Fostering Children with Additional Needs
Every child needs care, compassion and safety but some children in particular require some additional care. Many of our foster carers offer additional care to children who may have autism, learning difficulties, physical disabilities or medical conditions. There is a growing need for us to find foster homes for children with additional needs. If you are a kind, open-minded and patient person, you may be able to change a child’s life.
“The best thing about fostering is knowing that we are helping the children and in many cases their families too.”
-Denise & John, existing foster carers
How will I be supported?
Every one of our foster carers has access to a huge network of support services. You will be allocated a Supervising Social Worker who will be your first point of call for support, training requests, or just for a chat. They will meet with you regularly to discuss your progress with your foster child. Regular support groups will give you the opportunity to meet with other specialist foster carers.
Why should I foster a child with additional needs?
Becoming a foster carer for any child is an amazing thing to do and we understand that caring for a child with additional needs might not be for everyone. But if you are wondering if fostering a child is the right choice for you, our current foster carers will quickly tell you that having the opportunity to foster a child with additional needs, and enabling them to feel loved, safe and nurtured, brings unmeasured joy and benefits to the whole family. As foster carers you are supporting a child to experience normal, positive family life, that otherwise they may never have had the opportunity to experience.
Am I ready?
We understand that this can be quite a specialist role, and along with the vast range of training available to all our foster carers, carers of children with additional needs are given training specific to their situation, so you can be reassured that you will be fully prepared and supported. We will provide you with all the tools that you will need to be a fantastic foster carer, but trust us, you’re already better than you think!
I’m not sure it’s for me- is there any other way I can help? If you’re not sure that you’re ready to commit to caring full time, our Families Together Short Breaks Scheme might be perfect for you. The Families Together Scheme provides support services to disabled children under 18 in Rotherham, and their families. This can be for a few hours a week, up to a few days a month. It could involve caring for the child in your own home, in the child’s home, or taking them out on an activity. This service is usually free for the child’s family, and Family Together carers are paid an allowance for their time.
If you think you might be ready to foster a child with specialist needs, speak to our team about getting started today.