We will talk everything through with you to make sure a move is right for you. We keep things confidential and give you time to consider this step.
Foster carers are changing lives, and we're with you every step of the way. Our fostering team pride ourselves on being responsive and supportive. Ofsted even rated our Children's Social Care Services 'Outstanding', in 2023.
Benefits of fostering with your local authority
When you foster with Essex County Council, you join a community of incredible people. Our foster carers support each other, without judgement.
Working with social workers with low caseloads
This means we can be there for you, whenever you need us. Your social worker often visits you in-person too.
Access to local support groups
Every month, our social workers run in-person support groups. These are in venues across Essex, so you don't need to travel very far. Find out more about our support for foster carers.
Access to local training courses
Compared to independent fostering agencies, we offer more in-person training. This is a chance to meet other foster carers.
You'll create a learning plan and complete training lead by experts. Find out about our training for foster carers.
Opportunity for respite care
Experienced foster carers lead Oasis networks to support others. They offer an extended family to children in care, just as families socialise with each other. Network leads open their home for sleepovers too, like an aunt or uncle would.
This gives foster carers breathing room, and children are staying with a family they know.
Other benefits of fostering with Essex include:
- 28 days of paid holiday each year
- a 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.
- extra payments towards birthdays and Christmas celebrations
- extra payments during summer holidays, towards days out
- paid expenses (for travel to training courses, family visits and specialist equipment)
Why transfer from an independent fostering agency?
Some fostering agencies are private businesses
Some independent fostering agencies have profit goals and stakeholders to impress. By fostering with Essex, funding supports more children, instead of creating business profits.
Children's needs are at the heart of every decision we make. We still offer very competitive financial support for our foster carers.
We best match children and foster carers
Every child has different needs, we know foster carers and your family do too. As the social care authority, we're responsible for all children in care. We make the most compatible child-carer matches.
Essex County Council are brilliant when it comes to matching you with the right children for your circumstances. They have supported me the whole way through to the right placement.
You keep local children close to their community
Fostering agencies are national organisations, placing children anywhere in the country. Instead, fostering with Essex keeps children close to their families, friends and school.
How to transfer to Essex County Council
We have a team who specialise in helping carers transfer to us. This makes your assessment process as quick, and robust, as possible. Whether you have children with you, or you don't, chat with the team today, to discuss your next steps.
Our fostering team are here to feel reassure you before taking the leap.