HARD-UP parents and guardians could receive £15,600 from the government this summer to keep kids out of the care system.
A new pilot scheme will see seven local councils in England distribute money to parents thinking of putting their kids in state care because they can’t afford to look after them.
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Town hall chiefs will be free to distribute a pot of £7.8 million to 500 families.
Each household’s cash boost will be tailored to their specific needs.
In some cases funding will be low-cost, short-term support.
But other families could receive higher-cost, ongoing interventions.
All the cash will be tax free.
And it can be put towards the likes of wage subsidies, home adaptations or extensions, a house deposit, a car and funding for food.
Children’s Minister Claire Coutinho and Financial Secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins said: “What children need more than anything is love. People to support, protect and fight for them.
“Sadly, not every child has a happy family home.
“In the worst cases, it might be necessary to move a child away from their family and into care, to give them a chance of a better, safer life.
“But we think that – sometimes – there can be another way.
“From this summer, we will support families in pilot areas in this position by providing them with direct assistance.”
