Fostering children with disabilities

Fostering a child with disabilities can be challenging. We provide specialist training, advice and support to help foster carers.

Induction and settling-in period

While you are fostering a child or young person with disabilities:

• You will get support from a social worker who specialises in working with disabled children
• You will get ongoing contact and support from your supervising social worker
• We will regularly assess the support you and your family need throughout the placement

Training and support

We will give you specialist disability training. You will also be able to get expert advice from health professionals, including:

• Occupational therapists
• A nursing team
• Speech and language experts
• Nutritionists
• Diabetes and epilepsy services

You will also be able to:

• Get support from local and national organisations that support children and young people with disabilities
• Talk to your foster buddy - an experienced foster carer who can support, guide and reassure you
• Have a break if the child gets respite care from the short breaks scheme
• Find advice and support for looking after a child or young person with disabilities on the Norfolk SEND Local Offer website

Financial support

You will get fees and allowances for providing short-term or long-term care for a child with disabilities.

Children with disabilities or a long-term health condition may be entitled to other benefits and financial support:

• If they are under 16 years old, they may be eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• If they are over 16 years old, they may be eligible for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

If the child you care for gets Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments, you may be able to claim Carer's Allowance.

We may take benefits into consideration when creating the placement plan.