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

Appendix 4

Transport Further Analysis Codes Note: Please only use the codes listed below.

Children In Need -Great Yarmouth North & East SA9993 CINGYA

Children In Need -North North & East SA9993 CINNOR

Children in Need -Breckland West & Breck SA9994 CINBRE

Children In Need -Broadland North & East SA9993 CINBRO

Children In Need -City City & South SA9995 CINCIT

Children In Need -South City & South SA9995 CINSOU

Children In Need -West West & Breck SA9994 CINWST

Children With Disabilities - City & South City & South SA9995 CWDTCS

Children With Disabilities - North & East North & East SA9993 CWDNBG

Children With Disabilities - West & Breckland West & Breck SA9994 CWDTBW

Duty Team - City & South City & South SA9995 DUTYCS

Duty Team – North Norfolk, Broadland & Great Yarmouth (NN, B, GY) North & East SA9993 DUTNBG

Duty Team - West & Breckland West & Breck SA9994 DUTYBW

Safeguarding - City & South City & South SA9995 SAFECS

Safeguarding - North Norfolk, Broadland & Great Yarmouth (NN, B, GY) North & East SA9993 SAFNBG

Safeguarding - West & Breckland West & Breck SA9994 SAFEBW

Corporate Parenting Under 16

Corporate Parenting - North & East Team1 North & East SA9993 LACGYA

Corporate Parenting - North & East Team 2 North & East SA9993 LACNOR

Corporate Parenting - West & Breckland Team 2 West & Breck SA9994 LACBRE

Corporate Parenting - City & South Team 1 City & South SA9995 LACCIT

Corporate Parenting - City & South Team 2 City & South SA9995 LACSOU

Corporate Parenting - West & Breckland West & Breck SA9994 LACWST

Corporate Parenting 16 & Over

Corporate Parenting Care Leavers - North & East Team1 North & East SA9993 LCTGYA

Corporate Parenting Care Leavers - North & East Team 2 North & East SA9993 LCTNOR

Corporate Parenting Care Leavers - West & Breckland Team 2 West & Breck SA9994 LCTBRE

Corporate Parenting Care Leavers - City & South Team 1 City & South SA9995 LCTCIT

Corporate Parenting Care Leavers - City & South Team 2 City & South SA9995 LCTSOU

Corporate Parenting Care Leavers - West & Breckland West & Breck SA9994 LCTWST

Documents

Fostering Allowances For Children and Young Persons Allowances For Children and Young Persons ... Tax Relief for Carers – useful website address Page 6 ... Age of child 0-4 5-10