News
EFCA Newsletter - November 2022
Here is your November 2022 Newsletter from the EFCA
Successes are starting to happen, you are coming to us with your problems, questions, queries, we are developing good contacts within Essex and slowly things are starting to happen. You are being heard, you are being understood, we are coming together because together we are stronger.
In this month's issue:
(Scroll as you read or click a headline to jump straight to the article)
- Social Workers asking Foster Carers to send money to LAC family members
- Higher payment Criteria
- Use your holiday entitlement! You deserve it!
- Proof of age – the Post Office can help
- Help us to help you – Raising Funds – EFCA are donating to your quadrant Christmas Party!
- North Quadrant Christmas Party
- Facebook group and Quadrant Representatives
This is everyone's news. Let's get started
Social Workers asking Foster Carers to send money to LAC family members
The EFCA approached the Fostering Board and they have agreed to stop the practise of Social Workers asking Foster Carers to send money to the relatives of the children they look after. If you are asked to do this – say no, if you feel you need support with this then please contact us.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
We also spoke about the Higher Fee Criteria and Essex are going to look at this and see what needs to be done in order to make sure that justifications for any increases are met with a criteria that is more regulated and evidence based. We are hoping to help them design a more robust form.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Use your holiday entitlement! You deserve it!
Foster Carers are entitled to holidays. You receive 28 days each year. You are able to request to put the children you look after into respite so that you can re-charge. We know that currently there is a big demand for foster carers, we know that it can be hard to find someone to look after your children, but please try to do this. If you don’t take it, you will lose it. This holiday is NOT the two weeks summer holiday money, it is not the Festive money. It is holiday.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Proof of age - the Post Office can help
Not so long ago I wanted to take my young person to the cinema, but needed proof of their age. The post office have this available. Which is better than walking around with a passport (if you have one).
https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/pass-card
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Help us to help you - Fundraising - EFCA are donating to your quadrant Christmas party
Here are this month's fundraising activities
- Amazon Smile : https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1120106-0
- Adventure Island tickets : Email grantandgift@essexfca.org
Amazon Smile
To set yourself up to use Amazon Smile to support EFCA follow this link: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1120106-0
Adventure Island - Southend on Sea
Adventure Island Tickets £16 each
Sealife Southend tickets £7 each
Adventure Golf tickets £5 Each (for two rounds)
To get your tickets please contact grantandgift@essexfca.org
To get your tickets please contact grantandgift@essexfca.org
________________________________________________________________________________________________
North Quadrant Christmas Party
Sheila, Christine and Sue are organising a Christmas Party for North Quadrant. Please note, this is not an EFCA event, but one put on by this amazing team!
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Facebook group and quadrant representatives
Do you know there is a Facebook group specifically for Essex Foster Carers? It is a closed and private group that you have to be invited to join. It’s a brilliant platform for asking questions and meeting like-minded people. If you wish to join, just send us an email with a name of another foster carer who can verify you to info@essexfca.org.
Remember we are here for you, if you need the EFCA for questions, queries, problems or just need a chat! Find us on the Facebook page or email info@essexfca.org
Your quadrant EFCA representatives are:
Sue Bell (North) suebell@essexfca.org
Amanda Stevens (South) treasurer@essexfca.org
Cheryl Cousins (Mid) cherylcousins@essexfca.org
Lucy Tanner (West) lucy.tanner@essexfca.org