Meet our foster carers
All kinds of people become foster parents. They come from different backgrounds and nationalities and have varied skills, experiences and interests. This helps us make good matches with the many different children who need care in Essex.
Our foster carers don’t think of themselves as superheroes but we sure do and we’re pretty certain the children they support do too.
Here are some stories from our foster carers. They share what they find most rewarding about fostering and give advice for those thinking about becoming a foster carer.
Fostering children with disabilities - Karen's story
Fostering children with disabilities
Six years ago, I began fostering as a single carer. My four children had grown up and I realised I would soon have even more spare time after retiring from work. I thought I could use this time to make a difference to the lives of children in care, so I decided to contact Essex County Council to see what fostering opportunities there were.
Celebrating Mother's Day - Sue and Chiara
Fostering therapeutically
Sue shares her experiences of fostering, including how she celebrates Mother's Day with Chiara, and Albana, Chiara's mum.
Celebrating foster mums on International Women's Day
Fostering therapeutically
Celebrating foster mums on International Women's Day.
Learning from respite care - Hayley and Jenn
Fostering from the LGBTQplus community
Providing respite foster care with Essex County Council has helped Jenn and Hayley gain experience and confidence.
Staying put foster carers - Mick and Pauline
Fostering therapeutically
Mick and Pauline Davies have been a huge support for young people in foster care, winning awards and inspiring other people into becoming foster carers themselves.
Fostering while working - Debi's blog
Fostering teenagers
Debi is working full-time in an education role, while also supporting young people as a foster carer with Essex County Council.
Dionne's blog
Fostering therapeutically
“Do it! It’s the best decision we have ever made.”
Sheila and Paul's Blog
Fostering therapeutically
Fostering really does allow you the opportunity to change a vulnerable child’s life. He’s living proof that foster children can be helped to achieve anything.
Sheila and Paul
Fostering sibling groups
“Every child deserves the magic of Christmas” – Sheila’s story
Danielle’s Blog
Fostering with a young family
"I really enjoyed growing up with foster children, and now I absolutely love fostering with my own family."
Fiona's Blog
Fostering with a young family
“Fostering is such a rewarding role. It’s a career but it’s also a way of life, a way of being."
Shante's Blog
Fostering therapeutically
“Fostering is something I’ve wanted to do since I was 18. I studied social work at university, then went into social work myself. I’ve always had an interest in supporting young people and families."
Melanie (birth mum) and Emma (foster carer)
Fostering children with disabilities
“Fostering has opened a whole new world for Oliver.”
Mick & Bebe's Blog
Fostering therapeutically
“The biggest thing we can give any child is confidence and that’s been really important with Bebe. From the day I first saw her running, I’ve been researching competitions and finding opportunities for her to reach her full potential. I helped her to get classified as T44 with Team GB, it took about 10 months to learn all about para sport and it’s something that I’d love to help more disabled children get in to."
Cara & Charlotte's Blog
Fostering therapeutically
“I think fostering is the best thing we’ve ever done, it becomes a way of life. If you’ve already looked after children and have spare time in your life, then it’s easier than you realise.”
Sue and Tom's Blog
Fostering therapeutically
“One of the best things about fostering is introducing children to new life experiences, things that they haven’t had the opportunity to do before. We went to Spain – Tom’s first trip abroad – and we had an amazing family holiday in New York, he did well at his Duke of Edinburgh Award and he’s enjoyed concerts, opera and theatre trips."
Christine and Cody’s Blog
Fostering therapeutically
“For anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer, just absolutely do it. It’s tough but the training is amazing, I was like a sponge!
Laura Blog
Fostering children with disabilities
“It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made – I’m making a real difference to a young person’s life and it is so rewarding.”
Laura provides respite care one weekend per month alongside a full-time role as a nurse.
Laura provides respite care one weekend per month alongside a full-time role as a nurse.
Bradleigh and Ricardo Blog
Fostering from the LGBTQplus community
“Fostering is so natural, like waking up in the morning and breathing. We don’t know where we would be without fostering and without these children.”
Vanessa and Amelie’s Blog
Fostering sibling groups
“All they want is the reassurance that somebody cares for them and loves them.”
Sylvie and Theo’s Blog
Fostering with a young family
“My husband and I are both teachers and I could see how some families and children struggle and I wanted to help."
Jo
Fostering later in life
“Fostering has enriched our lives tenfold; I don’t know why I didn’t do it before. If it wasn’t for that radio advert, I may never have become a foster carer.”
Claire
Fostering later in life
“I waited most of my life to become a foster carer, so don’t wait as long as I did, just go for it, it could be the best thing you ever do.”
Bradleigh and Ricardo
Fostering from the LGBTQplus community
“Fostering is so natural, like waking up in the morning and breathing. We don’t know where we would be without fostering and without these children.”
Wendie and Adam
Fostering with a young family
“You could help children and young people write the next chapter of their book.”
Mick and Pauline Davis
Fostering later in life
“Fostering is one of the best things we’ve done; we started in our 50s and we wish we’d started sooner!”
Dyan
Fostering children with disabilities
“I found fostering by chance and I wouldn’t change it for the world, it’s an incredible journey.”
Kathy's Blog
Fostering teenagers
"Every child deserves to feel secure and have stability in their home life, and that’s what I try to offer. I give my foster children structure and make them feel safe, but also make sure they have lots of fun and allow them to be children."
Sue's Blog
Fostering teenagers
"Fostering can come in all forms, there is no one reason why children come into care. All they want is to feel loved, safe and stability from someone who supports them. You just need to be there for them."
Derrick's Blog
Fostering teenagers
"Each child has usually experienced some form of trauma in their lives, and it is challenging at times, but we work together as a team and we will always support them, no matter what. That’s all they need, to feel seen and heard."
Stephen's Blog
Fostering from the LGBTQplus community
“Fostering meant I could have a new start in my life and get back time with my family. We get the opportunity to show children that they can change their path in life.”
Rachael's Blog
Fostering as a single parent
“I have a new direction and purpose in life. I’m playing a part in helping young people and what could be better than that?”
Tina
Fostering children with disabilities
What we get back from fostering our two boys is so much more rewarding than the work we put in. We can see the difference we are making to their lives, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Debbie and Gary
Fostering teenagers
“They’ve all got the potential; they just need someone to believe in them and to believe in themselves.”
Daryl
Fostering therapeutically
Just seeing our foster child smile for the first time, to see them grow in confidence and self-esteem, is the best feeling in the world. We are so proud of all our foster children, and we will always think of them as our own children and our own family.
Debbie Finch
Fostering later in life
“You can’t change their past, but you can support them with their future.”
Mick and Pauline
Fostering later in life
If you’re thinking about fostering just do it. Encompass it, you’d be surprised how much you like it and how much you get out of it.
Ruth and Geoff
Fostering later in life
“Fostering is a way of life, and it’s never too late to start fostering young people who need it.”
Yvonne Fisher blog
Fostering from the LGBTQplus community
They say that you will change a child’s life by fostering them, but in reality, it’s ended up changing my own life.
Fran
Fostering therapeutically
Fran says the most rewarding thing about being a foster carer is when you realise what a positive impact you are having on the children.
Ann-Marie and Daniel
Fostering therapeutically
Ann-Marie and Daniel are proud to see how their foster children have both developed in confidence, just by being able to focus on being a child again.
Kathy
Fostering therapeutically
Kathy acknowledges that fostering has not always been plain sailing, saying that it isn’t for the faint hearted but for the open hearted.
Maria and Phil
Fostering therapeutically
Maria and Phil credit the support of Essex County Council in helping them to understand their foster children's behaviour.
Alison and Debbie
Fostering therapeutically
The couple regard fostering as the best decision they ever made and say it has totally changed their lives together for the better.
Jane
Fostering as a single parent
It is the babies that keep you up at night… Teenagers? Once you get to know them, they just want to sit and chat.
Darren and Karen
Fostering children with disabilities
It's very emotional to say goodbye sometimes, but those are the rewarding transformations you strive towards.
Daryl and Alan
Fostering as a respite carer
I have never regretted becoming a foster carer, not even for a second. You are giving a child a second chance and that in itself is incredibly rewarding.
Ruth Jenkinson
Fostering as a respite carer
Never underestimate the impact you might have on a young person.
Jess and Dan
Fostering sibling groups
Go along to recruitment events with an open mind and listen to your gut instinct.
Samantha and Stuart Ockleford
Fostering teenagers
It gives us the warmest feeling knowing that we have made a real difference in her life.
David and Marie Bullock
Fostering with a young family
All they really want is to have safety and a structured environment. And maybe a little fun!
Debbie and Gary
Fostering teenagers
He just needed someone to believe in him.
Paul and Gerry
Fostering teenagers
It was my birthday and she just walked up to me, gave me a hug and said she loved me.
Helen and Martin
Fostering teenagers
There is huge support from Essex County Council and other foster carers, who have become good friends.
Lorna and Tony
Fostering teenagers
Each child is different. It can be hard, but it is very rewarding, too, seeing them blossom.
Sam and John
Fostering teenagers
Get ready to build some amazing memories and have some incredible experiences.
Nick Wrench
Fostering teenagers
I'm not what most would consider as a typical foster carer. It just shows that those from all walks of life can do it successfully.
Poppy
Fostering teenagers
I'm laying the foundations for a confident young man, ready to face the world at 18.
Kali and Shiv
Fostering children with disabilities
We feel every child needs a good life.
Pearl and Nigel
Fostering children with disabilities
It's hard work but also very rewarding.
Kim Shears
Fostering children with disabilities
Fostering has had a really positive influence on our own approach to life.
Nicola Hascomb
Fostering children with disabilities
It was never the plan to foster a child with disabilities... it's the best thing we've ever done.
Sally and Barry
Fostering children with disabilities
It really is the best job in the world, but it doesn't feel like a job.
Fran
Fostering later in life
You often want to change the world. When you foster a child, you change their world. And your own.
Chris
Fostering later in life
I can't imagine life without teenagers. They keep you young and on your toes.
Debbie and Vic
Fostering later in life
We love it. If you are in your 60s please don’t think you are too old. It’s easier for us to do it now.
Irene and Cliff
Fostering later in life
Some children have so much, and others come to our front door with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Annette and Stephen
Fostering with a young family
I would encourage everyone to consider fostering. Just go for it.
Vicky and Jeremy
Fostering with a young family
Opening our home to vulnerable children and watching them change over time is great.
Maria and Phil
Fostering with a young family
Foster children can make you feel so proud when they do well.
Jenny and Tim
Fostering with a young family
When they leave, we will know we have done our very best for them.
Sylvie and Franck
Fostering with a young family
Whatever your background, you can become a foster carer. It’s just the generosity of your soul.
Kaylie and Simon
Fostering with a young family
The day I don’t get upset when a child leaves will be the day there is no point in doing this role.
Iain Cameron
Fostering with a young family
Am I fulfilled as a foster parent? Absolutely!
Daniella
Fostering with a young family
If you're thinking about it, please take the first step.
Janice
Fostering therapeutically
We have begun to see how we can repair the trauma he has been through.
Julie and Matthew
Fostering therapeutically
We don't judge his behaviour or let it be an excuse, but it does increase our empathy.
Vicky
Fostering therapeutically
I've enjoyed watching a little traumatised girl blossom into a confident, settled young woman.
Steve and Janice
Fostering therapeutically
It wasn't just love and cuddles that he needed. It was time, stability and to feel safe.