Fostering A Child With A Disability

Thursday 09 October 2025
Last updated: Thursday 25 September 2025

In the UK, there is an urgent need for Foster Carers who can provide a safe and loving home to children with disabilities. Many children in foster care have a wide range of conditions that can impact their daily lives. This may include sensory disabilities, additional learning needs and mobility difficulties. Giving a loving home to a child with disabilities can bring many rewarding moments, however, you may also face some challenges.  

What skills do I need:  

• You need to be patient and understanding because the child in your care may need a lot of time and attention. It is important to be patient and understanding with the child in your care because it will help you build trust as your new relationship blooms.

• Have empathy – lead with kindness and compassion. This is the basis of creating a safe and nurturing space.

• Safeguarding is important – be extra vigilant with safety.

• Communication is important – both with your child and the professionals involved in their care. It is also important to learn to communicate in different ways.

• Be open to learning new skills and adapting your approach so that it can help you be a better carer for the child in your care.

• Make the effort to learn about the child’s differences.

• Commit and invest your time in helping them learn new life skills, work with specialists, attend support groups and related events.  

At Five Rivers, as part of our matching process, where possible, we offer transitional periods for both our carers and the children in our care. Every child deserves a safe and loving home, regardless of their background, challenges or needs. We provide full support and training for Foster Carers with children who have disabilities. This helps them care for their child properly. Working closely with our team of clinicians to ensure they receive the best possible care and support for all complex needs.  

The needs of the child will always be paramount which is why we ensure their Foster Carers are equipped with the right skills. We also supplement these skills by offering medical training, provided by the community nursing teams and training in Makaton sign language and moving and handling as needed.  

You must have unwavering patience, flexibility and be dedicated to meeting their needs. This may even include making physical changes to your home to ensure their safety and comfort. It may feel overwhelming but remember, you are not alone in this. 

You will have a strong network of support, from your Social Worker to the specialist training provided by Five Rivers. We will give you continued support, guidance and encouragement, giving you the ability to help your child thrive.  

Many children with complex needs did not have a nurturing and supportive start to their life. You can help them learn how to accomplish everyday tasks and give them the confidence to become more independent. You will play a huge role in helping your foster child feel secure and happy by giving them love, attention and room to grow.  

Our teams are available round the clock and are here to support you and your family. If you have any questions, or simply need guidance, we are here for you. You will also have your allocated Social Worker who will have regular contact with you. Your Social Worker will work locally, allowing you to build a strong relationship with them and lean on them for support.   

All our Social Workers work in a trauma informed way and can provide compassionate trauma-informed support to you and your family. They will work closely with our team of in-house Clinicians. They will address any issues promptly and work with you to create an agreed plan of support.  

Our research-based training provides you with a strong foundation in therapeutic care. It is designed to help you become better trauma informed. This will help you to better support your child. We work with you to build a home where your child can feel valued and secure. 

Find out more about how we support our Foster Carers

We don’t underestimate the challenges that come with being a Foster Carer, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Find out more about training and support for our Foster Carers