Become a foster carer
- 'Any of Us' could make a difference to a child's life
This is the story of Marsha, Neil and Ayesha who consider themselves very ordinary. They know they’re not perfect, but they deal with life one step at a time, and when they start their fostering journeys, they realise that they are capable of more than they initially thought possible.
‘Chloe’ is the young person in the film who comes into care because of neglect at home. She needs a caring home where she can be safely looked after, so she can enjoy her childhood and thrive. ‘Any of Us’ could make the difference someone like Chloe needs in her life. It could be Marsha, Neil or Ayesha. It could be you.
There is no such thing as a 'typical' or 'standard' foster carer. Each different foster carer brings a wide range of life and work experiences.
ESCC foster carers are:
- from a variety of backgrounds, circumstances, religions, ethnicities and cultures
- single, married or cohabiting
- all genders and sexual orientations
- over 21 years old (there’s no upper age limit)
- diverse and may manage a physical disability or mental health condition
If you have any questions, or want to find out if fostering could be the right choice for you, please get in touch via phone, enquiry form or join an online information session soon.
I listen and help them see positives, there are different ways to view a situation. With our help they can change the pattern and see their future. That's my job and I love it.
Jackie – foster carer for teenagers (for 23 years)
What you need
- A genuine interest in helping children through a difficult time in their lives.
- As a family, to have time in your lives and space in your home to care for a child or young person.
- Experience as parents or of caring for children.
- Energy and enthusiasm to keep up with the demands of an active child.
- Patience, tolerance, resilience and good communications skills.
- A warm and welcoming home, with or without pets (you do not need to own your home).
- A spare bedroom so that the foster child has a space to make their own.
- A positive and flexible approach to life, supporting our children to develop a strong sense of their own identity which may differ to your own (identity, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, sexuality, disability).
You’ll be part of a team alongside social workers and the children’s parents. You’ll attend meetings. You will take children and young people to health or education appointments. You might also work with a child’s school to help them attend or be able to learn.
You don’t need qualifications, but you do need to be willing to attend regular training. We offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your interests and skills.
Working with you, we will match the child with the foster carer. We will consider the child’s needs, your skills, experience and of course your family.
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