Media release: AIFS carer payments report

20 August 2026

Independent government review finds shortfall of up to $402 per week in South Australian foster and kinship carer support

A pdf version of this media release is available here (opens in new tab)

You can listen to CFKC CEO Russell Hooper on ABC Radio Adelaide here (opens in new tab)
interview starts at the 29min mark

You can read the interview transcipt here (opens in new tab)

 

Connecting Foster and Kinship Carers South Australia (CFKC) welcomes the release of the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) Review of payments for foster, kinship and permanent carers, commissioned by federal and state governments as part of the Safe and Supported First Action Plan 2023–2026.

The review outlines key challenges for foster, kinship, permanent and informal carers across Australia, including:

  • Payments are not keeping pace with the real cost of care
  • Kinship carers can experience different levels of financial support, including lower payments than foster carers in some circumstances.
  • Access to support can be inconsistent and may depend on how effectively carers are able to advocate for their needs.
  • Financial pressure can affect carer capacity and retention.
  • Investing in carers is an effective and more sustainable alternative to greater reliance on residential care.

The report highlights that the shortfall in South Australian carer payments is between $142 and $402 per week, depending on household circumstances.

Among the report’s 38 recommendations, AIFS recommended that all states and territories to increase the fortnightly care allowance as soon as possible.

This report follows a recent CFKC survey which found that cost of living pressures are affecting carer households

Family based carers regularly support children in their care to attend appointments including counselling, therapeutic supports and occupational therapy – critical supports which aid across their entire lives. This is becoming increasingly challenging for carers, particularly those living in regional areas.

Increased living costs are also placing considerable pressure on carer households, including their ability to pay bills, such as winter heating costs, and maintain the quality of food they can provide.

The next step is to work constructively with government toward a system that better supports family-based carers and the children in their care.

 

Quotes attributable to Russell Hooper, Chief Executive Officer, Connecting Foster and Kinship Carers South Australia

“Foster and kinship carers open their homes because of their commitment to vulnerable children and young people. Unfortunately, that commitment comes with real costs. We need to recognise the cost of caring for these families, and for the children and young people in their care.”

 

“If we do not support foster and kinship carers to care for children and young people, we risk greater placement instability and further challenges to the wellbeing of some of South Australia’s most vulnerable children and young people.”