Tracy and her husband Andy have been fostering since 2020, switching to FCA in 2024 when they moved back to the UK from Canada.

The couple cared for two teenagers with complex needs and physical disabilities, even moving house and having it adapted to ensure they can help the girls ‘live life to the fullest’.

Inspired by the lack of provision for children in foster care living with disabilities, Tracy shared her story to encourage more people to consider opening their home to children with disabilities, and not to be put off by assumptions or perceptions of their needs.  

Beginning their fostering journey

Many of our foster parents start thinking about fostering long before they take the plunge and apply. This was the case for Tracy and Andy, who were fostering six adult children and 11 grandchildren of their own, alongside fostering the two girls in their care.

Tracy said, “During my time in the NHS, I cared for a little boy with complex needs who used to visit with his foster parent. She told me about the urgent need for foster parents who can support children with disabilities, and I thought, ‘I could do that’ because I’ve always worked in care settings and have a son who has Cerebral Palsy.” 

“From that point on, I had the dream of fostering children with complex needs in the back of my mind. We ended up moving to Canada for a while before moving back to England, where I worked as a nanny.”

“When the children I was caring for went off to school, I knew that the time was right, and Andy and I started the ball rolling.” 

Transforming their home

When the couple began fostering, their three-bedroom home was suitable. But after being matched with one of their foster daughters, they needed something more accessible.

Tracy said, “We had to move to a rented house because our foster daughter needed a wet room.”

“We then worked with an occupational therapist to make sure the house was set up with a ceiling track and hoist equipment too. Our landlord has been great, supporting us to complete the necessary adaptations.”

“Since then, we’ve also installed a through-floor lift, laid LVT flooring and improved the garden to make it wheelchair-friendly so children can enjoy time outdoors and barbeques.”  

Living life to the fullest

Although caring for two teenagers who required around-the-clock care had challenges, Tracy wants others to know that with careful planning, you can still go on family days out and holidays. She said, “FCA organise group activities that are adapted to different needs.

“During an event last year, they hoisted one of our foster daughters onto the front of a bicycle, and I was wheeling around with her. It was amazing – she really enjoyed herself.”

“We also bought a tourer caravan and had all the adaptations done to take the girls with us on trips. If they are part of our family, living with a disability doesn’t mean they should miss out on these experiences.” 

Don’t be put off by assumptions

The couple are encouraging more people to consider fostering children with disabilities, and not to be put off by assumptions or perceptions of their needs. Tracy said, “People look at what we do from the outside and think, ‘I couldn’t do that.’ But Andy and I are living proof that you can.”

“If you’re interested in applying to foster, I would say give it a go. Make sure you do your research and look into independent fostering agencies rather than just your local authority. It took some time for us to find the right agency for us until we transferred to FCA, but we’re so happy that we did.” 

“Don’t rule out caring for a child with a disability. I promise it’s not as scary as you might think. It’s so rewarding, and it’s a real pleasure to be able to make a huge difference in children’s lives and help them live life to the fullest.” 

Could you foster a child with complex needs? 

We asked Tracy to share the qualities she believes are needed for someone to become a foster parent of children with complex needs to show that it’s more accessible than you may have first thought. She said, “You’ve got to be caring, patient, nurturing and adaptable.”

“Fostering isn’t always easy. We’re all humans, and even the most experienced foster parents have their ups and downs.”

“You’ve got to be giving of your time and of your heart. You also need to be the kind of person who is willing to ask for help if you need it. At the end of the day, you are welcoming these children into your home, and they’ll become part of your family.

“You want to do all you can to make the experience as happy and nurturing as possible for them.” 

Learn more today

You don’t need experience to become a foster parent, just a passion for learning and helping others in need.

If you’d like to learn more about disability fostering, we’d love to hear from you. Call us today on 0800 023 4561 or submit your details via our enquiry form.

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Speak to our team

Whether you’re ready to start your journey or just want to chat to one of our friendly fostering advisors, get in touch with us today.

Enquiry Form

You are required to have a spare bedroom that’s always available to a foster child. The spare room cannot be shared, and must be big enough to fit a single bed, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.

Do you have a spare room?*

To be approved as a foster carer in the UK, you must be a British citizen or have the legal right to remain in the UK without restrictions that would prevent fostering.

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The following questions are intended to help us understand your experience with children. Please note that prior experience is not required to become a foster carer, as full training will be provided.

Have you had children of your own?*

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