Therapeutic support
All foster children have experienced trauma in their lives. Our psychologists and mental health coordinators help foster carers and families understand this trauma so they can offer love, support and care without judgement.
Our clinicians help you develop a trauma lens, so you can understand your foster child's attitudes, behaviours and responses. Everything we do is about understanding that trauma, creating better relationships and supporting them to achieve their potential.
Local training and support
We provide training before you start fostering and throughout your whole fostering career. All of our training is intended to help you develop your knowledge and skills, and to help you to be the best foster carer you can be.
We know our foster carers are busy, so we make all learning convenient and accessible.
Read more about training
Foster carers and adopters feel well supported in their journeys. They receive high levels of support from social workers and benefit from an extensive training package. They value the access to extensive wraparound support packages that include outreach workers, mental health coordinators and therapeutic fostering staff. They also benefit from bespoke and flexible support from community-based support hubs run by foster carers and adopters.
– Ofsted: Inspection of Essex local authority children’s services
Dedicated social worker
All foster carers are paired with an experienced social worker who is familiar with the foster child and their family. At Essex County Council, our supporting social workers have low caseloads so they can focus on providing the support you need.
They will help you make sure your foster child feels safe and comfortable, develops strong relationships and maintains a good education and social life. Your social worker will visit you and your foster child regularly to check in and help keep everything running smoothly.
24 hour support line
You can call us at any time. Outside of office hours, you can call our 24/7 support telephone line and reach an experienced team member who will help you with anything you need.
Support networks and peer groups
We are proud of our peer groups that make foster caring more than just a job. They give you opportunities to build friendships with like-minded people, and to deepen your learning and training
We also offer a range of support networks. Whoever you are, there’s support to suit you.
The Oasis Network
The Oasis Network is a chance for foster carers to learn from experienced carers. They provide mentorship, reassurance, respite and advice. You can come together to discuss and bond over all aspects of fostering, both the highs and the lows, with others who know exactly what you're talking about.
Essex Foster Carers Association (EFCA)
An independent foster carer-run charitable trust which supports all foster carers at Essex County Council. It holds regular members’ meetings, offers carer-to-carer support and helps resolve issues on behalf of carers.
The Fostering Network
We pay for all our foster carers to join The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation. The organisation aims to support those who foster, improve opportunities for fostered children and young people, and provide expert guidance to all fostering services. It offers a members’ helpline, telephone counselling, a magazine, updates on national developments, and training.
Foster carers' ambassador group
Foster carers are invaluable part of the Essex County Council fostering team and work closely with us. As an ambassador, you help to shape our foster carer recruitment strategy, represent and support us in the community, at events and during recruitment campaigns.
Family involvement events
Successful foster placements depend on the commitment of the whole family. We offer a full programme of family friendly activities and events to encourage your family to get involved with fostering.
The schedule varies every year and includes outdoor summer activities and a Christmas party.
Home adaptation programme
Once you are a foster carer, you can apply for financial support to extend your home. This can help you create the space and facilities to look after more foster children.
Why you should foster with your local council
Transfer from IFA