Cost of living: Foster carers hit by rising prices consider leaving

More than 40% of foster carers say they have considered quitting if extra money is not provided to cover increases in the cost of living, a survey suggests. Support service Foster Talk said some carers were reaching a “crisis point” and has called for urgent action. Foster parent Jakki Willby said she “worried constantly” about the impact of rising costs on vulnerable children. The government said no foster carer should be out of pocket but that payments are set by local providers. Foster carers receive a weekly allowance, which is intended to cover the costs of food, clothes, toiletries, transport and other expenses incurred when looking after a child. Foster Talk said 43% of 4,349 carers who responded to their survey admitted they would consider leaving fostering within the next two years if the cost of living crisis continued and no extra financial help was provided. Read more.