Time to Care: Foster Care Fortnight in Essex

AS Foster Care Fortnight approaches Essex County Council has issued a rallying call for more potential foster carers to come forward to care for local children.

The national campaign, which runs from May 16-29, highlights the need for more foster carers to care for children whom for a variety of reasons are unable to be cared for by their birth parents.

In order to provide every child with a home 100 additional foster carers are needed in Essex. There is a particular shortage of foster carers who can keep brothers and sisters together, carers for older children and for children with disabilities. More local carers are needed to enable children to stay close to their family, friends and school.

Foster carers come from a variety of backgrounds. It doesn’t matter whether you are single or a couple, own your own home or rent, or whether or not you have your own children. What foster carers have in common is patience, determination, understanding and the time to give to a young person.

Foster carers may receive a carer’s fee and will receive allowances, full training and ongoing support.

During Foster Care Fortnight, Essex’s fostering recruitment team are holding a special information evening on May 24 at 7pm at County Hall in Chelmsford.

The team will also have information stands at the following locations:

ASDA, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon – May 16 (all day)

ASDA, Water Gardens Shopping Centre, Harlow – May 20 and 21 (10am-2pm)

High Chelmer Shopping Centre, Chelmsford – May 28 (all day)

The county council’s cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Sarah Candy, said: “Foster carers make an invaluable contribution to children’s lives. Our foster carers tell us that it is a challenging role but one which is also tremendously rewarding. If you think that you could open your home to change a child’s life forever, we’d urge you to get in touch now.”

To find out more about fostering an Essex child call 0800 801 530 or visit essex.gov.uk/fostering