About Family Link
Family Link carers provide regular short breaks to disabled children and young people including those with learning difficulties, autism and physical impairments. This type of fostering offers a long-term relationship with a child or young person and their family. It suits people who can offer short breaks and who feel positive about disabled children and young people. Providing a short break for one of these children can be very rewarding.
How does Family Link work?
Family Link carers come from all age groups and all walks of life and don't have to have previous experience of disability. They are recruited and approved in the same way as other foster carers. Once approved, Family Link carers are carefully matched with a child or 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.
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. However you can give as much or as little time as you want. Some Family Link carers are linked with one child whereas others provide short breaks to more than one child. The amount of time you give to a child will be agreed with your social worker. 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.
What is expected of Family Link carers?
When approved as Family Link carers you will need to be able to:
- Provide a safe and comfortable home to 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 is 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
Payment, insurance, training and support are provided by the Family Link social worker as well as any special equipment, which may be needed in the home.