The foster carer's handbook on health

Health care is important for all children and young people, and for their parents or carers. But fostered children can experience extra health challenges. Children frequently enter the care system with a worse level of health than others, in part due to the impact of early abuse or neglect. Evidence suggests that they often experience common health risks to a higher degree than their peers. They may also have higher rates of disabilities or mental health needs.

As a foster carer, you have a vital role in supporting the health of the children in your care. But how best can you do this? What do you need to know about fostered children’s specific health needs, and how to manage them? How can you help children to understand their own health, and encourage them to live healthier lives, now and in the future? This handbook will support you to navigate through the health service, to ensure that children’s needs are met, and to be a role model for their health choices. It also provides advice on self-care, to help you ensure that you safeguard your own health in this demanding role.

This guide is a must for foster carers seeking to support the health of a child or young person in their care, and in turn help to improve their life chances. It is particularly suited to newly approved foster carers, but experienced carers will also find it useful to confirm or expand their knowledge. 

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