Many children who need foster care:
- are age 8 or older
- are in groups of brothers and sisters of two or more
- have disabilities or complex needs.
We especially want to hear from people who can foster these children.
Here are the stories of children who need foster care. Pictures are representative stock images.
Loving brothers need to stay together - Simon, 7 and Danny, 9
Simon and Danny have three older siblings who've all spent time in care. They have a close bond.
Danny took responsibility his brother's day-to-day care when their mother was not well enough to care for them. They are close to their grandfather, but due to his ill health and age he cannot offer them a home.
They need foster carers who can keep them together and would help them have regular contact with their grandfather. They also need to stay at their school, especially Danny who is having extra learning help.
Simon is a serious little boy who enjoys sport, especially football. He is loving and responds well to clear instructions and boundaries. He is very different to Danny, who can be a bit silly.
Simon and Danny could be fostered in a family with other children. They would love a dog!
Lively and enthusiastic boy - Arron, 14
Arron is full of energy and interested in whatever's going on around him.
He has had many changes in his life, including his parents' separation. He now needs a foster home to see him through to adulthood.
Arron is open about his feelings but can be anxious about life, his future and uncertain about making friends. If he becomes too anxious, he runs from the situation.
Arron needs calm carers with plenty of time to help him with self confidence and managing his anxiety, especially as school moves towards exams. He'd like to go to university and to become a scientist.
Arron’s mother is white British and his father is from a British Asian Indian family. Carers may need to support Arron in understanding his heritage.
Cheeky, but charming - Dean, 6
Dean is a lovable child who enjoys adult attention. He goes to a mainstream primary school and works well with his learning support assistant. He may need to go to a special school when he moves to secondary education.
Dean seems to have been allowed to behave badly because he is cheeky and smiley, but as he's grown his parents have found it harder to care for him. Dean can be aggressive towards his mother and siblings if he doesn't get what he wants.
Dean is on the autistic spectrum. He finds it difficult to wait and take turns. He needs his day and surroundings to be very predictable. He responds positively where this is provided, for example at school. He enjoys all lessons except noisy team games.
Dean loves to share books with an adult and knows a lot about tractors, cars and other vehicles.
Dean needs a foster family with no other young children so he can have the focussed attention he needs to shine.
Crafty short break friend needed - Leanne, 14
Leanne lives with her parents and younger sister in rural Essex. Her father works away from home for long periods of time.
Leanne has a level of learning disability. She does not sleep well and is often active at night. Leanne's mother worries about her, for example, leaving taps turned on. During the day she needs supervision, as she has little understanding of danger.
Leanne likes to play with dolls and toys. Her home life is becoming more complicated as her sister is moving on to other activities.
Their mother feels there are not enough hours in the day.
Leanne wants a friend who can take her on outings - she likes the zoo - and to make things with, such as pictures and cakes - she likes to have something at the end to share. A short break carer could give Leanne the time to try new things while giving her mother an overnight break.
Learn more about the children who currently need care by coming along to an informal information event about fostering in Essex.