I know this probably sounds mad. Im 39, my H is diagnosed with MS but keeping well apart from fatigue. We have a severely disabled 4 year old - ASD and LD, we currently get respite. We are slowly coming to finalise the decision that we cant reasonably have a second child, we couldnt manage the stress of a preg (I had a hard pregnancies due to fibroids and would expect it to be just as bad second tme round). Nor could we manage a baby. At least we couldnt manage these things right now and by the time we could I think I may well be too old.
But respite has me thinking: Im so grateful for what these carers are doing for us. Without them I dont think we would be able to cope just now and having respite makes me feel we will have the space to cope with the challenges DDs disability throws at us in the future. I would love to do the same for another family, or provide short term fostering. Id love to care for other children, even difficult ones - tho maybe in our circs not extremely difficult ones or babies. We couldnt do this now but maybe in a few years we'll be more sorted with DD and if Hs health remains stable maybe we could take on this kind of challenge. I can see pros and cons, Hs health and DD may not make us a good placement. But on the other hand we are solid loving parents who know more than average about managing challenging behaviour due to having a children with complex SN - we get huge amounts of advice and input from CAMHS. Its certainly not roses and fairy tales in our house, but definitely love, consistency and patience. Lots would depend on how we think DD would manage with this - I guess I could get advice on that. It might be bad but it could also do her good.
I guess Im asking whether this is hair brained fantasy? Would SS exclude us just on our family situation or would they assess us before making a decision? I guess we'd need to do some courses, maybe would could do that while we wait for the time to get a bit better than now (I know that may never happen) but if it did Id love the chance to love other children and care for them - even just on their way through to wherever their lives take them next.