Essex parents urged to consider fostering in 2023
Two parents have shared their story
With a new year comes new beginnings, and one Essex couple hopes that their story will inspire others.
Bradleigh and Ricardo from Stanford-Le-Hope have been fostering children for two years.
Bradleigh said: “After chatting about how we would start our family, we went along to a fostering information event. We spoke to a lot of wonderful foster carers there, something just felt right, and we signed up on the day to start our fostering journey.
“Ricardo and I are 27 and 30 years old and are one of the youngest couples that foster with Essex County Council, and we want to prove that age isn’t a barrier when fostering.
"If you are ready for fostering, you have a spare room, you have love and patience and time to give a child, then fostering could work for you."
Bradleigh and Ricardo have two foster children aged nine and four.
“Fostering has changed our lives to the degree where we can’t see our lives without it. It’s so natural, like waking up in the morning. I don’t know where we would be without fostering and without these children, we love it so much.”
Essex County Council’s foster carers have access to local support 24/7, bespoke training and an active network of other foster carers to learn from and connect with. Foster carers receive a weekly fee plus expenses to support with the cost of raising a child.
Bradleigh and Ricardo are encouraging Essex residents to reach out to Essex County Council for more information on life-changing fostering opportunities.
“Fostering is open for everyone, anyone over 21, any gender, any sexual orientation, don’t let anything stop you. Just get in touch and you could help children in Essex who really need it.”