Resources

Fostering Children with Special Needs

Some foster parents choose to look after children with special needs. These are children who have been professionally assessed with challenging intellectual, physical and emotional difficulties. The degree of time, attention and care they require depends on the individual needs and strengths of the child.

What's different about fostering children with special needs?

  • Youngsters with extra special needs often require extra help and support (for example, help with hygiene, dressing and feeding themselves).
  • In addition, more time and energy may be spent with medical and other professionals in providing coordinated and specialized services to meet the child’s needs.
  • Progress in the child’s knowledge and skill base occurs in small but significant increments.

What does it take to foster a child with special needs?

There are many things to consider. Ask yourself:

  • Do I believe that people with extra special needs should be included in all aspects of family and community life?
  • Is each member of my family willing to share our home with a child with extra special needs? It is important to talk candidly about how everyone’s life will be affected.
  • Do I have the time to be involved intensively with the child, their family and a variety of community specialists?
  • Am I in good enough physical and mental health to cope with the added stress of a child with extra special needs?
  • Can I accept the fact that the child’s developmental gains may be very limited?
  • Do I have patience, imagination, and a sense of humour?

Support Services for Foster Parents Caring for Children with Special Needs

You will have ongoing support from your resource worker and the child's worker, and you will be referred to community supports such as:

  • Medical practitioners (doctors, psychiatrists, nurses, physiotherapists, speech pathologists)
  • Mental health services (behavioural support, psychiatric assessments, and/or
  • School district special services (counselling, phsyciatric testing, tutoring)

The following ministry-funded services may be available in your community:

  • Homemakers and babysitters
  • Relief care
  • Child and youth care workers
  • Supported (special needs) child care, and/or
  • Infant development consultants

The Infant Development Program provides services for children up to three years old whose development is delayed by a mental or physical disability. A consultant can help you plan activities that encourage the child to develop physical, social, and intellectual skills.

For more information regarding fostering a child with special needs, please talk to a resource worker in your area or visit the Community Living BC website.