Fostering a disabled child

Fostering a disabled child requires specialised care to children who have learning difficulties, physical disabilities, autism, or perhaps another medical condition. Whilst there may be extra things to consider when fostering a disabled child, there are often many misconceptions around disability fostering. For instance, you don’t need to have specialised qualifications or experience to foster a disabled child, despite common misconceptions. Find out everything you need to know in our guide today.

Disability fostering placement FAQs

Do I need to have previous experience with disabled people for disability fostering? 

You do not have to have any previous experience with disabled children to consider a disability foster placement – here at FosterCare UK, we pride ourselves with offering specialised support 24/7. If you’re fostering a disabled child, you will have had training and support from our team, as you would for any non-disability foster placement. The biggest deciding factor for your application will be the suitability of your home and the interpersonal skills you possess.

Do I need specialist qualifications to foster a disabled child?

You do not need to have any specialist qualifications or formal training to foster a disabled child. Your independent fostering agency will offer the training and skills you need. If you have had previous experience, this can be beneficial for the application process – but it’s not essential criterion for disability foster placements.

Will I have adapt my home for my disabled foster child?

It is our responsibility to ensure that all our foster child’s needs are met – in the case of disability fostering, this often means that homes will have to be modified in order to facilitate your child. This might mean you may need to have a wheelchair ramp or perhaps specialist bathroom equipment fitted so that the child has maximum mobility and independence.

“I can’t become a foster parent if my birth child has a disability”?

If you are already parenting a disabled child, you will have invaluable experience for a disability fostering placement. What’s important to consider is the impact fostering may have on your child - it’s important your child can adapt to having a new child around the house, and that your capacity for caring for both/multiple children is not overstretched.

Do I need to know sign language to communicate with a non-verbal child?

Many children with autism are non-verbal – however, there are various ways in which you can communicate. Our agency will provide the specialist training in types of sign language, non-verbal cues, and other forms of communication you will need to know beforehand.

Can I foster a disabled child if I have pets?

Your pet will not hinder your eligibility to foster a disabled child – however, your pet will need to undergo a risk assessment to see if they are a danger to children. This is routinely conducted on all foster application processes. Learn more about fostering children with pets.

We hope this FAQ has given you some insight into disability foster placements. If you would like to find out more about the specialist training we offer, do not hesitate to contact our team for more information today.