15 Jan Essex County Council encourage prospective foster carers to come forward
About 100 new foster families will be needed across Essex in 2017, with the impending arrival of more unaccompanied asylum seeking children expected to increase the demand for placements.
Essex County Council’s foster carers provide loving and safe homes for hundreds of children each year, but with a number retiring and demand continuing to be high, many more are still needed.
That demand is expected to increase further as a result of the impending arrival of a number of unaccompanied asylum seeking children in Essex in 2017.
A high proportion of children who come into care in Essex are aged ten and over so there is also a particular need for foster carers who can provide homes for older children, as well as those who can accommodate sibling groups and children with disabilities.
Prospective foster carers must have a spare bedroom, be financially stable and available before and after school and during the school holidays.
As well as the chance to make a difference to the lives of young people in Essex, you will receive local training and support and a competitive financial package.
Cllr Dick Madden, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Children, said: “Our foster carers play a vital role in providing safe and loving homes for children in care in Essex.
“There is no doubt that fostering can be challenging and it is not for everyone, but it is incredibly rewarding and makes a huge difference to the lives of young people.
“If you’re interested and want to find out more then the start of a new year could be the ideal time.
“We hold regular information events throughout the county and enquiries can also be made online.”
To find out more about fostering or make an enquiry, please visit http://www.essexadoptionandfostering.co.uk/fostering/
