Becoming a Foster Carer

The Short Breaks Scheme (formerly the Family Link Scheme) provides support to families of children with disabilities. These can vary from moderate physical disabilities to learning disabilities to very complex health needs. The scheme relies on people like you to volunteer as Carers - even if you can only spare a few hours a month.  

Children and young people can then spend a short period of time with their Carers - providing a break for both the children and their families. We provide training and support for new Carers and advice is always available from the child’s own family. We also carefully match children with carers and allow time for everyone to get to know each other.

Who can be a Short Breaks Carer?

Carers can be...

Children benefit from their relationship with their Short Breaks Carer. This can be one of the first steps they take towards building a more independent life.
Parents benefit because they have time for themselves and for their other children.
Short Breaks Carers benefit from the rewards of providing this service to others and are reimbursed for their work.

Contact our staff at the Family Placement Team who will be happy to discuss the scheme with you and answer your questions or register your interest by filling out an online Registration of Interest in Fostering Form. We will also send you more detailed information to look through. If you decide to join, one of the team will arrange to visit you to talk about your application. All Short Breaks Carers are approved by the Children & young People's Service and attend a training course before they are registered on the scheme.

For more information contact: