Family link fostering
Family link fostering
What is family link?
Family link foster carers offer short breaks for a child with a disability.
Sometimes the needs of your child can mean that even ordinary things like shopping, decorating, helping other children with homework or having a night out without the children can be difficult. Family Link makes it possible for parents and children to take a break now and again.
Family link runs right across Warwickshire. Carers provide regular short breaks to children with disabilities, including children with learning difficulties, autism and physical disabilities. This gives them new experiences and the chance to make new friends. For their parents, it means some time for themselves and for any other children in the family.
Who can be a family link carer?
Family link carers come from all age groups and all walks of life and you don’t have to have previous experience of disability. All you need is to be able to offer a child somewhere to stay overnight. It is however an advantage to have experience of working with children with disabilities. Family Link carers are recruited and approved in the same way as other foster carers. Once approved, family link carers are carefully matched up with a child who is gradually introduced to them. If this goes well, carers and family agree a pattern of visits, perhaps an overnight stay every two or three weeks or one weekend a month. The frequency is tailored to meet the needs of the child.
Who needs a family link placement?
The family link service receives referrals from the children with disabilities team, when a child has been assessed as needing overnight short breaks. Many of the children have a mixture of health conditions and learning needs and are aged 0-18.
Children usually stay with their carers for one weekend per month, but this can vary depending on the needs of the child and their family. This can also include holiday periods and week days. We are currently seeking placements for several children of different ages, with varying levels of need. We would encourage anyone with an interest in supporting children with disabilities to contact us for more information.
Read more about our fostering experiences
What will you receive in return?
You will:
- Have the support of a dedicated fostering social worker.
- Have the support of a team of professionals who are working with the young person in your care and who can offer you advice and support.
- Have access to a full training programme, some of which will commence during your assessment period.
- Have access to 24 hour support when the offices are closed via the foster care support line and EDT.
- Receive a nightly fee of between £71.71 to £111.70 depending on the needs of the child.