Our enquiry team can discuss ways fostering can fit in with your own career and family. Call or email us today to learn more.
When you foster with Essex County Council, you're joining a local community of incredible people. Our foster carers support each other, without judgement.
Join a local support group
Independent fostering agencies often cover larger areas and can't provide local support. But, when you foster with your local council, all our foster carers and social workers are in Essex. Here are some local support groups available.
It's been really nice speaking to other foster carers, and we've made lots of very good friends. It's been brilliant.
Join your local Oasis network
Experienced foster carers lead Oasis networks to support others. They offer an extended family to children in care, 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.
It’s truly is like one big family for the children and their foster carers. I can’t imagine being without the Oasis group!
Come to an in-person support group
Every month, social work teams host support groups. These are informal meetings to ask questions and meet other foster carers. These are in community venues across Essex, so you don't have to travel too far.
Speak to your local social worker
Essex County Council's social workers have low case loads. This means we can try and be there for you, whenever you need us. Your social worker will often visit you, in-person.
Support for your sons and daughters too
Many of our foster carers have their own children. Whether they're at home or have left the nest and visit, support is available for them too. They have an important part to play in a foster family.
Our annual ‘It’s My Life’ festival brings together children and young people to make lifelong memories. Families also meet each other at picnics and family fun days.
Support for your sons and daughters too
Many of our foster carers have their own children. Whether they're at home or have left the nest and visit, support is available for them too. They have an important part to play in a foster family.
Our annual ‘It’s My Life’ festival brings together children and young people to make lifelong memories. Families also meet each other at picnics and family fun days.
Independent support from the Fostering Network
When you foster with Essex County Council, we pay for your membership to The Fostering Network. They’re completely independent from Essex County Council. They offer loads of support including 24-hour helplines, financial and legal advice.
Competitive financial offer too
As well as wellbeing support, our foster carers receive competitive financial support too. These benefits include:
- 28 days paid holiday a year
- extra payments towards birthdays and Christmas celebrations
- extra payments during summer holidays, towards days out