"Fostering a Difference: Couple's Two-Decade Journey Supporting Children with Disabilities"

For nearly two decades, Ann and Chris have dedicated themselves to fostering children with complex needs and disabilities, transforming their lives and becoming beacons of hope for the foster care community. As Bolton-based agency Next Stage for Fostering highlights their remarkable story, the need for more foster carers to support children with disabilities becomes increasingly pressing. The national shortage of foster carers for children with disabilities is escalating, with 4,820 fostering households leaving the system last year while only 4,055 were approved.

Key Takeaways:

• Ann and Chris began fostering 18 years ago and have since cared for multiple children, including those with disabilities and additional needs.
• They transferred to Next Stage for Fostering in 2024 and have since supported several children, including Kameron, who they adopted, and Thomas, for whom they took a Special Guardianship Order.
• They currently offer foster care to a nine-year-old boy with complex disabilities and have created a sensory room featuring soft play equipment and calming lights to support the children's needs.
• Next Stage for Fostering is calling for more foster carers to support children with disabilities, citing the urgent need for carers to meet increasing demand.
• Ann and Chris's experience demonstrates the extraordinary impact foster carers can have on the lives of children with disabilities, as highlighted by Next Stage for Fostering director Lynda Hardman.

Statistics:

• 4,820 fostering households left the system last year, while only 4,055 were approved, highlighting a growing shortage of foster carers for children with disabilities.
• Ann and Chris have been fostering for nearly two decades, providing stability and support to multiple children with complex needs.
• The sensory room they created has provided a safe space for the children to unwind and be themselves.

Sources:

• Bolton-based agency Next Stage for Fostering, which highlighted Ann and Chris's story to showcase the urgent need for more foster carers to support children with disabilities.
• Ann and Chris's experience as foster carers, as shared in an interview with Next Stage for Fostering.