Many children with disabilities do not have the same opportunities as other children due to their complex needs. Some children may be physically able with a moderate or severe learning disability, others may have a physical disability or sensory impairment, while some may have a combination of both.
Regular contact with a foster carer can be an enjoyable and positive experience for the child. It can enhance the quality of the child’s life, boost self-esteem, provide new experiences and encourage independence.
It is also a positive support to the child’s parents/carers, enabling them to recharge their batteries, spend time with other family members or do things which are not always possible when their child is at home.
As a foster carer you will be providing a worthwhile service to children with disabilities and their families, which can be a hugely rewarding experience. You will be part of a team working alongside parents and professionals and will receive all the information, training and support to enable you to care for the child.
Contact by telephone on (028) 4451 3938 or by email at disabilityfostering@setrust.hscni.net for further information.
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Who can Foster?
Foster carers come from all walks of life. They may be single, married, with or without children. Some may have experience of children with disabilities through personal or professional contact, but this is not essential.
It is important that foster carers:
- Have a genuine interest in, and a commitment to supporting children with disabilities and their families.
- Can offer a child or young person their own bedroom.
- Are available to attend all relevant training.
- Are subject to all relevant background checks to ensure the children will be safely cared for.
- Available to meet with all the people involved in the child or young person’s life.
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Types of Disability Foster Care
Short breaks offer a reliable and flexible service designed to give parents/carers of children with disabilities a break. Foster carers facilitate an overnight short break, at least once a month, which may become part of the regular routine for the child.
Short/Long term foster care takes place when children and young people cannot stay with their birth parents. In these circumstances, the child or young person can stay in a family where they feel safe and their needs are able to be met. Contact with birth families is often maintained.
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The Fostering Process
If you think you could offer a child or young person with a disability a short break or a longer term home through foster care, please get in touch.
You can expect the fostering process to involve:
Personal Preparation
We’d encourage you to do some research into foster care and to consider reading the profiles available in the section below.
Contact us
Get in with our experienced team who are available to answer all your questions.
Receive a call back
Within two days of contacting us, a social worker will be in touch.
Meet with your Foster Care Social Worker
You can expect this to take place within ten days of your call back.
Preparation
All enquiries will undertake the Skills To Foster training course.
Apply
You should have all the information you need to submit your application.
Social Work Interviews
The interview will consider your background, your support network, your lifestyle, your family set up and your skills.
Foster Care Panel
Your application will be presented and assessed by the Foster Care Panel.
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Support for Foster Carers
You will have a Supervising Social Worker, who will supervise and support you when children and young people are in your care. You will meet with them regularly and they are always just a phone call away.
Support Groups can offer a much needed opportunity to share concerns, answer questions, and make connections with other foster carers.
The range of Health and Social Care Professionals already involved with the child will continue to provide support.
Fostering children and young people with disabilities is such an important role and there is a range of Financial Support available from basic expenses to professional fees which will be discussed further as part of the enquiry process.
Any equipment required will be funded by the Trust.