While providing a loving home and intentions to help are necessary for children in need, they are not sufficient for children who need specialist support in their lives.
Recognising Trauma Responses
When children are distressed by past abuse or neglect they can express this intensely through their behaviour rather than through words or talk. A foster carer needs to recognise the extreme distress that a child is experiencing through their behaviour and understand that this behaviour is a result of past trauma and not ‘bad’ behaviour.
De-escalation and Co-regulation
Slowing your own breathing and using a low calm voice to help children return to a calm state helps develop co-regulation skills that can be taught and developed over time with practice.
Therapeutic Communication
These therapeutic approaches support the child’s emotional development. Therapeutic communication using the PACE model of Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy will be discussed in more detail in order to support children who have difficulty trusting adults.
Reflective Record-Keeping
Keeping a brief, daily record of behaviours, their triggers and your response to them is very helpful to identify patterns over a period of weeks.
For Therapeutic Fostering, visit saferfostering.org.uk/therapeutic-fostering/.
Working Alongside Professionals
You will be part of a team including social workers, therapists and school staff. Attend all reviews fully prepared, bringing all relevant records and asking questions where necessary to ensure that the whole team is working effectively to support the child.
With practice, reflection and support around you these skills can develop over time.