Essex has 492 foster carers, but with 10% expected to retire this year, we urgently need to recruit at least 60 more.
Foster carers come from all walks of life. Many people don’t realise they could provide the perfect home for a child in need.
Foster carers can:
- have their own children living at home
- have pets
- own or rent their homes
- work full-time or part-time.
Foster carers receive exceptional support, award-winning training, and competitive fees.
New foster carers in 2025 will also receive a £2,000 welcome bonus.
Fees have also increased by 16%.
Laura, a foster carer from Heybridge, shared her positive experience of fostering.
She started five years ago and has found it incredibly rewarding.
Laura said: “It is amazing to see the children we foster grow in confidence and have fun like they should be.
“One little boy who we fostered was quite vulnerable and really shy at the beginning.
"He’d had a rough start in life – as well as never sitting to eat as a family before, he’d also missed out on other significant parts of his childhood such as learning how to ride a bike or having stories before bedtime.
“After a few months of love and support from our family he transformed into a happy and confident little boy.”
Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said:
“Fostering can change a child’s life and shape their future. If you are interested please do get in touch or attend one of our information events."
“This year’s Foster Care Fortnight theme is the power of relationships, because at the heart of every fostering journey are the connections that make all the difference.”
If you are interested in finding out more and meeting real life foster carers, attend an information event near you.