As people set their ambitions for the new year, Essex Country Council is calling on people to consider whether they could provide a home and family for a child in 2025.
To avoid a shortfall in foster carers, the council needs to recruit at least 60 new fostering families this year.
Foster carers come from all walks of life. Some have their own children living at home, can have pets, own or rent their homes, work full-time or part-time. Many people don’t realise the only requirements are to be over the age of 21 and have a spare bedroom. Becoming a foster carer means joining a supportive community of over 42,000 foster families in England.
Foster carers have a huge impact on the life of a child. Research from the Children in Care Council shows 100% of children in care feel safe and cared about by their foster carer.
Essex County Council can support people to find a fostering option that suits them and their family.
Cara from Basildon started her journey as a foster carer almost 10 years ago and is currently a foster parent for 18-year-old Charlotte. Under her care, Cara has seen Charlotte transform into an ambitious, confident young woman. The two even got matching tattoos on Charlotte’s 18th birthday to mark the day they first met and the lasting impact that they have had on each other’s lives.
Cara describes the most rewarding part of being a foster parent as being able to see children progress.
She said: “Being a foster parent was something that I always wanted to do. I have two birth sons who really enjoyed having foster children around and we still stay in contact with a lot of the children that we have supported. Charlotte has had a huge impact on my life and is a permanent part of my family.
“Throughout my fostering journey I have received lots of support from Essex County Council. There was always someone to ask questions and other foster parents who offered advice. I would strongly encourage anyone thinking about fostering in 2025 to just do it. The difference you can make to a child’s life is incredible.”
Commenting on her experience as a child in care, Charlotte said,
“Cara is not my foster parent, she is my mum. She has supported me in so many ways and has always encouraged me to be the best that I can possibly be. I know that she will always be in my life. For my 18th birthday we even got matching tattoos signifying the date that we first met! For me, this date also signified the start of my new life. My mum loves her tattoo and shows anyone anytime she gets the opportunity.
I am now pursuing a career in social care to help other children like me who did not have the best experiences growing up. Stability and emotional security are invaluable to children – every child deserves this. By becoming a foster carer you can help give this to a child who needs it most.”
To demonstrate the impact foster carers have on a child’s life, Essex County Council has produced a video in collaboration with the Children in Care Council to showcase the experiences of young people in foster care. The video was created with input from young people with experience of care, including Charlotte. The locket in the video symbolises Charlotte’s experience of getting a matching tattoo with Cara.
Councillor Spence, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
“Fostering is a deeply rewarding experience that can transform the lives of children in care. We’re calling on people from across Essex to join our fostering community this year and help positively impact the lives of children in need. By becoming a foster carer, you can provide a safe and nurturing environment for a child, helping them to thrive and reach their full potential.
“If you’re over the age of 21 and you have a spare room, you have everything you need to change a child’s life. Fostering is very rewarding and flexible and puts family at its heart. With your help, we can make 2025 a year of hope and opportunity for every child in Essex.”
Essex County Council is the largest fostering agency in Essex that is not for profit. The council urgently need more foster carers to join so that every child in care can live in a family home.
If you’re interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer, read more about what is involved.
You can also call Essex County Council’s friendly fostering team 0800 801 530 or find an event near you.
