Appeal for younger families in Essex to consider fostering

People in Essex are being asked to open up their homes to children in care, particularly younger families with busy homes.

Essex County Council has revealed figures on its ageing workforce of foster carers and is appealing for people of all ages to step forward.

The appeal is being made as part of Foster Care Fortnight, a national campaign aiming to raise awareness of fostering.

The local authority has just over 500 foster carers supporting vulnerable children across the county.

Of those 500 foster carers, 70% are aged 55 and over, and 31% are currently over the age of 60.

Councillor Beverley Egan, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Early Years, said: “With the current fostering workforce approaching retirement age, there is a significant risk of losing more foster carers than we are able to recruit. This Foster Care Fortnight, we’re reminding Essex residents that fostering is open to everyone, of all ages, with flexible options to suit working families, retired carers, and those with their own children still at home.”

Corinne Warren, 41, began fostering last year, making the decision to welcome foster children into her home alongside her three young children, aged 13, 10 and 6.

She said: “Before fostering, I was a paediatric nurse and mental health nurse where I got to meet families from all walks of life, and I met lots of foster carers which really encouraged me to do the same – I wanted to help make a difference. When my youngest started school full-time, my heart was really set on fostering; the timing felt right.

“My partner Carl and I spoke to the children about what fostering means and if they would be happy to welcome another child into our home. They were all on-board and excited; we wouldn’t have fostered if they weren’t happy with the idea.

“We have a busy house, and the children have an active schedule of after-school clubs, so when we applied for fostering, we were really open about what would work best for us. Throughout the application process we never felt pressured – it was completely up to us.

“We went into fostering holding zero judgement on anyone with children in care. I’ve not walked a day in anyone else’s shoes, and you never know what someone may be going through. What’s important is that children in care have a stable home environment where they can grow and thrive.

“If you’re thinking of fostering, you’ve just got to make that first phone call and start the process. Having our own children at home hasn’t been a barrier at all; it’s been great to show our children what fostering is and how it’s a positive way of life for them now.”

Visit www.essex.gov.uk/foster or call 0800 801 530 to find out more.

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