Allowances
You can claim allowances using these forms:
IT grant scheme
We run an IT grant scheme for all foster carers approved by us.
The grant is offered to foster carers to buy IT equipment of their choice suitable for their fostering household. A renewal grant is offered every 4 years to ensure fostering families have access to the latest IT equipment.
All foster carers are also entitled to an allowance each month towards the cost of broadband, applications, software, paper and ink.
Requirements and responsibilities of foster carers:
- to promote the educational achievement of children in care by promoting access to educational material on the internet, helping the child or young person with research for homework and encouraging the use of any software recommended by schools
- to monitor the child or young person's use of the computer to keep the child safe online and stop access to abusive or pornographic material
- to communicate electronically with us - this will include the supervising social worker, finance section, the child's social worker and any other professionals concerned with the child
- to provide a primary email address for all electronic communication with us and notify us immediately of any email address changes
The scheme is only available to foster carers approved by our fostering service. Independent fostering agency carers with Derbyshire children in placement, or parents with children placed at home, are outside the scope of this scheme.
For more email bs.fosteringcontinuity@derbyshire.gov.uk
Leisure pass
As an approved foster carer you're entitled to a free leisure pass for yourself and your entire family.
The pass gives the following benefits:
- all Derbyshire children in care aged 16 or under are entitled to free swimming
- all foster carers' children living at the carer's address and aged 16 or under are entitled to free swimming
- all Derbyshire-approved foster carers are entitled to free swim and gym sessions
- all Derbyshire care leavers aged 17 to 21 (up to 24 if still accessing after-care services) are entitled to free swim and gym sessions
Apply for your free leisure pass
Foster carer's library ticket
Foster carers can have an additional foster carer's library ticket as well as the usual personal library tickets for family members.