You could provide invaluable support to child or young person
People with their own disabilities provide invaluable support to child or young person with health problems or disabilities or those who may have experienced prejudice and discrimination in the past because of this.
Please remember each and every fostering household is different, just like every child in need of foster care is different. We’re proud to be an inclusive fostering agency, as we believe this enables us to provide the very best supportive and loving homes for children.
Fostering and mental health
Fostering can present unique challenges to our own mental health. Supporting children and young people who are working through their own life stories of separation, loss, abandonment and the inevitable sadness and anger that this can lead to means that, as a foster parent, you need to be resilient to deal with these emotional challenges.
Everyone’s mental health goes up and down depending on the circumstances of our lives at a given time. This is completely normal and we understand that almost everyone will have periods of depression, anxiety and stress in their lives at some point.
When applying to foster, we will always ask you questions about your general health and mental health.
We currently have a number of foster carers who have experienced a mental health condition, who are making an amazing difference to young people’s lives. And we’ve found them to be an excellent support to those children in our care with their own mental health challenges. In dealing with our own mental health, we gain life experiences which can be valuable as a foster parent, but we want to put you and your health first, to ensure that fostering won’t cause you further health concerns.
If you are currently suffering from any mental health concern and would like to foster, please call us or use our enquiry form to let us know about your own circumstances and we can provide appropriate fostering advice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about disability fostering
Can I foster on antidepressants?
Absolutely, being on antidepressants won’t automatically stop you from fostering with Chrysalis.
As part of our assessment, we’ll simply check that your mental health has reached a level of emotional stability so that you can provide a secure and loving home for a child.
Do I need a medical to be a foster carer?
As with all our foster parents, we’ll ask you to have a medical assessment with your own GP and our decision will be based entirely on your individual circumstances. Provided we’re sure your mental health won’t affect your own health or ability to care for a child, it won’t prevent you from fostering and you have every chance of being approved during the application process.
Will I still get my benefits?
When you foster with us, you will still receive Disability Living Allowance and all your usual benefits. To find out more about this and other financial matters visit our benefits and tax page.
Speak to our team
Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat to an expert, we're here to talk.
