Over the years, a global pandemic, war in Ukraine and a cost-of-living crisis has made it harder to recruit foster carers. We’re asking for help from businesses and organisations to dispel any myths around fostering, and encourage more passionate, inspirational people to find out more.
We believe every child deserves a place to call home, adults who can support them, and an opportunity to succeed in their life.
This is why we are asking businesses and organisations in Essex to help us find more families who are passionate about changing children’s lives.
See the difference our foster carers are making
Charlotte is a teenager in Essex, after growing up in foster care, she’s now studying to become a social worker. She has a great relationship with Cara, her foster mum.
“I don’t see Cara as my foster carer, she’s like my mum. She got me into a good school, encouraged me to get good grades, she wants me to be the best that I can be.
I wouldn’t be sat here today if I stayed where I was, Cara has changed everything for me.”
Charlotte’s experiences have inspired her to help other children, and Cara couldn’t be prouder. Watch their story below.
Can you work while fostering?
We appreciate employers may be concerned about their employees balancing their current job role and becoming a foster carer. But fostering is incredibly flexible.
Essex County Council’s fostering team work alongside individuals, to choose a type of fostering that works for them. We do not want our foster carers to feel overwhelmed, so they also have access to 24/7 support, in-person support groups and networking events with other foster families.
How your team can help
As an innovative, inclusive county, a lot of Essex’s organisations share aims and visions of showing care and compassion for all voices. Sharing the message of Essex County Council’s fostering team can deliver your organisations social values.
1. Become fostering friendly
Fostering Friendly is a scheme operated by the UK’s leading fostering charity, the Fostering Network. Their reports show nearly 40% of foster carers in the UK combine fostering with other work.
In early 2024, Essex County Council became a Fostering Friendly employer, showing commitment to colleagues who foster children. We have HR support in place to help foster carers balance their roles at work and home.
The scheme is free to join, and the Fostering Network offer bespoke support for each organisation.
2. Share our content
Fostering may not be right for your workforce, but they may know someone who is the right fit. Sharing content as far and wide can help us reach the right people, at the right time. Please re-share our content on your social media channels, email newsletter and posters in your office.
3. Host a fostering information event
Becoming a foster carer comes with a lot of questions. Each month we host a range of in-person and virtual drop-in sessions. This is a casual space for anyone who’s interested to ask our foster carers and social workers any questions they may have.
Hosting an event in your office, for example a break room or reception area, can help us be present in more communities.
4. Create bespoke support
Our team are happy to have a chat with an appropriate team in your organisation, to craft a solution that works for your audiences. Pop us an email and we can arrange an initial, no obligation conversation.
Get in touch
If you have any questions, or ideas, please get in touch with our marketing team.
Email fosterrecruitment@essex.gov.uk