Disability Fostering

If you have a disability and a curious about how fostering could work for you, our latest guide explains how you can become a foster carer. We’ve also provided information below about what extra consideration you might need to take into account if you choose to foster a child with a disability or additional needs.

Our guide includes information for:

·        Fostering as someone with a disability

·        Fostering a child or young person who is disabled. 

Can I foster if I am disabled?

In short, yes - you can foster if you have a disability. We are all about equal opportunities and want to ensure everyone who wants and is able to has the opportunity to foster.

As with all foster care, there are some key considerations that need to be taken into account, such as various fostering requirements. If you have a disability, we will work with you to see what impact this might have on any child placed with you for fostering.

The basics of fostering requirements:

• You have a spare bedroom
• You are aged 21 and over
• You are generally in good health and well in yourself
• You have the time and understanding to dedicate to any foster child in your care

Fostering with a physical impairment

If your disability is physical, such as being limited to a wheelchair or walking aid, sight impairment or hearing impairment, as long as you have the time and energy to care for a child without compromising on either their welfare or your own, this shouldn’t limit your ability to foster.

Fostering with a chronic illness

If your disability is neurological or a chronic illness, the same rules apply. As long as you have the time, energy and understanding to care for a child, we will work with you to see how it could be possible to foster and how your setup could work.

Our priority is always the welfare of the children in our care, and we want to ensure that both the child and foster parent can get off on the right foot so everyone has a positive, fulfilling experience. Our team will be delighted to work with you and see how you could start your journey towards transforming the lives of young people.

Fostering a disabled child

Caring for a disabled child is not that different from any other child – and, many of our foster parents have found it to be a deeply rewarding experience. Regardless of whether your foster child is disabled or not, you will need to possess the same traits in order to become a successful foster carer. We value kindness, understanding, patience, open mindedness, compassion, and a desire to deliver the very best care for any child placed with you.

Disability Fostering with Excel Fostering

Here at Excel Fostering, we’re here to support you every step of the way with your fostering journey. We’ll work closely with you to support any additional needs your foster child has, including accessibility needs or establishing routines for children with autism. Our goal is to create a happy, safe and secure home environment for both you as a foster carer, and your foster child.

Our expert team is here to help you to overcome any challenges, all our foster carers have access to a comprehensive training program. We also have an extended team who are here to support you to understand your foster child’s specific needs.

Our dedicated team is here to answer any questions you might have about disability fostering, and is here to guide you on taking your first step towards transforming young lives. Request a brochure or make an enquiry today!