There is a big difference between adoption and fostering. The main difference is that with adoption you become a child’s legal parent permanently, while fostering is usually temporary, until a child returns to their family.

 

Single people, as well as married couples, can adopt or foster a child. Applicants wishing to be approved will be considered irrespective of age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. You must, however, be in reasonably good health.

 

Adoption means becoming the legal parent of a child who is unable to live with their birth parents or extended family.

 

Further information is available in our Adoption information pack. To request a copy please call 0800 801 530 or email: adoptionandfostering@essex.gov.uk.

 

Fostering means caring for someone else's child and involves taking care of them for a few days or months, or sometimes until they grow up.

 

Further information is also available in our fostering information pack. To request a copy please call 0800 801 530, email adoptionandfostering@essex.gov.uk or fill in our enquiry form.

 

When a child under 16 years, or 18 years if disabled, lives with someone who is not a relative or approved carer for more than 28 days, this is called 'private fostering'. 

 

It is a legal requirement to notify your local authority if you are the parent of a privately fostered child or if you are privately fostering or intend to privately foster a child.

 

If your child is living with members of your extended family or family friends, please read our Friends and Family policy. 

 

For further information see:

For information or notification of a private fostering arrangement please call 0800 801 530 or email adoptionandfostering@essexcc.gov.uk.