Another occasional piece where we provide some background information covering aspects of Fostering Children that call for particular awareness. If you are the kind of Foster carer able to give extra time and cope with the additional physical demands, you might like to consider specialising in fostering children who have complex needs. At Rainbow fostering we provide excellent support for foster carers keen to acquire the additional skills needed. As one of the leading independent fostering agencies, we would welcome carer’s interested in specialising in this area. Our support will include providing advice about specialist equipment that may be required, plus advice relating to any home adaptations that may be required. We also pay an enhanced fostering allowance: this recognises additional costs that may be involved.

There are many different types of fostering: all need to take into account a child or young person’s educational needs. One of the most vital tasks for a foster carer is to provide support for children in their care through their education. Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) will certainly require additional support. The definition of SEND was established by the Children and Families Act of 2014. This defines a child or young person as requiring special educational needs if they have a learning difficulty or disability.

Complex needs are defined when a child has significantly greater difficulty in learning than their peers; or if they have a disability preventing, or impeding them from making use of facilities provided in schools for other young people of the same age. It is important that anyone considering becoming a foster carer understands the support and direction that is in place and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Knowing coordinated support is always available provides reassurance around the life changing decision to foster – and especially to foster children with complex needs. There are Health and Well Being Boards (HWB’s) which are established by local authorities that bring together the NHS, adult social care as well as children’s services. They exist to play a key role supporting; amongst other things, the needs of children with complex and special educational needs, including children with illnesses, or conditions of varying levels of severity.

The information below covers one of the most common conditions that usually falls within the description of ‘complex needs’ that a foster carer might come across.

If you foster a child with ADHD it is a common condition

ADHD – Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: ADHD is an umbrella acronym used to cover a group of behavioural symptoms. These can include hyperactivity and inattentiveness with impulsive behaviour also being an indicator. Generally the symptoms are constant restlessness, short attention span and overactivity. These problems are usually noticed first at school because a child with ADHD is often disruptive in the classroom.

The first thing to point out is that ADHD is common. Current estimates are that between 5% and 12% of children have the condition. As all children can be restless, excitable and impulsive, a formal diagnosis is often hard to make. And this is made harder since there is no one specific test for ADHD and the symptoms often appear different in different children. They differ in girls and boys – as well as at different ages. Where ADHD is suspected, a child will be assessed by a doctor or psychologist. Once the decision has been made that a child has ADHD, a treatment plan will be instigated. There is no cure, but the symptoms can usually be relieved. This is achieved through the use of medication or therapy – sometimes a combination of both. It is common for the treatment to be arranged by a specialist such as a psychiatrist or paediatrician. It is then monitored by a General Practitioner.

If you are currently a foster carer and want more information we recommend visiting: http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/ as well as http://kidshealth.org/

Considering you might foster children: explore ‘Rainbow Rewards’

Here at Rainbow we will pay a fostering bonus if you refer someone to be a foster carer. This will be £500; and you’ll receive the money from us once your referral has been approved – with the first placement accepted. Existing foster carers transferring to the Rainbow Fostering network, can also qualify for a bonus once approved for fostering with Rainbow, this will be a payment made for foster carers already having youngsters placed with them on a long-term basis. Our specialist recruitment team is available on 020 8427 3355 if you need any further information or clarification: For an introduction to fostering generally, visit http://bit.ly/2h094C8

And the good news at the end of this particular rainbow…only six more shopping days to go before Christmas and one of our children has recently passed an important theory test with flying ‘Rainbow’ colours. you can also keep in touch with us at https://twitter.com/Rainbowfosterin

More Fostering News – to keep you informed and up to date

If you foster, take a look at our news site for stories of interest to everyone involved in fostering children. The latest: ‘Fostering appeal on Twitter creates a huge response’

December 19th, 2016 for news visit: http://bit.ly/2e8PrIK

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