Fostering in Essex
Essex County Council is one of the largest children's services authorities in England. The county urgently needs more foster carers across its diverse mix of suburban, coastal and rural communities.
Essex coastal communities (Clacton, Harwich, Southend) have disproportionately high rates of children in care. Local foster carers in these areas make an especially critical difference.
What Fostering Looks Like in Essex
Essex is a large and diverse county stretching from the Thames Estuary to Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. It has distinct communities — commuter belt areas (Brentwood, Chelmsford), coastal towns (Southend, Clacton, Harwich) with higher deprivation, and rural areas. The needs of looked-after children vary significantly across the county. Essex County Council has invested in its fostering service and runs active recruitment, but still needs significantly more local carers to avoid children being placed out-of-county.
Types of Fostering Available in Essex
Local Authority Fostering Contacts
Contact your local authority directly, or read our guide on LA vs IFA fostering before deciding.
| Local Authority | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Essex County Council | 03457 430 430 | essexfostering.org.uk |
| Southend-on-Sea City Council | 01702 212900 | southend.gov.uk/fostering |
| Thurrock Council | 01375 652277 | thurrock.gov.uk/fostering |
How Much Do Foster Carers Earn in Essex?
Most LAs pay a weekly allowance only. A small number pay an additional professional fee for experienced carers.
IFAs pay a weekly allowance plus a professional fee. Most IFA carers pay zero income tax thanks to HMRC’s Qualifying Care Relief.
Want to understand these figures in more detail? Read our complete foster carer pay guide or our tax guide for foster carers.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fostering in Essex
Does Essex County Council pay a professional fee?
Essex pays an enhanced allowance for experienced carers. Their pay structure is reviewed regularly. IFAs operational in Essex offer the standard allowance plus professional fee.
Ready to Start Fostering in Essex?
The next step is to speak with an agency or your local authority. Most fostering enquiries take just 10 minutes and carry no obligation.