South Australian general foster and kinship carers who take care of our most vulnerable children under the age of 16 will receive a payment boost next year – the biggest increase in a decade.
Recognising their dedication, the state is injecting more than $19 million over the next four years to increase base and respite carer payments.
From January 1, 2022, carers will receive an increase of $50 per fortnight to assist with the day-to-day costs of caring for a children or young person in care under the age of 16.
| Age group | Base rate as at 1 July 2021 per fortnight | Base rate as at 1 January 2022 per fortnight |
| 0 to 4 | $363.0 | $413.00 |
| 5 to 12 | $402.60 | $452.60 |
| 13 to 15 | $579.60 | $629.60 |
This year, carer payments increased by 1.1 per cent, and in 2020, payments increased by 2.5 per cent. The current carer payment rate for young people aged 16 up to 21 remains $784.40 per fortnight.
Carer payments and loadings vary depending on the age and specific needs of the child or young person in care, taking into account the growing needs of teenagers.
In addition to the fortnightly payments, the Department for Child Protection supports the costs of education, public health and dental and, on a case-by-case basis, resource funding.
In addition to the boost, the state government has announced:
- $83.8 million over four years to meet the costs of children and young people requiring a child protection response to keep them safe from abuse and neglect;
- $1.5 million in 2021-22 to purchase additional residential care facilities in regional South Australia; and
- $4.6 million across 2021-22 and 2022-23 to fit out office accommodation for increased staff and to provide more accessible offices for contact with clients.
Minister for Child Protection Rachel Sanderson has fiercely advocated for a sizable increase in carer payments.
“The love, care and support our foster and kinship carers give our most vulnerable children and young people in care is priceless,” said Minister Sanderson.
“There is no doubt family-based care is the best form of care for our most vulnerable children and young people because it provides stability and permanency that is vital for good outcomes”, she says.
“Thank you to all our foster and kinship carers who open their hearts and homes to our children and young people in care.”
As at 30 June 2021, there are 2,394 foster and kinship carer households in South Australia with a child currently in their care.
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