Transferring from an IFA

Why foster with us?

At Essex County Council our foster carers are highly valued and we always welcome existing foster parents who want to join our friendly, highly skilled team.

Our quick and efficient transfer process typically takes around 12 weeks.

More placements

Children who need foster placements in Essex come to us first, which means we always have children of all ages to place.  Fostering with us means you're unlikely to experience gaps between placements.

Local support and training

We have teams based in Colchester, Clacton, Chelmsford, Basildon and Harlow, meaning you won't have to travel far for training or to see your supervising Social Worker. The training and support we provide is first class, details can be found on our Training and support page.

High level of personal support

As a foster carer with us you'll have a very close working relationship with your supervising Social Worker and receive a high level of support from them.  Our support line is open 24/7.  We also run support groups for you and your whole family, read more on our Training and support page.

Additional financial support

We pay your fee for 28 days after a child has left your care and you are also eligible to a further 28 days of holiday payment which other fostering agencies don't offer.  We offer a range of other expenses, such as extra allowances at birthdays and Christmas, mileage and some equipment is provided.

Opportunity for progression and higher fees

We have various specialist schemes offering an opportunity for career development and progression.  These schemes provide advanced training and a higher rate of pay.

Extra benefits

We go above and beyond other organisations in providing special benefits to our foster carers that show not only how much we value them, but also how much we greatly appreciate their input in the running of our organisation.  Details can be found on our benefits to foster carers page.

Better communications

Social Workers and supervising Social Workers are often based in the same office to enable face to face conversations to take place easily.