Family Link Scheme for disabled children
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The Family Link Scheme supports disabled children and their families. Children on the scheme can have a wide range of needs – from mild disabilities or learning difficulties to very complex health needs.
A disabled child stays with a link carer for regular breaks – usually one weekend a month. This link can continue for as long as the carer and child remain part of the scheme.
We always need people who have the skills and experience – through nursing for example – to help children with limited mobility or with health conditions that require particular attention. Many successful applicants though have no experience at all.
Carers and young people are carefully matched so that you both know what to expect. You get to meet the child beforehand and will not be asked to take on more than you feel you can cope with.
You will be trained and assessed as a foster carer and receive support from us and parents as well as from health professionals if this is needed. Payments are based on the amount of time a child stays with you.
Short Break – Big Benefit
"Don has cerebral palsy and stays with us for one weekend a month. It’s a good break for him and a bit of a rest for his family. We have our own children of a similar age so we all go out together and do the things everyone does.
"We look forward to Don’s visits and the scheme is flexible so we can always switch weekends around for holidays and things like that."
Pat and Phil – joined the Family Link scheme in 1996
Want to know more?
If you would like to know more about the Family Link scheme, then please contact us.