External Fostering Placements

Essex County Council ("the Council") is seeking to secure a range of effective, reliable and efficient independent fostering agencies to deliver external fostering placements to enable the Council to fulfil its statutory duties as a corporate parent under section 22 of the Children's Act 1989. The overarching aim of this service is to provide a stable placement in suitable accommodation which supports young people to develop the requisite resilience, wellbeing, form positive relationships in preparation for their transition to adulthood and progression to independent living. This procurement will be conducted under the light touch regime and incorporate the following four lots: Limited, Standard, Intensive and Parent and Child. Candidates are advised that this framework will incorporate a refresh mechanism to enable new entrants to apply to join the framework which is anticipated to be enacted at the 2 year anniversary or as required by ECC during its four year lifetime.