Government

• Governments carefully screen applicants for foster care and usually provide training to potential foster parents. In the case of a child with disabilities, the foster care agency will usually also provide training on the nature of a particular disability, the required special care for that disability and information on laws as they pertain to children with disabilities, including access to education. The foster care agency also should provide information on local organizations and medical providers that can provide assistance to parents.
  
  

Schools

• Schools can be a great source of information and resources for parents of children with disabilities. In some cases the school can provide training in certain aspects of care, and in most cases the school can provide information on local resources that are available to help parents and special needs children. Even schools the child does not attend will frequently offer assistance. Teacher colleges can be another good source of information and assistance.
  
  

Organizations

• There are a number of local, state and national organizations that exist to help children with disabilities and their caregivers. By getting in touch with these organizations, parents can find out about educational and training opportunities as well as other sources of support for themselves and their children. They also can help with questions or concerns that may arise down the road.
  
  

Support Groups

• Foster parents of children with disabilities should look for support groups for parents with special needs kids. Whether it is a local, community group or an online group, these can be a great place to share experiences, find out about resources and opportunities and get quick answers to questions that may arise from parents with similar experiences.