LINK Care

LINK foster carers provide regular short break care for children with complex needs and disabilities.

A LINK foster carer can mirror that of a reliable family friend who is safe, trusted and who has the skills to provide practical short break care to the child.

• Unlike some other types of foster care, LINK care is a voluntary arrangement, an arrangement which is suggested to some families as a way to support the family unit.
• LINK care intends to be a long-term arrangement, with the aim of the LINK carer becoming an extension of the family. Some of the most successful LINK arrangements in Suffolk have been in place well into the child’s teenage years.
• LINK care is flexible. It can range from a few hours per month on a weekend to a few nights per month.
• LINK care gives the child a chance to experience new environments and form new close relationships with trusted adults and their families.
• LINK care gives parents of children with disabilities a much-needed short break from their caring role. It gives some families opportunities to get a good night sleep, have a night away or spend 1:1 time with their other children.

Feedback from a Social worker in the Disabled Children and Young People’s Team: 

“They (LINK carers) loved spending time with him, taking him out and playing with him. Tom* has autism and needed a high level of supervision and support which was impacting on his older brothers mental health. There was no family locally who could support. This break gave parents time to have 1-1 time with the brother as well as a break from caring for Tom. The LINK carers really looked forward to having Tom as their own children had grown up and moved out. Tom built a relationship with the carers too and enjoyed doing things with them 2-1 in the community as they could both focus on Tom. Generally, a really good outcome for everyone involved.” – LINK care arrangements of 2 nights per month. *Child's name has been changed.

LINK care can be a lifeline for parents and carers of children with disabilities. Providing them with much needed breaks in their caring role. It’s impact can be invaluable.

LINK carers are particularly needed for Suffolk’s younger cohort of disabled children, between the ages of 3-8 years old.

It has been noted that there is a big gap for LINK carers who use, or are willing to learn, British Sign Language to provide short break care for deaf and hearing impaired children in Suffolk.

The needs of children requiring LINK care can be wide ranging, from children with Autism who have sensory needs, to children with complex health needs.

LINK carers must be kind, empathetic and caring.

LINK carers must be willing to learn about specific disabilities and be open to training to help care for these children. This may be specific medical training and / or training on how to support challenging behaviours.

School transport can be arranged to / from the LINK carers address to fit in with the child’s routine and schedule.

Accessibility considerations may need to be made for children who require accessible bathing and sleeping facilities or children who require space for specialist mobility equipment.

From the 1^st June 2023, Link carers hourly rate is £8 per hour. Mileage is 45p per mile.

Please contact us if you wish to discuss further.