OUR History

In March 1993, a small support group of foster carers in Uckfield started to meet regularly in a back room at a retirement home in Hailsham. It was created in response to the needs of the children and young people in the care of East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and the demands this placed on foster families. 

ESFCA’s aim is to ‘build brighter futures’ for children in care and to support foster families in their role. This includes recognising the contribution our CWF (Children Who Foster) make. This continues to be done through active fundraising so that we can deliver a number of activities and services.

Over the last 25 years ESFCA has grown from the Uckfield support group to an association covering the whole of East Sussex and over 260 foster families.

ESFCA has always remained proudly independent of the ESCC, but it is also so pleased to maintain the special relationship it has created with the department and its social workers. The association started and continues to run surgeries for foster carers to attend and work through issues with the department and is often asked to provide feedback for policies and practices. Social workers take part and join the children on the PGL residential trips and volunteer to help on some of the activities the association run throughout each year.