From Thriving to Surviving: A New Foster Carer's Guide to Therapeutic Fostering

Understanding the importance of therapeutic fostering is crucial for anyone considering this rewarding journey. Therapeutic fostering goes beyond traditional fostering by addressing the complex emotional and psychological needs of children who have experienced trauma. It recognises that these children often come from difficult backgrounds and require not only a safe home but also specialised support to help them heal and flourish. For new foster carers, understanding this model is the first step toward making a meaningful difference in a child's life. At the heart of therapeutic fostering is the recognition that trauma impacts a child's ability to trust, communicate, and form healthy relationships. By creating a nurturing environment that incorporates therapeutic principles, foster carers can help these children rebuild their sense of safety and security. This approach emphasises the importance of building strong, trusting relationships, which can serve as a foundation for emotional healing.