Sunderland couple transformed rental home to foster children with disabilities

A fostering couple adapted their rental home to help children with complex needs ‘live life to the fullest’ after being inspired by the lack of provision for children in foster care living with disabilities.  

Tracy Venables and husband Andy began fostering with FCA North East which supports children and families in Sunderland in 2024, but have been fostering since 2020. They now care for two teenagers with complex needs.  

Tracy said: “When I worked for 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.” 

When the couple began fostering, their three-bedroom home was suitable. But after being matched with one of their current 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 the children can enjoy time outdoors and barbeques.” 

Although caring for two teenagers who need around-the-clock care has challenges, Tracy wants others to know that with careful planning, you can still go on family days out and holidays, she said: "FCA organises group activities that are adapted to the girls' 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’ve also just bought a tourer caravan and had all the adaptations done to take the girls with us on trips. They are part of our family, and living with a disability doesn't mean they should miss out on these experiences.” 

The Venables 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.  

“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.” 

There are currently 6,040 children living in foster care in the North East, 510 of which are in Sunderland. Foster parents who can care for children with disabilities are urgently needed.  

For more information on fostering in the north east of England visit thefca.co.uk  or call 0800 023 4561.