What fostering disabled children is like, and what skills and qualities you'll need to be a good foster carer for them.
Around a quarter of children who need foster care are disabled. They can have a range of disabilities, including:
- learning disabilities
- mental health conditions
- autism
- physical disabilities
- sensory impairments
- complex health needs, which means they might need specialist equipment, monitoring, medication or feeding
You don't need to have experience of caring for a disabled child to be a foster carer for them. However, you'll need to learn about their needs and do your best to meet them.
If you choose to care for a disabled child, we'll work closely with you throughout your fostering journey and give you all the guidance you'll need to be a great carer for disabled children.
You'll get regular training before caring for a disabled child in addition to when they live with you.
If your home needs any adaptations and equipment, we'll help you to arrange this.
If you'd like to care for disabled children, you can either foster on a long-term basis or offer short breaks.
Next: unaccompanied asylum seeking children and young people
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat, contact our fostering team.
Call:
0117 353 4200
Email:
Form:
What our Bristol carers say about fostering disabled children
"Many people say they couldn't look after a disabled child, but… seeing a disabled child develop their independence skills, mobility and self-esteem is amazing."
