Providing a short break for a child/young person with a disability can be very rewarding. Family Link carers provide regular short breaks to disabled children/young people including those with learning difficulties, autism and physical impairments. This type of fostering offers a long term relationship with a child/young person and their family. It suits people who can offer short breaks and who feel positive about disabled children/young people.
How does Family Link work?
Family Link carers come from all age groups and all walks of life. They are recruited and approved in the same way as other foster carers. Once approved, Family Link carers are carefully matched with a child/young person who is gradually introduced to them. If this goes well, a pattern of visits is agreed, perhaps an overnight stay every two or three weeks or a weekend each month.
Family Link carers receive payment, training and support through the Family Link Scheme and any requirement for special equipment will be assessed.
How much time will I need to give?
We ask that you are able to commit to at least one weekend a month on a regular basis. Some Family Link carers are linked with one child whilst others provide short breaks to more than one child. The amount of time you give to a child depends on the plan for the child and is agreed in advance.
Most of the children will stay overnight in your home, but if your accommodation is not suitable to meet the child's needs there is still a need for day care, particularly for children on the autistic spectrum.
What is expected of Family Link carers?
When approved as a Family Link carer you will need to be able to:
- Provide a safe and comfortable home for the children and young people you look after
- Give children the time and attention they need
- Work as part of a team with parents, other carers and social workers
- Accept that smacking, or other degrading punishments, are not permitted
- Keep information confidential
- Attend necessary training courses
- Support South Gloucestershire's commitment to equal opportunities by working positively with all people, recognising, accepting and respecting difference
- No smoking in the home when a child is present