May 30, 2023
Guardianship Ireland

Are you considering taking on a special guardianship in Ireland? If so, you may be wondering how much you can expect to be paid for your services. In this blog post, we’ll cover the financial compensation available for special guardianship in Ireland. We’ll discuss how much guardianship Ireland pays, what conditions must be met to receive this payment, and other factors that could affect your payment amount. Read on to find out more about becoming a special guardian in Ireland and the payments associated with it.

What Is A Special Guardianship?

A Special Guardianship is an arrangement whereby a person, such as a family member or friend, can become a legal guardian for a child. This type of guardianship allows the person to make decisions about the child’s upbringing, education, and wellbeing in a similar way to that of a parent. The arrangement is made in court and lasts until the child is 18. It is mainly used when a child needs permanent care, but their parents or other relatives are unable to provide this due to various circumstances.

In Ireland, Dublin Host Families provide special guardianship services to families in need. They work closely with the families to provide guidance and support throughout the process, ensuring that all requirements are met before a child is placed in the care of a special guardian. They also provide support to special guardians once the arrangement has been made, helping to ensure that the best possible outcome for both the child and the guardian is achieved.

Who Can Apply To Be A Special Guardian?

In Ireland, anyone over the age of 21 can apply to become a Special Guardian for a child or young person who cannot remain with their birth family. The role of Special Guardians is to provide a secure and loving home for the child.

Special Guardians must be approved by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency in Ireland, and will have to demonstrate that they can provide a safe, caring and nurturing home environment for the child. There are a number of requirements that must be met in order for an application to be accepted, including providing evidence of identity, references and a Garda report.

For those looking for an alternative to foster care, Dublin Host Families may be an option. This is a service provided by Barnardos Ireland and offers a range of family-based placements for children and young people who need support outside their birth families. These placements include shared-care options where the child or young person lives with a host family, while maintaining contact with their birth family.

What Are The Responsibilities Of A Special Guardian?

Being a Special Guardian is a serious responsibility that carries with it a range of duties. A Special Guardian has the same rights and responsibilities towards their special guardian child as a birth parent, including providing for their day-to-day care and nurturing. This includes providing a safe, secure home, arranging and attending medical appointments. Ensuring the child is educated, and helping the child to develop emotionally, socially and culturally. The Special Guardian also has legal responsibilities including registering the guardianship with the court. Consenting to decisions on behalf of the child and giving consent for certain activities such as travel.

At Dublin Host Families, we understand the important role of a Special Guardian in the lives of the children they are caring for. We provide a comprehensive support package that includes guidance and advice on legal matters and guardianship rights. Access to our network of social workers and psychologists. And help with day-to-day parenting tasks such as budgeting, meal planning and school activities. Our team is dedicated to helping you meet your responsibilities as a Special Guardian.

How Much Does A Special Guardian Get Paid?

In Ireland, Special Guardians are paid a monthly allowance to care for children who have been removed from their families. The exact amount of the allowance depends on the individual circumstances of each case. As well as the age of the child or children being cared for. Generally, Special Guardians receive a weekly allowance which is calculated. Using a combination of the Guardian’s income and the age of the child or children.

The exact amount of the allowance is set by the Child and Family Agency (Tusla). And the rates can be found on the Tusla website. Generally, the allowance is at least the same amount as that received by foster carers.

For children aged under 12, Special Guardians are usually eligible to receive an additional weekly allowance from Dublin Host Families. This allowance is designed to cover costs such as meals, outings and clothing. It may also help with some additional costs related to caring for a child. Such as childcare costs or extra travel expenses.

In addition to the weekly allowance, Special Guardians may be eligible for an annual leave allowance. This is intended to help with costs associated with taking time off work to care for a child.

It is important to note that in some cases. Special Guardians may also be eligible for additional financial support. Such as a mortgage interest supplement or a rent supplement. These supplements are subject to means testing and other eligibility criteria. So it’s best to contact Tusla for more information about what may be available in your specific circumstances.

What Other Benefits Are Available To Special Guardians?

In addition to financial support, there are other benefits available to Special Guardians in Ireland. Special Guardians may be eligible for free childcare and free school meals. They may also have access to respite care or specialised therapy services for the children in their care. For those located in Dublin, Host Families provide safe, affordable and welcoming accommodation for Special Guardians and their families. These families provide a home away from home experience, with comfortable private rooms and access to amenities.