The weekly allowance is EUR352 for each foster parent. This allowance helps you meet the needs for your foster child. TUSLA will pay you more if your foster child has special needs.
Apart from the money you will receive, we provide unparalleled training and support for all our carers.
What does the allowance include?
It is meant to provide for all of the foster child’s needs including food, clothing as well as travel expenses. We offer clear guidance as to how to spend your money to ensure the child has a happy, healthy, balanced life.
Do I get taxed for the allowance?
Foster carers generally are exempt from the tax due to the Finance Bill 2005. It means that you don’t have to pay income tax on the money you get when you apply for certain benefits.
For confirmation, we recommend you contact the Department of Social Protection.
General foster care
If Tusla fails to locate a relative suitable to care for the child, they place him/her in general foster. A general foster carer is someone who:
Tusla approves
A process for assessment was completed
You have been placed on the approved foster carer panel to care and support children in careMany children living in foster homes have been with their foster families their whole lives. Others have shorter placements.
At the close of May 2020, 65 percent of children in foster care were in general.
Day foster care
These foster parents are trained professionals who provide care for the child every day. The foster home provides additional care and support for the child, so they can return home each night. This type care gives the child’s family the opportunity to handle any challenges that arise. Day foster care is designed to allow the child to return home fully-time.
Short-term foster care
This is where a child is temporarily taken care of by a foster relative for a few weeks to a few months. The goal of this is to allow the child to return full-time to their family at the end. Sometimes the child may stay in foster care for a longer period.
Long-term foster care
Long-term foster caring is the care of a child by a foster relative for a long time. This care may continue up to the child’s adulthood.
They may request an order from the court to grant a temporary injunction to foster parents who, together with their relatives, have been caring on behalf of a child for at least 5 years. Subject to certain conditions, an order may give foster parents broad rights to make decisions about their child. They will, for example, be able give their consent to medical and mental examinations, treatment, assessments, and to apply for a passport. Tusla must consent to foster parents, as well as the consent of guardians and parents. This is stated in Section 4 under the Child Care (Amendment Act) 2007.
After a time, it is possible to decide that the child would benefit from being adopted.
The foster child and their family
Maintaining contact with a child in foster care, whether it is for a short-term, long-term, or daily basis, is vital. It is important that the child’s parents be involved in every way possible. They are constantly kept up to date on how the child is doing. The child will always see their own family and, even if they are temporarily living with another family or for longer periods of time, their identity as well as their name will remain theirs.
Who can become foster carer?
In March 2020 there were more than 4000 foster carers on Ireland’s approved foster carer panel. Tusla allows anyone or any family to apply to be considered a fosterparent or foster family. Foster carers may be single, married, with a partner, employed, unemployed or renting. They may also come from different cultures or religions.
Foster parents must be able and willing to provide the appropriate accommodation for their foster child. Tusla sends a social worker for a assessment of suitability. These assessments require that all members of the family are met, especially foster parents. This can take several months. Referrals, Garda Vetting, and the willingness to attend training and continuing learning support are all part of this process. Learn more What are the requirements to become a Foster Carer at Tusla.ie .
Allowances
Training for the family foster carer
In-depth liaison with social workers
Insurance
A medical certificate for the child in your careThe Foster Care allowance is available for children who are placed in foster care.
Age of the child Weekly rate Lower than 12 Years EUR325 per child Twelve years and beyond EUR352 per child
A young person leaving care may be entitled to an allowance of up to $1000 per month. In some cases, support may be extended for up to two years if the person continues on a clear path of education or training.
This allowance is known by the Standardised Aftercare Benefit. No matter what stage of life a young person is in, a wide range of supports are available. The Tusla website has more information regarding Financial support in aftercare (pdf).
Foster care allowances from Tusla do not count in the way test for social assistance payments. An Supplement for a Child Dependant is possible.
Child Benefit
If a child has been placed under Tusla’s foster care, Child benefit may be paid to the parent for up to 6 months. Once the child has been under their constant care for at least 6 months, the payment can be transferred to the foster parent(s).
