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Things to consider when fostering deaf children

It can be challenging planning for the needs of Deaf Children when they come into fostering. Statistical data requirements in the UK do not require that specific types of disability be recorded; the result: the total numbers of deaf children in care are unknown. This is according to information from the National Deaf Children’s Society. The numbers are considered to be low, however such children do have specific needs needing to be met. Work has been done by the Society obtaining the views of carers fostering children who are deaf, as well deaf children themselves. The main concerns that foster carers expressed were the lack of information regarding how best to prepare for the arrival of a deaf child. They felt that if they needed information, it was left to them to pick it up as they went along.

Any child, going into care faces a time of insecurity as well as emotional upheaval. Such an experience can only be more isolating when a child is deaf. What is required is support – together with commitment and encouragement.

Fostering communication
There are different methods of communication which can be put into three main groups:

listening and speaking
sign language as a first language
using a combination of methods in a flexible way – sign, speech and hearing, finger spelling, gesture, facial expression and lipreading

There is more information available at: http://limpingchicken.com/2013/08/15/deaf-news-were-you-fostered-tomorrows-deaf-foster-kids-may-need-your-help/

When fostering children: misconceptions people have about deafness.

1 – All children who are deaf use sign language: not true – a lot of deaf children use sign language, but there are, however, different ways to communicate and each child will choose the way that is most successful for them.

2 – Deaf children can’t enjoy music. As the degree of deafness varies widely, many deaf children can still experience music. Some may not hear music entirely but are able to sense vibrations. Wireless communication and cochlear implants have paved the way to major advances in deaf children being able to enjoy music.

3 – Lip reading is something that all deaf children can do: not necessarily. Becoming proficient at lip reading needs considerable effort and concentration.

4 – Television cannot be enjoyed as deaf children are unable to hear it: not necessarily true due to advances in technology.

5 – Deaf children cannot use a phone. This is not always the case – especially amplified phones are available. Text messaging is also used – just as it is for people having normal hearing.

6 – When children are deaf, they are nonetheless able to hear everything by having hearing aids in or by using cochlear implants: not necessarily true – although hearing aids help focus sounds and then amplify them, it doesn’t mean deaf children hear in exactly the same way as people who can hear. Cochlear implants carry sound directly to the brain, but the experience of ‘hearing’ is not the same as for a person who is not deaf.

And the good news at the end of this fostering Rainbow…our calendar of summer events for our foster children is shaping up: watch this space…

Follow up on our fostering ‘Rewards’ bonus scheme.
Rainbow Fostering will pay a bonus of £500 if you are currently fostering and in a position to refer someone new to be a foster carer with us. Once your referral has been approved and the first placement made, we will make the payment to you. Remember: if you are already an approved foster carer with a long term placement, you can transfer to Rainbow and receive a bonus. We can also advise on a whole range of fostering issues such as foster carer pay: how long does it take to become a foster carer? Or even what is fostering? We are happy to provide information on how much do private fostering agencies pay? As well as the fostering allowance that you will receive.

If you are a foster carer read our news section about fostering.

Fostering deaf children


Remember to visit our special news section on Rainbow’s web site. There are a wealth of interesting articles if you are involved in fostering children. Just visit http://bit.ly/2e8PrIK

The post Things to consider when fostering deaf children appeared first on Fostering London - Blog.



This post first appeared on Fostering Agency London, please read the originial post: here

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