Why Join Us?
Why Foster with us?
When you foster with Southend-on-Sea City Council you become a much-valued member of our Fostering Community. You’ll be supported by a team of specialists including experienced Foster Carers who all live in and around our city. And our face-to-face training is delivered in Southend and all of our support groups are all held locally too. So, when we say we offer a local service we really do – you won’t have to travel miles for training or to make the most of the support groups available.
We’re financially committed to supporting our Foster Carers.
Our new package of rewards is now available and is part of our commitment to financially support our Foster Carers in recognition of the invaluable care they provide to our city’s most vulnerable children and young people.
Our weekly fees and allowances have been increased, we’ve launched new annual allowances and we’re also offering council tax exemption to our Foster Carers who live in or outside of our city. Find out more here.
You can help more children or young people if you foster with us.
Children or young people in our city whose own parents are unable to look after them come to us first and we always look to find a foster home for them with our own Foster Carers. So, our Foster Carers don’t have to wait months to open their homes and hearts to help local children.
Help Local Children
Help care for more local children as we always try to find a foster home with our own Foster Carers first.
We’re better able to make a good match with your family as we have a comprehensive knowledge of a child’s needs and experiences.
We need 15 more foster families now to make sure we can keep children that need our help in our city.
Get Local Support
24/7 support from our local team of experienced Foster Carers and Social Workers.
A dedicated social worker who works closely with internal colleagues who are also involved in supporting children in our care.
Access to a professional support team of mental health practitioners, teachers & social workers.
Free membership to The Fostering Network who offer confidential and impartial advice & guidance.
Generous fees and allowances for each child you look after paid weekly. In addition, allowances are also paid every year to help celebrate significant events in the lives of the children you care for. You could also benefit from council tax exemption. Find out more here.
Receive Local Training
Gain invaluable knowledge on the Skills to Foster Training course delivered locally in Southend.
Access to an extensive range of ongoing training and professional development to enhance your skills and knowledge.
