Cara and Charlotte’s inspiring journey highlights the importance of foster care
Basildon: Cara has been a foster carer for nearly a decade. Right now, she’s fostering 18-year-old Charlotte. Cara has watched Charlotte grow into a confident and ambitious young woman.
To celebrate Charlotte’s 18th birthday, they both got matching tattoos. It was a special way to mark the day they met and the start of Charlotte’s new life.
Charlotte shared her feelings about being in care, saying, “Cara isn’t just my foster parent; she’s my mum. She’s always supported me and pushed me to be my best. I know she’ll always be there for me.”
Inspired by Cara, Charlotte is now aiming for a career in social care. She wants to help kids who are in situations like hers.
“Every child deserves stability and emotional security,” she said. “By becoming a foster carer, you can provide that for a child who really needs it.”
Cara and Charlotte are sharing their story as part of Essex County Council’s effort to recruit at least 60 new foster families this year. There are over 400 children in the county who will need homes in 2025.
For Cara, the best part of fostering is seeing the kids thrive. She always wanted to be a foster parent. Her two biological sons loved having foster kids around, and they still keep in touch with many of them. Charlotte has become a permanent part of her family.
“I’ve had so much support from Essex County Council throughout my journey. There’s always someone to help and other foster parents to turn to for advice. If you’re thinking about fostering in 2025, just go for it. The difference you can make in a child’s life is amazing,” she said.
To show how foster carers impact kids’ lives, Essex County Council made a video with the Children in Care Council. It features stories from young people who have been in foster care, including Charlotte.
If you want to learn more, check out essex.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/fostering or call Essex County Council’s friendly fostering team at 0800 801 530.
