Our enquiry team can discuss ways fostering can fit in with your own career and family. Call or email us today to learn more.
Expenses and other benefits
At Essex County Council we review our benefits for foster carers as often as possible. You join a community of local foster carers, and have 24/7 access to professional support.
Foster carers receive expenses and added benefits, as well as fees.
Foster carers can claim expenses for:
- travel for meetings about the child
- out of catchment school mileage
- fostering training and events mileage
- any specialist equipment the child needs
Added benefits include:
- 28 days of paid holiday each year
- bonuses to help towards birthday and Christmas presents
- a summer payment towards holidays and days out
Retention fee
You will still be paid for up to 28 days between a child leaving your care and another child coming into your care. This applies if your home is empty, you’re not caring for any other foster children.
The Fostering Network
After you’re approved as a foster carer, we will pay for your membership to The Fostering Network. They are the UK’s leading fostering charity, offering free help and support when you need it.
How Essex County Council supports foster carers
We support foster carers in other ways too, including personalised training programmes, local support groups and social events.
Find out more about the benefits of fostering with Essex County Council.