There are many children across Essex waiting for families.
The stories are real, however the children's names have been changed to protect their identity.
Olivia and Charlotte
Olivia is a happy and outgoing 8 year old girl who is very enthusiastic about life. She is very determined when there is something she wants to achieve. Olivia always willing to give something new a try.
When Olivia doesn't really know or trust you, she can seem quiet and cautious. However, once she begins to feel more comfortable, Olivia will begin to shine! She is a social butterfly who loves to interact and play with other children. Olivia is an active young girl who loves having the opportunity and freedom to play. She likes bouncing with Charlotte on their trampoline, going to the park, riding her bike and playing sports. Olivia is also willing to give any indoor activities a go, such as puzzles, board games, reading and crafts.
Olivia has experienced gaps in her early education. She is currently working below the expected level for her age. However, with the right academic and emotional support she is likely to be able to catch up with her expected levels.
Charlotte is a loving, kind and caring 3 year old girl. She is very playful, loves to have fun and seems to want to make the most out of everything. She is also good at both giving and receiving affection.
Charlotte is always happy, with the only exceptions being long car journeys or if she doesn't get her own way. However, Charlotte moves on quickly and is never upset for long.
Although Charlotte will play with toys, she prefers one-to-one time activities with those she trusts. She also enjoys dressing up and watching TV. Her favourites are Peppa Pig, CBeebies and Mr Tumble.
Olivia and Charlotte both enjoy playing outdoors and engaging in imaginative play. They often play 'Babies' together where they will swap roles with one another.
Evie and Jack
Evie is a 3-year-old girl with a great imagination, she loves playing with her dolls and pretending to cook in her play kitchen. Evie loves to help her foster carer out around the house by helping to cook dinner and baking cakes. Evie is an avid Peppa Pig lover and likes to snuggle up on the sofa with her tablet watching it. Although Evie is the youngest, she likes to put herself in charge! She is comfortable telling people if she is unhappy with something going on. Evie loves going to nursery, she is described by her teachers as sociable and independent. Evie loves to play with her peers and is making progress every day with her learning.
Jack is a 5-year-old boy with a kind heart and gentle nature. Jack is an animal lover and enjoys taking the foster carers dog out on long walks by the beach. Jack’s confidence has improved significantly, he now loves going into school and is described by his teachers as being popular in school with his peers. Jack loves to play games although can be a bit of a sore loser if he doesn’t win! Jack is an avid Spiderman fan; he loves to dress up as different characters and shooting pretend spider webs.
Both Jack and Evie love to be outdoors, they thoroughly enjoyed spending their summer at the beach or in the garden on their trampoline. Jack and Evie love soft play and interacting with her other children their age.
Both children have improved significantly since coming into care, they thrive on routine and will respect the rules and boundaries laid out by their foster carer. Evie in particular loves to follow routine and will line up her school clothes the night before in preparation for her day to come.
Evie and Jack have three older siblings who they share a close bond with, and it will be important for the children to have a relationship with them. Evie and Jack require committed and attuned adopters who can provide them with love and care, they will require ongoing support, consistency, and encouragement for them to continue to thrive.
Finley
Finley is a very alert, happy smiley boy who is two years and two months old. He loves interactions with both children and adults. He has a very cheeky personality, is full of energy and often makes those around him laugh. He likes a cuddle, and he will feel his muslin when going to sleep or if upset as a comfort. He loves to have a bath and to splash the water. He loves musical instruments and being sung to, especially nursery rhymes and he will often dance when he hears music playing. He loves to play with his toys but also loves a bunch of keys to play with! He's very active and loves going to lots of toddler groups including stay and play.
Finley was delayed in his walking but is now running around! He walks with one foot flat on the ground and the other on tip toes. This has been reviewed by paediatric services and he will need a short period in splints to lengthen the tendon in his foot/ankle. He is currently delayed in his development. He has global developmental delay. Genetic testing has taken place and no underlying health conditions have been found.
He has been in foster care from 12 days old due to his parents being unable to care for him due to domestic abuse and learning difficulties of both parents. He has a really lovely relationship with his foster family with whom have really helped and supported him with his health and development. He has formed a very close relationship with his foster Mum and foster sister who is a few years older than him.
Finley needs a family who are loving, caring and fun but are also able to manage the unknowns with regards to his health needs.