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Cara started fostering with Essex County Council in 2010, fulfilling a lifelong dream
Cara, a practitioner at Children’s Society from Basildon, became a foster parent in 2010. Since becoming a foster carer, Cara has helped around 20 children, including Charlotte. Charlotte is 18 now, and still lives with Cara, as she starts her social work career.
They explain how they have a bond that will last forever.
Cara says the most rewarding part of fostering is seeing children make progress
"I have always wanted to be a foster carer. I have two birth sons who really enjoyed having foster children with us at home too," says Cara
"We stay in contact with a lot of the children we have supported."
Cara described the fostering application process as straightforward and supportive. "There was always someone on hand to answer questions, and I was able to network with other foster parents too,"
Essex County Council offer support for foster carers during the whole process. This includes; local in-person support groups, social workers with low caseloads and an in-house mental health team.
For Charlotte, Cara has impacted her life by giving her someone she can turn to
“Cara has supported and motivated me to work hard towards my ambitions. I wouldn't class Cara as a foster parent – I consider her my mum.” Cara and Charlotte even got matching tattoos on Charlotte’s 18th birthday.
"Our matching tattoos signify the date that we first met! For me, this date also signified the start of my new life. My mum loves her tattoo and shows anyone anytime she gets the opportunity.”
Cara feels the same and says: “Charlotte has had a huge impact on my life and is a permanent part of my family.”
Now, Charlotte wants to pursue a career as a social worker to help other children like her
Motivated by her own experience, Charlotte is starting her career. She has given a speech to over 200 social workers, explaining the importance of foster carers in the lives of vulnerable children.
"I'm now pursuing a career in social care to help other children like me who did not have the best experiences growing up. Stability and emotional security are invaluable to children – every child deserves this. By becoming a foster carer, you can help give this to a child who needs it most.”
Charlotte has explained in more detail, why she was inspired to become a social worker.
Why should you become a foster carer with Essex County Council?
Charlotte and Cara’s advice to people considering becoming foster parents is to do it if it feels right for them.
“The difference you can make to a child’s life is incredible.”
Increased financial support means foster carers who start fostering with Essex County Council in 2025 will receive a £2,000 welcome bonus. Foster carers’ fees have also risen 16%, in line with inflation. For example foster carer looking after an 11 to 15-year-old child would receive:
- £588.77 a week (per child)
- this is £30,616 per annum
- you do not pay tax on your earnings as a foster carer
Try our financial calculator to estimate what you would be earning as a foster carer.
Essex County Council is looking for people across Essex to offer vulnerable children a safe place they can call home. Most children just want to feel part of a family. Caring for and guiding them is what counts – your everyday life could be everything to a child in care. So, if you are over 21 and have a spare room, the chances are you have what it takes to foster.