Some children in council care have a range of disabilities. In some cases their parents have felt unable to care for them permanently or they may be placed regularly with foster carers to help support the family.

This sort of foster work - where you are helping not only the child but also the family - is often very rewarding.

Caring for a disabled child can place a great strain on a family and parents are often extremely grateful for the breaks provided by respite care. It also often preferable for the child to be placed in a warm home environment rather than institutionalised care.

Some of these children have learning difficulties such as Down's syndrome. Others may have physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy.

You don't need special abilities to foster disabled children - just a love of children, understanding and commitment.

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