Foster carers give children the time and safety they need to overcome their lived trauma. Mainstream fostering provides care and stability for a child (0 to 18 years-old).
Full-time and part-time fostering options are available:
- short-term fostering
- long-term fostering
- respite fostering
What short-term fostering is
Short term foster carers usually look after a child for a few weeks or months at a time. Sometimes, you might care for the same child for up to 2 years. This is while professionals support families to see if their child can return home.
What long-term fostering is
Long term fostering involves becoming the primary long-term carer for a child. They offer a loving home and stability for children who may never have experienced this. Sometimes, you may support contact with their birth family too.
What respite fostering is
Respite foster carers help other foster carers and birth families care for children. This can be for one weekend a month, or during school holidays.
Any young person will be precisely matched with you. Plus, you will also have plenty of information about their routines, needs and interests.
“Respite care has been invaluable; it’s been a real eye-opener. Now, we’re very open-minded and respite care has helped build our expectations and skill sets.”
How much foster carers earn
We know foster carers are not motivated by money, but everyone has living costs. On average, Essex County Council’s foster carers earn £537.12 per week, per child.
Qualifying Care Relief also means that most foster carers pay no income tax at all on their earnings. How much you earn depends on the type of care you provide and the age of the child in your care. Learn more about fees and allowances.