Tony Gregory
Question:98 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health the current fostering allowance payable. [15963/95]
Written Answers. - State Payments to Foster Parents.
Tony Gregory
Question:99 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health the amount in supplementary welfare which persons who are fostering a child but who are not sanctioned by a health board are paid. [15964/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.
The standard rate of allowance payable in respect of children by health boards is £44.20 per child per week and £54.80 per week in the case of children over 16 years of age. Health boards are free to pay higher rates of allowances in particular cases, for example, where a child is disabled or has other special needs. Health boards also provide a range of additional payments to cover items such as medical, school and clothing expenses.
Health boards have, in the past, assisted in placing a small number of children with relatives who had not been approved as foster parents where this was considered to be in the best interests of the child. As no foster care allowance was payable in such cases, the relatives in question received assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. I understand that the amounts paid in these instances depended on the circumstances of each case.
This unsatisfactory arrangement is being regularised under the provisions of the Child Care Act. The Child Care (Placement of Children with Relatives) Regulations, 1995, which came into operation on 31 October last, provide for the payment of allowances to relatives who have children placed with them by health boards in accordance with the regulations. The standard rate of allowance will be the same as that payable to foster parents and a similar supplement will be payable in respect of children over 16 years. Health boards may also pay higher allowances to relatives in certain circumstances.