'We're a soft touch and we can't complain' - foster carers call for increased payments to cope with complexity of cases

Payments made to foster carers haven't increased since 2009, despite growing demand for foster carers and complexity of cases 

'The issue of waiting lists for services for children is absolutely up there in the top three [issues]. Psychological supports, educational assessments, access to Camhs – that continues to be a real pressure point.'

It was called the "fiver budget", but even the extra few quid escaped one group who are often in the news but never in the spotlight: foster carers.

While core weekly welfare payments increased in Budget 2022 and other social protection measures were announced, the Child and Family Agency, was also welcoming an additional €41m in funding – money badly needed as it continues to deal with growing demand and increasingly complex case load.