Therapeutic fostering is a specialist type of foster care that is tailored to support children and young people who have dealt with trauma, abuse or any other kind of severe disruption prior to being placed into foster care.
Children and young people who need a therapeutic foster placement are likely to have had previous placement breakdowns. Standard fostering placements have been unsuccessful or where their adoption placement has broken down.
Children and young people requiring therapeutic fostering usually have significant developmental trauma which is impacting on their ability to connect to others in a family setting. Looked after Children’s past abuse and trauma often cause mental health conditions such as depression, psychosis, separation anxiety and/or self-harming and the goal is to reduce such symptoms so they can experience a fulfilling and positive childhood.
We use a variety of therapeutic theories depending on the issues the child presents with. Carers who become therapeutic carers will receive extra training.
Carers will need to have the following key skills
- Patience,
- Resilience,
- Empathy,
- Ability for self-reflection
- Willingness to accept feedback and try new methods.
- A family or household who can support you
- Ability to be available to provide consistent care
- Desire to turn a child’s life around.
- Spare room in your house.