Foster carer pay boost call

CAFS is calling for a State Government review of foster care allowance rates in the face of cost-of-living pressures.

The child and family service organisation said Victoria offers the lowest base foster care allowance of any state or territory and that, combined with economic problems, is placing unsustainable pressure on carers and threatening the stability of vulnerable children in care.

According to Cafs, carers of children aged 0 to 7 receive just $457.64 per fortnight – significantly less than their counterparts in New South Wales ($656), Queensland ($623) and the ACT ($620).

The organisation said Victorian foster carers who have completed additional training to become accredited as Therapeutic Foster Carers – who often support the most vulnerable children in the Out of Home Care system – receive a base rate of $630.20 per fortnight per child, which equates to just over $45 a day.

Cafs CEO Wendy Sturgess described the situation as “deeply concerning.”

“Carers are critical in the Out of Home Care space,” she said. “They provide love, safety and stability to children who have experienced trauma and disruption.

“When allowances fall behind national standards and don’t keep pace with inflation, it sends a dangerous message that their contribution is undervalued.”

Ms Sturgess said that without meaningful reform, more carers may be forced to leave the system, leading to fewer placement options and increased reliance on residential care services.

“Every child deserves a safe and nurturing home,” she said. “We cannot afford to lose carers because of financial strain.

“The cost of living is rising, and our support for carers must rise with it.”

Cafs wants the Government to increase foster, kinship and permanent care allowances to bring Victoria into line with other states, and also to introduce indexation that reflects actual inflation rates. It also wants the Government to provide additional support for carers managing complex needs or multiple placements, especially those with therapeutic training. “We must act now to protect the wellbeing of children in care and the carers…” Ms Sturgess said.