Using this Handbook
This Handbook contains all key policies and procedures set out in different sections. These can be accessed from the Contents button on the toolbar.
There is also a link to the multi-agency safeguarding procedures covering Essex, which can be accessed from the home page by clicking the blue button labelled Procedures Manuals for Safeguarding and Children's Social Work.
If you are unable to find the information you require, consult your Supervising Social Worker.
You can add a shortcut to the manual on the home screen of your phone or mobile device by opening the site using the 'URL' (website address) and then, on an Android phone, tapping the 3 dots at the top right-hand corner of the phone browser and from the drop-down menu selecting 'Add to Home Screen'. On an iPhone, open the site in the phone's browser, then at the bottom of the browser, select the icon that looks like a square with an arrow pointing upwards, and from the menu that appears, select 'Add to Home Screen'.
For further details, please email: OnlineFosterCarersHandbook.enquires@essex.gov.uk.
This handbook will be updated regularly, usually annually, unless significant changes require more timely updates.
The next update will be published in March 2027.
If you would like to suggest a change to the handbook, discuss your suggestion with your line manager or supervising social worker in the first instance.
This section includes Fostering policies and guidance. Please also use the search bar at the top of the page to generate results.
The handbook is accessed by readers who may find terms that they are not familiar with. Therefore, a glossary of definitions is available under the resource tab.
We have used the following terms and post titles:
| Supervising Social Worker | This means the allocated, suitably qualified social worker who is responsible for supervising and supporting you. |
| Child's Social Worker | This means the allocated social worker from the Placing Authority is responsible for managing the child's case. |
| Placing Authority | This means the local authority has overall responsibility for the child's care. |
| Fostering Service | This means the service provided by the fostering service. |
| Fostering Service Manager | This means the registered manager of the service provided by the fostering service. |
| Placement Plan | This is the documentation drawn up by the child's social worker before the placement, wherever possible (or where this is not possible, within 5 working days of the placement), which sets out in detail the arrangements for the child's care in the foster placement. |
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Last Updated: March 18, 2026
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