Respite foster care

Respite foster care means providing a home for a child or young person for a short period of time. This gives their main foster family, adoption family, or birth parents a break. It can give primary carers or birth parents vital support and help prevent relationships breaking down.

A child or young person can need respite foster care for up to two weeks. It may also be a regular part of their care plan.

Fees for respite foster care

Respite carers get:

• Basic maintenance allowance
• Placement fees

These are paid pro rata according to the length of the placement.