Fee paid short breaks

What are fee paid short breaks?

Fee paid short breaks offer the children’s primary carers a break from their routine. The children you're caring for can have learning difficulties, such as autism and/or complex medical needs.

You help the child, by offering a safe, nurturing home. Plus, their primary caregivers can feel refreshed and spend time 1:1 with other children.

Can I be a fee paid short breaks foster carer?

Fee paid short breaks are ideal for someone with professional experience For example, in health and social care or caring for disabled children in a education/residential setting. Essex County Council also provides training and support for all our foster carers. 

We suggest this, because when children have complex medical needs, they may need through the night care.

How do finances work for fee-paid short breaks?

Also, fee-paid short breaks are reimbursed differently compared to other types of foster care. 

You are paid from the point of approval. Plus, you will continue to receive a fee even while you don’t have a child placed with you. Weekly fees are competitive with most health and social care roles too.

You will receive:

• a weekly fee 
• an allowance
• an overnight fee

How much do fee-paid short breaks carers earn?

• £550 + £100 overnight fee (5 nights)
• £440 + £100 overnight fee (4 nights)
• £330 + £100 overnight fee (3 nights

Why foster with Essex County Council?

By becoming a fee paid short breaks carer, you will change lives. We will support you, as a foster carer, and your own family with 24/7 support.