Part-time caring enables you to provide vital support to a disabled child and their family. Fitting regular short breaks around your daily life you'll become part of a child's life whether for holidays, weekends, day care or babysitting.

As it is so important for families of children with a physical or learning disability, to have a short-break on occasions, this type of fostering is tremendously rewarding as you do help both child and family. Parents need to spend time with their other children, or with each other, safe in the knowledge that their child is happy and well cared for in a loving family home environment. If you can provide such an environment, you can help young children and teenagers to make new friends, widen their horizons and encourage their independence

The people who will benefit from your care include:

• Children with medical conditions

• Children with learning disabilities

• Children with physical disabilities

• Parents or carers needing support

Whatever your age or personal circumstances - you can do it, as long as you are able to make a regular commitment and have the room in your home to look after a child. What matters most is that you are able to help them feel comfortable with their surroundings and broaden their experience. Children with disabilities are the same as other children in responding to love, care and rewarding activities.

We want ordinary people who have time, energy and a genuine desire to help a child with a disability. You don't need special qualifications or previous experience as long as you are willing to learn and participate in training. However, it will help to have a positive outlook, patience, tolerance and dedication, motivation, energy and a good sense of humour plus the confidence to cope with a variety of situations.

We understand that choosing to care for a disabled child is a tremendous undertaking and we will help, encourage, support and guide you through every aspect of the application process to ensure that you make the right decision.

You will naturally be given all the appropriate training and support that you need, including financial assistance and special equipment where necessary.