What does a foster parent do? – Tasks and work environment
A foster parent welcomes children or adolescents who, for various reasons, cannot remain in their original home. This involves extensive responsibility for the child's care, safety, and development in a home environment. The tasks are broad and range from creating structure in daily life to collaborating with social services, schools, and biological parents. The work is often conducted in close dialogue with authorities and other support agencies. The work environment is mainly home-based, combining professional responsibility with private family life. The role requires great flexibility, patience, and the ability to handle challenging situations.
Salary development over time
The profession of foster parent has experienced clear salary increases in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month, which increased to 29 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 30 200 SEK in 2024. The total increase over three years amounts to about 11.4%, corresponding to an average annual salary increase of just over 5%. Behind this development is, among other things, increased demand for stable foster homes and a greater societal focus on children's upbringing conditions. Employers have also become more aware of the responsibility and commitment required by the role, which is reflected in the compensation levels. The trend indicates that the profession has gained increased status and that compensation has been adjusted to attract more suitable candidates.
Foster parent salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK/month (female, government sector, less than 9 years of upper secondary education)
- Highest salary: 41,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, doctoral degree)
- Lowest salary for men: 26,800 SEK/month
- Highest salary for men: 35,600 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 181 SEK
- Women earn: 30 400 SEK (102% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 29 800 SEK
Education and qualifications
Formal educational requirements to become a foster parent are rare, but social services impose high demands on suitability, stability, and the ability to create a safe home environment. An assessment process is always conducted before starting a placement, including interviews and references. Further training and supervision are often offered by the municipality or private providers. Experience working with children, social issues, or care is advantageous, but personal suitability weighs most heavily.
- Formal education: No specific degree required, but upper secondary education is common
- Courses and training: The municipality often offers basic training and further education
- Assessment process: The social services always conduct a thorough suitability review
- Practical experience: Previous work with children or in care is advantageous
- Personal references: Important for assessing stability and suitability
Being a foster parent means the entire household is engaged in the mission. It often requires cooperation and flexibility from all family members, which can strengthen cohesion but also pose new challenges to family dynamics.
Common benefits and compensations
In addition to the basic salary, foster parents often have access to supervision, training, and respite care when needed. The allowance may also include expense reimbursement for the child's needs, such as food, clothing, and leisure activities. Some municipalities offer extra support, such as counseling or access to network meetings for foster families. Sometimes, compensation for lost income due to reduced work hours is available.
Competition and challenges
The demand for safe and stable foster homes remains high, but the profession requires significant personal investment and commitment. The number of available positions within the workforce is relatively large, with 375 advertised jobs. A challenge is finding families with the time, flexibility, and emotional capacity required. The social services' selection process is rigorous and demands high practical and emotional resources. At the same time, the role can be stressful for the family, especially when placing children with complex needs. The challenge often lies in balancing professional responsibility with the demands of private family life.
Tips for those who want to become foster parents
To succeed as a foster parent, it is good to be attentive and patient, as each child has unique needs and backgrounds. The ability to collaborate with social services and the child's network requires good communication skills and openness. Stability in daily life and the ability to create structure are crucial for the child to feel safe and develop. Showing engagement while setting boundaries helps build a secure and predictable environment. Flexibility and adaptability are also important, as the assignment can change over time and require quick adjustments. Finally, having a strong support network, both within and outside the family, is vital to cope with potential challenges.
Key facts about Foster Parents
- Education level: No formal degree required, personal suitability is decisive
- Work environment: Home-based, close cooperation with social services
- Typical work form: Assignment-based, often full-time
- Demand: 375 available jobs within the workforce
- Special skills: Experience with children and care highly valued
Career paths and future prospects
After a few years as a foster parent, there are opportunities to take on more complex assignments, such as for children with special needs or sibling groups. Some choose to further educate themselves in social work or pedagogy, while others engage in support activities or associations for foster families. The future outlook is uncertain as the Employment Service does not make specific assessments for the profession, but the need for safe foster homes is expected to remain. The workforce of other care and social services reports good demand, indicating stable opportunities moving forward.
Frequently asked questions about Foster Parents
- What does a Foster Parent earn?
- The average salary is 30 200 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector.
- Are there educational requirements to become a Foster Parent?
- No formal education is required, but social services always conduct an suitability assessment.
- How has the salary development for Foster Parents progressed?
- Salaries have increased from 27,100 SEK in 2022 to 30 200 SEK in 2024, which is an increase of just over 11%.
- What personal qualities are important?
- Patience, responsiveness, and stability are key qualities for success.
- Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 30 400 SEK and men 29 800 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
- How many job openings are available in the profession?
- Currently, there are 375 available positions within the social and healthcare workforce.
- What are the most common benefits?
- Supervision, training, expense allowances, and sometimes respite and counseling support.
