Our enquiry team can discuss ways fostering can fit in with your own career and family. Call or email us today to learn more.
Fostering children with disabilities
Fostering a child with disabilities makes a real difference to their life. Often, the child has learning difficulties, autism and/or physical disabilities. This means they need extra support, and our team will be with you all the way.
What is short-term and long-term fostering?
Short-term and long-term fostering provides full time care for a young person aged 0 – 21 years old. Like mainstream fostering, short-term fostering is for a limited time, until a full-time care plan is finalised.
Long-term fostering involves caring for the child until they’re an independent adult.
“I quickly got used to the child and their individual needs and have had amazing support from Essex County Council."
Can I be a foster carer for children with disabilities?
Professional or personal experience is useful, but not necessary to begin fostering children with disabilities. All Essex County Council foster carers receive full support and training on the job.
- expert help is available 24/7 from your local support workers
- first time carers are welcome – you do not always need professional experience
- most of our children with disabilities don’t need to live in adapted home
How much do foster carers earn?
We know foster carers are not motivated by money, but everyone has living costs. Foster carers for children with diagnosed disabilities earn at least £550 (plus allowance).
Depending on the type of fostering you choose, you can also work full-time in another job
Also, Qualifying Care Relief also means that most foster carers pay no income tax at all on their earnings. So, your take home pay will be higher compared to taxed salaries in other healthcare roles.
Learn more about fees and allowances for caring for children with disabilities.