Caring for children with disabilities

Essex County Council offers different types of foster care. Short breaks foster carers look after children with complex needs. This gives the child’s primary carers time for their own wellbeing. 

Karen explains why she feels so passionate about being a short breaks carer.

Six years ago, I began fostering as a single carer. My four children are grown up and I realised I would soon have even more spare time after retiring from work. I wanted to use this time to make a difference to the lives of children in care. So, I contacted Essex County Council to see what fostering opportunities there were.

"I found out about short breaks foster care, which I could manage while still working full-time as a headteacher at a primary school. Short breaks fostering worked well for me, I could spare the time during weekends and school holidays."

Why do families need short breaks foster care?

"Fostering children with special needs can be demanding – they often need an adult’s full attention, and that can be challenging. That’s why shared care is important for these families, it gives them a little break. 

A small amount of support can make a big difference to families. That’s why I love what I do – not only am I caring for the children, but I am also helping families.

"Now that I have retired from full-time teaching, I often work with four different children, all with special needs. Having worked as a headteacher for a number of years, I have experience working with children with disabilities, but it isn’t always necessary."

Short breaks foster care helps children grow too

"It’s amazing to watch the children change from when they first came into care. Their academic progress and concentration grows each time I see them.

"Fostering can lead to some special relationships. One child I look after has built a strong relationship with my son. He always looks for him whenever he comes to stay, and my son will come home to see him when he knows he’s there. One or two of the children I care for have a good relationship with my mum, too.

"It’s also nice for my mum to have some younger children in her life, because the children in our family have grown up.

Some of the children I look after are non-verbal, but even though they can’t tell me that they’re happy, I can see that they are. That’s when I feel positive about the support I’m offering them."

Support for foster carers throughout your journey

"The social workers have been lovely. They advocate the right thing for the children, but also completely understand my own boundaries and decisions. I have always felt confident to talk things through with them.

"There is also a lot of support from other carers. We’ve built a foster carers network, and our local support group is a great place to meet other carers.

"Essex County Council are brilliant when it comes to matching you with the right children for your circumstances. If you ever feel like the placement wouldn’t work, you feel empowered to decline it. As a sole carer, I have made this decision before, Essex County Council supported me the whole way through.

"If you’re thinking about fostering, I’d really recommend reaching out to Essex County Council for more information. It is so rewarding, and it gives you the chance to make a real difference to families’ lives."