Time off for foster carers

You may be able to take up to five days' leave per financial year, as well as paid leave when applying to care for a child.

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Foster care refer a friend scheme

Join us in person for an exciting information event
 
If you know someone who would be a great foster carer, bring them along. Get a hot drink and discuss flexible fostering options with the team. Hear from care leavers and foster carers about how fostering has changed their lives.  
   
Join us on Saturday 17 May in Chelmsford

Do you know someone who is patient and capable of improving a child's life? They may be an excellent foster carer.

Fostering is more flexible than you think too. You can foster for one weekend a month. We are asking colleagues across Essex County Council to suggest fostering.

Unfortunately, as more vulnerable children are coming into care, Essex needs more foster carers.

Who is eligible

The scheme is open to all Essex County Council employees. Approved foster carers and supported lodgings carers are also encouraged to share details of fostering.

Who you can refer

You can refer friends, family members or neighbours. When they are ready, our recruitment team will start a private conversation without any obligations. 

Essex County Council employees can not refer any colleagues.

Rewards for referring a friend

If you refer a friend, you will receive:

  • a £30 (thirty) One4All voucher after a home visit
  • £1,000 (one thousand) after they are successfully approved by panel - this can be either in vouchers or through payroll

What happens after you have referred someone

All applicants will be assessed the same way, regardless of who has referred them. This is important for safeguarding reasons.

How to refer someone

For privacy reasons, the person you refer should get in touch. They should email fosterrecruitment@essex.gov.uk, and they should mention your name, too. Then, the enquiry team will support them throughout the process.

 

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