Disabled children often need extra care and attention, and may need special medication or care routines. If you're willing to take on this rewarding work, we'll give you specialist training.
You can also provide short breaks for children with disabilities, either part time or full time. Read more about the types of fostering.
Cheeky, but charming, Dean, 6
Dean is a lovable child who enjoys adult attention. He goes to a mainstream primary school and works well with his learning support assistant. He may need to go to a special school when he moves to secondary education.
Dean seems to have been allowed to behave badly because he is cheeky and smiley, but as he's grown his parents have found it harder to care for him. Dean can be aggressive towards his mother and siblings if he doesn't get what he wants.
Dean is on the autistic spectrum. He finds it difficult to wait and take turns. He needs his day and surroundings to be very predictable. He responds positively where this is provided, for example at school. He enjoys all lessons except noisy team games.
Dean loves to share books with an adult and knows a lot about tractors, cars and other vehicles.
Dean needs a foster family with no other young children so he can have the focussed attention he needs to shine.
Crafty short break friend needed, Leanne, 14
Leanne lives with her parents and younger sister in rural Essex. Her father works away from home for long periods of time.
Leanne has a level of learning disability. She does not sleep well and is often active at night. Leanne's mother worries about her, for example, leaving taps turned on. During the day she needs supervision, as she has little understanding of danger.
Leanne likes to play with dolls and toys. Her home life is becoming more complicated as her sister is moving on to other activities.
Their mother feels there are not enough hours in the day.
Leanne wants a friend who can take her on outings (she likes the zoo) and to make things with, such as pictures and cakes (she likes to have something at the end to share). A short break carer could give Leanne the time to try new things while giving her mother an overnight break.