Foster carers need to appreciate that each Deaf child will have different needs. The nature of deafness can be mild, moderate, severe or profound. Being able to communicate is the priority so that the needs of a child or young person can be taken into account. The ability to communicate is one of the most important life skills. It’s difficult to think of anything we do that doesn’t involve communication. Basic needs like obtaining food or  letting others know when we are sad or upset depend on being able to express our wants and requirements – and understand those of others. Relationships at school, work or amongst family and friends rely on the ability to communicate,

Foster an awareness of the different methods of communication.

It won’t take long for a foster carer to begin to understand the communication needs of the child or young person they are looking after. British Sign Language (BSL) is used by some youngsters to ‘sign’. BSL is a visual language that relies on the use of facial expressions, body language, and handshakes to communicate. It has its own vocabulary and BSL also has different grammar from that used in spoken and written English.  

Foster carers responsible for a deaf child should also be aware of The National Deaf Children’s Society. This organisation has created a website devoted to its own Family Sign Language. It has video demonstrations of how families use simple signs to communicate with their children. FSL has been developed for use with the under 5’s. 

Lipreading is another technique used by young people. Foster carers should also be aware of Makaton. This is a language programme using symbols and signs that underpins the development of key communication skills: listening, recall, memory, and comprehension. It’s thought well over 1000,000 adults and children make use of Makaton signs and symbols.

A good many deaf children will make use of fingerspelling. A deaf foster child might finger spell to support spoken words. An example might be to use the first letter of a person’s name.

Foster an understanding of the principles of communication.

These are some of the basics that should make it easier for a foster carer to communicate effectively by:

• always speaking clearly in a normal voice;
• label photographs of other family members so a deaf child can quickly learn their names;
• make sure the lighting is bright enough for a foster child to lipread;
• choose the option for subtitles on television;
• when in a family settings try to get members to talk one at a time. This enables a deaf foster child to see who is speaking and keep up with the conversation. 
• show a deaf foster child ares in the home where there could be loud noises (remembering a child may have either mild or moderate deafness meaning a sudden loud noise could be unsettling);
• it may help when talking to make use of visual clues or draw a picture;
• it’s a good idea to always ask a foster child or young person to repeat what’s been said to ensure they have understood.

A foster carer should remember not to:

• cover the mouth when speaking;
• shout;
• mumble; 
• slow speech down;
• Stand in front of the sun or some other bright light surf as a foster child will be unable to lipread what you are saying;
• Give up as this could be frustrating even upsetting for a foster child. Seek a way to communicate such as writing or drawing or send a text message. 

For more information about Makaton – visit: https://makaton.org/TMC/About_Makaton/What_is_Makaton.aspx

Why foster?

It’s a sad fact but the number of children coming into foster care is increasing year-on-year. The numbers of new foster carers is not keeping pace. And this results in difficulties matching children to households that best meet their needs which can be cultural and/or religious. 

Rainbow Fostering Services Limited are looking for families and individuals willing and able to provide a loving, caring foster home. Foster carers provide support in a safe and welcoming environment for children who are unable to live with their birth family. Being a foster carer means being there to help a child with all the different aspects of their daily life. Taking young children to school, showing an interest and enthusiasm in all the hobbies and activities. Even taking them on holiday!

The decision to foster should never be taken lightly. There are, of course, many challenges but also many unique rewards. Rainbow have been rated ‘Outstanding in all areas’ meaning you can rely on high-quality training and support from our team of committed fostering professionals. 

Rainbow pays its foster carers generous allowances. And our specialist therapeutic training programmes offer foster carers the chance to qualify for enhanced payments. 

Most importantly, we are always here to listen – whatever the problem or issue – 24/7, 365 days a year. Start your fostering journey with complete confidence today by simply calling  0330 311 2845.

Anyone contemplating fostering will need to have a spare room to accommodate a child or young person. You can foster whatever your status (single, married, divorced, separated), ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation, We look for people who are highly motivated and dedicated to supporting and guiding a vulnerable child or young person to reach their full potential.

Our FAQs page is extremely popular as to provides answers to most of the questions we get asked about fostering.http://rainbowfostering.co.uk/frequent-asked-questions/ From our blog series we suggest – http://rainbowfostering.co.uk/foster-care-for-the-very-first-time-simply-unforgettable/

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