Simply Fostering

Fostering in Essex

Could you foster a child in Essex?

Simply Fostering can help you to take the first steps towards becoming a foster carer. If you live in Essex and have a spare bedroom then you may be eligible to apply to foster.

We would like to hear from anyone living in Essex who would be interesting in fostering. We welcome applicants from single applicants, older applicants, straight or gay applicants, heterosexual couples, and same-sex couples. If you have a room available and the desire and motivation to look after a young person we would like to hear from you. You will be paid an allowance of up to £550 per week per child and will receive training and support.

The Simply Fostering website will provide you with all the information you need to determine your eligibility to foster. Answers to questions about age, relationship status, and experience can all be accessed via our Who Can Foster? page. We provide professional advice and can help you to make the right choice of agency as there are many fostering agencies in the Essex area. These agencies all offer slightly different services and so it is important to speak to a few different agencies to ensure you choose one that is right for you.

If you feel that you are able to make a difference to a child’s life and are looking for an exciting change in your life, please contact us today. Join us today to receive our free fostering handbook which is available to download.

Factors to consider

Before taking the step towards fostering, you should consider a few things. Do you have family and friends who can provide you with a good personal support system alongside the training and support you will receive from your fostering agency? Looking after foster children may mean dealing with difficult situations and you will need help and support as you deal with those situations.

Another factor is that you will need to consider the age group you are interested in fostering, according to your own personal circumstances and family members. The needs of a foster child will vary depending on their age and understanding, so flexibility is key. You will be working alongside social workers, who will be visiting regularly. You may also need to communicate with the biological parents of a foster child, and this is something you will need to be comfortable with.

Why foster?

There are many children and young people in need of a foster home in Essex. They are of a variety of ages and come from a range of diverse backgrounds. Some children are part of sibling groups, some will be emergency placements, and can need long or short-term fostering. They all need a nurturing home and to be looked after by adults who will be sensitive and understanding, and who will provide them with a positive family environment.

Could this be you?
There are many advantages to becoming a foster carer. You will learn new skills through training and hands-on experience. You will be paid a professional fee which is an income payment for you. This is in addition to the allowance you receive for each foster child, which pays for their day-to-day care. And foster carers in the UK do not generally pay tax on their fostering income.

Simply Fostering is focusing on Essex and the surrounding areas to recruit foster carers. Areas including Harlow, Brentwood, Chelmsford and Colchester are amongst those where Simply Fostering is keen to identify potential foster carer applicants.

Fostering Statistics: East of England

Total Children in Care, East of England 2020
Foster Care Placements, East of England 2020

The following statistics are from the total number of children in care in the East of England, and not exclusively those in Foster Care.

Children with disability : 230
3%
Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers : 580
9%

No Data Found

No Data Found

Popular Placement Types: Vary in this area.

Related Areas

This related area section is currently being reviewed by our team.

What Could You Earn?

Being a foster carer is not only an ethical career, it's also financially rewarding. Our calculators estimate what you could be earning.

Free Matching Service?

If you meet the UK criteria to foster. we will match you with a local Fostering Agency and ask them to call you.
Quiz

UK Wide Fostering Network

Try these: South WestDevonExeter

If you live in the UK… We’ve got you covered.
We cover the length and breadth of the UK with our unique Agency Network. Finding an Agency near you and supporting your move into foster caring.

 

Did you Know - Essex?

The county of Essex, in the South-East of England. The only city in Essex is the county town of Chelmsford, which is also the oldest recorded town in Britain. The county is mainly rural and made up of small towns, villages and hamlets, with the exception of the larger towns of Chelmsford, Southend-on-Sea and Colchester.
In the 1960’s, Harlow was known as ‘Pram Town’, referring to all the prams that were being pushed around by new mums. The first pedestrian precinct in Britain is located in Harlow town centre.

Brentwood dates back to the 12th Century and was formed from a clearing within the forest of Essex. The medieval town was popular with pilgrims who were traveling to Canterbury Cathedral.

Register Your Interest in Fostering

Scroll to Top
Free ‘Fostering Essentials #1’ E-book

Please provide your email so we can send you a download link and password.