Disability foster care

Thinking of becoming a foster carer, but you have a disability? Or perhaps you’re wondering about fostering a disabled child? This guide provides detailed information on both of these matters – giving you an understanding of what should be required from you as a foster carer, and what needs the disabled child may have.

Fostering a disabled child

Fostering a disabled child is often thought of as an extremely rewarding experience for both carers and children. Whether they have learning difficulties, down syndrome or autism, here at FosterCare UK, you will receive an extensive level of fostering training and support – ensuring you are prepared as possible for any placement.

We pride ourselves on ensuring that our carers possess all the traits necessary for caring for a child – such as kindness, patience, understanding, compassion and a desire to change a young person’s life. These traits also extend to when you are fostering a child with a disability – and the team here at FosterCare UK will be with you every step of the way.

Can I foster if I am disabled?

Fostering with a disability

Do you have a disability, but you’re keen to change the lives of children and young people? Having a disability does not immediately hinder your ability to become a foster carer. We ensure to provide equal opportunities for everyone who wants to, and is able to, foster.

There are various fostering requirements that are primarily important to recognise – such as being over the age of 21, having a spare bedroom and being in good health. However, if you have a disability, we will work together with you to see what impact that might have on a child placed in your care.

If your disability is physical, this does not necessarily impact your ability to foster. Physical disabilities could include:

• Being limited to a wheelchair or walking aid
• Sight impairment
• Hearing impairment

As long as you have the time and energy to help change a young person’s life without compromising on your own welfare or theirs, this should not limit your ability to foster children. This also applies if your disability is neurological, or you have a chronic illness – as long as you have the desire and the time to take care of the child, this should not impact your ability to foster.

Disability fostering with FosterCare UK

It’s important to note that the welfare of the children is our utmost priority – so our team would work closely with you to begin your fostering journey, especially so when it comes to fostering children with a disability.

Disabled children or children who have learning difficulties may require additional support in various areas, such as ensuring the accessibility of your home is maintained at all times, or establishing a routine for children with autism, for example. That’s why we work so closely with our carers to define these routines, put practices into place and ensure both the child and the carer feel as comfortable as possible with the arrangement.

For more information about fostering a disabled child, or fostering with a disability yourself, get in touch with our friendly team now for more help and support.