Bob and Dawn's story
The Therapeutic Team
Here at Fostering Rotherham, we are incredibly fortunate to be able to offer all our foster carers and children in care the services of our wonderful in-house Therapeutic Team. In our Ofsted inspection, we were described as providing “a comprehensive and impressive offer for therapeutic support”. The aim of the Therapeutic Team is to strengthen the stability of home matches and support the emotional wellbeing of young people.
Introduction to Therapeutic sessions
Usually carers and a child in care attend therapeutic sessions together - this helps to strengthen relationships and provides the children with a 'safe base’.
Foster carers then feel better equipped to support the child in their care.
Support for foster carers
As well as supporting the child, our Therapeutic Team also offers our foster carers the opportunity to upskill.
This provides foster carers with the tools and confidence to deliver therapeutic care to the children in care in their own home.
Training and workshops from the Therapeutic team
Our Therapeutic team provides regular training and workshops for foster carers. Workshops and training days are facilitated on specific issues, for example: understanding attachment and trauma, therapeutic parenting – reflecting on our personal skills and challenges and life story work.
The Therapeutic Team also offer advice on a number of topics, including:
-
Supporting foster carers in exploring strategies to help them remain calm during challenging situations.
-
Some practical pointers for parenting and behaviour management, including consideration of the PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) model. PACE is a way of thinking, feeling, communicating and behaving that aims to make the child feel safe and loved.
You can read more in our blog below: