Thinking about fostering in Essex? You can foster with Essex County Council, Thurrock Council, Southend City Council or one of the independent agencies across the county, from Chelmsford and Colchester to Basildon and Southend.
Fostering services in Essex
Fostering services in Essex:
- Essex County Council Fostering – Chelmsford
- Young People at Heart – East Tilbury – Thames Enterprise Centre, Princess Margaret Rd, East Tilbury RM18 8RH
- Quality Foster Care – 134 High Rd, South Benfleet, Benfleet SS7 5LD
- Mosaic Foster Care – Suites 8, Chalkwell Lawns, 648-656 London Rd, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 9HR
- Futures For Children London Fostering – Radley Green Farm, The Old Dairy 13a, Ingatestone CM4 0LU
- Futures For Children Essex Fostering – 36a Alexander House, Ground Floor CM2 7HY
- Fostering – Thurrock Council – Thurrock Council, Civic Offices, New Rd, Grays RM17 6SL
- Foster Care Associates Eastern – 4, Blue Barn Garage, Business Park, Old Ipswich Rd, Ardleigh, Colchester CO7 7FX
- Eastern Fostering Services – , The Gattinetts, 3B, Hadleigh Rd, East Bergholt, Colchester CO7 6QT
- Apex Fostering – Brickfield House, High Rd, Thornwood, Epping CM16 6TH
- Affinity Fostering – Ingatestone Hall, Ingatestone CM4 9NR
You can also browse all fostering agencies in the East of England.
Not sure which service to contact?
Tell us your postcode and we will put you in touch with up to three fostering services near you. Free, no obligation.
Get matched with a fostering agencyWhat fostering is like in Essex
Essex needs foster carers for children of all ages, especially teenagers and brothers and sisters. Fostering locally means children can keep their school, friends and family links.
Council or independent fostering agency?
Council fostering services work directly with the authority responsible for the child, and children are often placed close to home. Independent fostering agencies recruit and support carers on behalf of councils, often care for children with more complex needs, and may offer higher fees and extra support. Speak to more than one service before you decide.
How much do foster carers get paid?
Every foster carer in England receives at least the government’s national minimum allowance. For April 2026 to April 2027 the weekly minimums outside London and the South East are:
- £176 for a child aged 0 to 2
- £182 for a child aged 3 to 4
- £201 for a child aged 5 to 10
- £227 for a child aged 11 to 15
- £267 for a young person aged 16 to 17
Most councils and agencies pay more than this, and many add a weekly fee for the carer’s skills.
For full 2026/27 rates across the UK, see How much do foster carers get paid?
How to become a foster carer
- Make an enquiry – a short, no-obligation chat with your chosen service.
- Home visit – a social worker visits to talk about fostering and your home.
- Training – a preparation course before or during your assessment.
- Assessment – a detailed assessment over a few months, including checks and references.
- Fostering panel – an independent panel recommends whether you are approved.
Fostering in Essex: FAQs
Do I need to own my home?
No – you can rent or own, but you will usually need a spare bedroom. See Can I foster if I don’t own my home?
Can I foster if I work full-time?
Sometimes, depending on the child’s age and needs. Read Can you foster if you work full-time?
Can single people foster?
Yes. You can foster whether you are single, married or in a relationship, LGBTQ+, and of any faith or none.
Learn more
Read our free fostering guide or browse fostering guides for other areas.