Fostering a child with disabilities makes a real difference to their life. From as little as one weekend a month you can make the biggest impact. Often, the child has learning difficulties, autism or physical disabilities. Most of our children do not need to live in a specially adapted home.
We carefully match children to your family and we're with you every step of the way.
Foster with full training and support
All Essex County Council foster carers receive full support and training on the job, you will never be alone.
- expert help is available 24/7 from your local support workers
- you'll have a dedicated social worker
- bespoke training is provided
- a network of peer to peer support groups
- we offer our carers regular respite
Most foster carers also receive 28 days of holiday each year and a any specialist equipment the child might need.
Professional or personal experience is useful, but not necessary. We're looking for people who can nurture and support a child to reach their potential.
How much you can earn
We know foster carers are not motivated by money, but everyone has living costs. Foster carers for children with diagnosed disabilities earn on average £550 to £1,090 plus an allowance per child, per week.
Extra allowances are given to help towards birthdays, Christmas and days out.
Depending on the type of fostering you choose, you can also work full-time in another job
Also, Qualifying Care Relief means that most foster carers pay no income tax at all on their earnings. So, your take home pay will be higher compared to taxed salaries in other job roles.
Short-term and long-term fostering
Short-term and long-term fostering provides full time care for a young person aged 0 – 21 years old. Short-term fostering is for a limited time, until a full-time care plan is finalised.
Long-term fostering involves caring for the child until they’re an independent adult.
“I quickly got used to the child and their individual needs and have had amazing support from Essex County Council."
Short breaks for children with disabilities
Short breaks fostering changes children’s lives, while supporting their families too. Short breaks offer the children’s (0 to 18 years old) primary caregivers a break from their daily routine.
What short breaks fostering is
Short breaks carers offer both the child and their family invaluable support. You will help the child grow their independence, as they try new activities and meet new people. Plus, families will have time to spend 1 on 1 with other children.
Short breaks fostering helps families continue providing excellent standards of care.
Fee paid short breaks
Fee paid short breaks offer the children’s primary carers a break from their routine. The children you're caring for can have learning difficulties, be neurodivergent or have complex medical needs.
You help the child, by offering a safe, nurturing home. Plus, their primary caregivers can feel refreshed and spend time 1 to 1 with other children.
Who can be a fee paid short breaks foster carer
Fee paid short breaks are ideal for someone with professional experience For example, in health and social care or caring for disabled children in a education or residential setting. Essex County Council also provides training and support for all our foster carers.
We suggest this, because when children have complex medical needs, they may need through the night care.