Why foster with us?

We have been matching vulnerable children with foster parents for over 50 years.  As we oversee all foster children in Essex, our foster carers have the best chance of being matched with children that suit their circumstances and families. We focus exclusively on Essex, with local offices and professional staff across the county, our carers never need to travel far for training, meetings or events. 

We are a not-for-profit organisation and our only motivation is the wellbeing of our children and carers. We are rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and that’s thanks to the incredible support systems and excellent training programmes we offer our foster carers. 

Excellent training and support

When you foster with us you are not alone, we also provide:

 ✓ 24/7 local support

✓ Bespoke training

 ✓ A dedicated social worker

✓ Access to a team of professionals including Clinical Psychologist and Mental Health Coordinators  

✓ Additional tax-free allowances 

✓ 28 days paid holiday  

✓ Additional allowances for the children’s birthday, Christmas and holidays 

✓ Membership to Essex Foster Carers Association 

Our foster carers receive a full package of financial and professional support. Pay is competitive, on average, foster carers earn £504.70 per week. Depending on which type of fostering is best for you, this could be more. 

Benefits of fostering with Essex County Council include: 

• 28 days paid holiday per year  
• Bonuses to help towards birthday and Christmas presents for children you’re supporting 
• Travel expenses 
• Join our Essex Extras employee benefit scheme, including discounts at John Lewis, Argos, National Trust, Wicks and more 

Find out how much you can earn as a foster carer in Essex.  

We offer foster carers a personal development plan, that’s unique to your fostering path. All learning is convenient and accessible, either online or in-person during school hours. These are a great chance to grow professionally plus build friendships with other carers.  Find out more about our training and support here.

We also provide mental health support to foster parents and any children in the home. Our local teams of clinical psychologists and mental health coordinators offer expert, tailored advice to help with any worries or challenges you’re facing. Visit Psychologists' Corner for a taste of how they can support you and your family. 

OASIS Network 

An exciting development in Essex has been the launch of the Oasis Network. This is an extended family model of fostering which involves a central family (Oasis Foster Carers) who support a number of foster families (Network Foster Carers). The Oasis carers organise regular social activities involving the Network carers and their children, organised and emergency sleepovers for the children as well as practical and emotional support for carers in the network.

Watch our video to find out how the Oasis Network provides support, stability and community for foster carers and children in Essex. You can download an information leaflet here.

Find out more about the Oasis network here.  

Start Fostering with Essex County Council 

Start a conversation with our team today, we can support you with next steps.

If you’re already an experienced foster care and are considering transferring please get in touch below, we’d love to hear from you.

Telephone 0800 801 530 or Email FosterRecruitment@essex.gov.uk for more info.  

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