Our enquiry team can discuss ways fostering can fit in with your own career and family. Call or email us today to learn more.
"My own children are grown up and I realised I would have more spare time after retiring from work. I wanted to use this time to make a difference to the lives of children in care. So, I contacted Essex County Council to see what fostering opportunities there were"
Karen specialises in providing short breaks for children with disabilities
Essex County Council offers different types of foster care. Short breaks foster carers look after children with complex needs. This gives the child’s primary carers time for their own wellbeing. Karen explains why she feels so passionate about being a short breaks carer.
“Families request respite care for various reasons. Sometimes the child is unable to attend an event, or the family need to take a break for themselves. I found out about respite care. This worked well for me as I could spare the time during weekends and school holidays.”
"A small amount of support can make a big difference to families. That’s why I love being a foster carer – not only am I caring for the children, but I am also helping their families.”
As a retired headteacher, Karen has experience working with children. Now, she finds fostering equally rewarding.
“Now that I have retired from full-time teaching, I often work with four different children, all with special needs.” Karen’s career as a teacher provided a lot of experience, but this isn’t always necessary.
Essex County Council’s foster carers receive full training and support, starting before you become a foster carer.
Fostering is making a difference to the children’s lives, and Karen is enjoying her role
“Fostering is very rewarding. It’s good to feel that you’re making a difference to children’s and families’ lives and it’s also really enjoyable. When a child comes through the door and gives me a big hug because they’re happy to see me, those moments are special.”
Short breaks foster care helps the children grow too
“It’s amazing to watch the children change from when they first came into care. Their academic progress, and concentration grows each time I see them.”
"Some of the children I look after are non-verbal, but even though they can’t tell me that they’re happy, I can see that they are. That’s when I feel positive about the support that I’m offering them."
Essex County Council offer 24/7 support to foster carers
“Essex County Council have supported me throughout my fostering journey. They clearly want the best for the children too."
All the social workers have been lovely. They advocate the right thing for the children, but also completely understand my own boundaries and decisions. I have always felt confident to talk things through with them.”
Karen has also joined a community of foster carers local to her. We run face to face support groups every month.
“There is also a lot of support from other carers. We’ve built a network of people who understand, our local support group is a great place to engage with other people who foster.”
What would Karen say to anyone who wants to become a foster carer?
"If you’re thinking about fostering, I’d recommend reaching out to Essex County Council for more information. It is so rewarding, and it gives you the chance to make a real difference to families’ lives."