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Understand the key differences between fostering through your local council vs an Independent Fostering Agency.
IFAs typically offer higher weekly pay (£450–£900/wk) and 24/7 specialist support, while Local Authorities receive first choice of regional placements.
Choosing between an **Independent Fostering Agency (IFA)** and your **Local Authority (Council)** is one of the most important decisions you will make when starting your fostering journey.
- **Pros:** Local authorities have statutory responsibility for children in care, meaning they receive placement requests first. Placements are often local. - **Cons:** Allowance rates can be lower, and supervising social worker caseloads are often larger due to council budget constraints.
- **Pros:** Higher weekly allowance rates, lower social worker caseloads, 24/7 out-of-hours support teams, and extensive specialist training. - **Cons:** Placements may sometimes involve traveling further across the region.
Updated for DfE National Minimum Allowances & HMRC Qualifying Care Relief
Allowance + Fee
52 weeks of care
Qualifying Care Relief
Yes. Foster carers can transfer between agencies under the protocol established by The Fostering Network.