Celebrating foster mums on International Women's Day

In March 2024, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “inspiring inclusivity”, something we value deeply.  

Inclusion means breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes and creating environments where all women are valued and respected. 

How is fostering with Essex County Council inclusive? 

Across Essex, we have inspirational women who are committed to making a difference for vulnerable children. They are challenging stereotypes and showing that families can come in all different shapes and sizes.  

We’re myth-busting on what it means to be a foster mum. 

Hear from the women who are making a difference to vulnerable children across Essex. 

You do not need to be in a relationship  

We have lots of single carers, not being in a relationship when you foster with Essex, does not mean you’ll be alone. Our training and support package wraps around you and your whole family, we provide: 

• a dedicated social worker  
• 24/7 support is available  
• local face to face support groups every month, to meet other foster carers  
• regular events (including summer picnics and Christmas parties) for foster children to meet each other too  
• Oasis support groups - experienced foster carers offer help, growing your fostering family 

Fran has fostered by herself for over 30 years, supporting nearly 20 children on her journey. Fran said; “Being a foster parent has very much enriched my life for the better. It’s not always easy, but l wouldn’t change it for one minute.” Read Fran’s fostering story here.  

You do not have to give up work to be a foster carer  

Often, women have worked incredibly hard to progress in their career, it can take years to get to where you want to be. You don’t need to give this up to become a foster carer.  

Fostering with Essex County Council is surprisingly flexible, we know foster carers have different circumstances, just as our looked after children do.  

It’s possible, with the right support, to continue working while caring for children. At the moment, Debi is working full-time in an education role, while also supporting young people as a foster carer. Debi shares her experiences of balancing her fostering, home and work responsibilities.   

Or, if you do want to give up work, fostering is a perfectly valid career choice too 

We empower choice, we know foster carers are not motivated by finances, but we all have living costs and of course, you need to know if becoming a full-time foster carer is viable for you. 

Our foster carers at Essex County Council receive a competitive, tax-free weekly fee and allowance, per child.  

After spending almost twenty years as a neonatal nurse, last year Dionne decided to leave her career to be a foster carer.  

“For me, my mental health is a lot better because of fostering. I was working full-time 13-hour day and night shifts in a hospital. Looking after children is obviously 24 hours a day, but you set a routine in your own home.” Read Dionne’s story here.  

By being positive role models, foster mums are making a difference to the next generation of young women.  

Charlotte, a teenager in Essex, has shared her experience of how Cara, Charlotte’s foster mum, inspired her.  

“I don’t see Cara as my foster carer, she’s like my mum. She got me into a good school, encouraged me to get good grades, she wants me to be the best that I can be. I wouldn’t be sat here today if I stayed where I was, Cara has changed everything for me.” 

Get in touch today  

If you’re passionate about making a difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people, you could be a fantastic foster carer. Our enquiry team will work with you individually, offering advice tailored to your situation.  

If you’re thinking about fostering, ask for an enquiry pack today to learn more.