Therapeutic Foster Care
A unique combination of fostering and therapy
What Is Therapeutic Fostering?
Therapeutic fostering is a specialised type of care for children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or significant challenges. It focuses on providing a safe and supportive home while being a steady and understanding presence, helping them to rebuild trust and confidence.
Unlike standard fostering, therapeutic fostering requires more involvement in helping children heal and grow. This often includes offering additional care by working with therapists, social workers, and other professionals to meet the child’s emotional and behavioural needs.
If you’ve got a big heart and a lot of patience, therapeutic fostering could be for you. It’s an incredibly rewarding path for those who want to make a real difference. Although challenging at times, helping a child on their journey to a brighter future is worth every moment, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our Therapeutic Carers have access to a dedicated therapeutic team, offering support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
What are the benefits of Therapeutic Foster Care?
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Develop valuable skills and knowledge that help you provide the best care possible.
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Work closely with therapists and professionals to help children recover.
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Give children a safe place to rebuild trust, feel loved, and heal.
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Build deep connections as you guide children through tough times.
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Change lives forever by helping children move towards a better tomorrow.
Am I eligible to be a carer?
Becoming a foster carer means offering a stable and caring home for children who need it most. To ensure each child’s well-being, foster carers need to meet some essential criteria.
You need to be:
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At least 21 years old
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A UK resident
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In good physical and mental health
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Have a safe, clean, and comfortable living space with a spare bedroom for the foster child
It is also really important that you have the right character. Our carers are kind, patient, friendly, dedicated, and mature enough to handle the demands of the role.
How to become a Therapeutic Foster Carer?
Speak with Us
The first step is to get in touch! We’ll have a chat to learn more about you, answer your questions, and explain what therapeutic fostering involves. This is your chance to find out if fostering is the right fit for you.
Home Visit
Next, we’ll arrange a visit to your home. Don’t worry - it’s not about perfection! We’ll check that your home is safe and has enough space for a child, and we’ll talk more about what fostering looks like day-to-day.
Application Form
If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll fill out an application form. This gives us all the important details about you, your family, and your background so we can get the ball rolling.
Checks and References
As fostering is such an important role, we’ll carry out thorough checks, including a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and speak with your references. This is to make sure everything is in place to support you and the child you’ll care for.
Fostering Training
Before you welcome a child into your home, you’ll attend our fostering training sessions. These are designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to provide the best care possible.
Panel Interview
The final step is meeting our fostering panel. This is a chance for us to discuss your application and for you to share why you want to foster. If approved, you’ll officially be ready to start your journey as a foster carer!
Allowance and benefits
When you choose to foster, you’ll receive benefits and allowances designed to cover the costs of care and recognise the incredible work you do.
As a therapeutic foster carer, you’ll receive an enhanced fostering allowance and additional paid respite to support the unique demands of this role. We’re proud to offer a competitive rate that ensures you’re fully supported in providing the best possible care.
Your allowance covers essentials like food, clothing, and household bills to meet the child’s needs, as well as additional expenses for any special requirements the children might have.
Alongside your financial allowance, you’ll have access to regular training and round-the-clock support from our team to help you feel confident and prepared.
If you’d like to learn more about how your allowances and benefits are calculated, we’re always here to talk it through!
Other types of fostering
Parent and Child Fostering
‘P&C’ fostering involves a parent and child living with a foster family. It helps young parents without a stable home learn to care for their baby, with foster carers providing guidance and support.
Fostering Teenagers
Teenagers bring unique challenges but also incredible rewards. By fostering teens, you’ll provide guidance and support to help them navigate their formative years towards a brighter future.
Respite Fostering
Respite fostering is q great option if you can’t commit full-time but still want to help. These short-term placements give kids a safe home while their foster carers take a break. With a 14-day respite allowance for foster carers, respite carers are always in demand.
Still have questions about fostering?
Choose a date and time on the calendar below, and one of our fostering advisors will give you a call to discuss any questions you might have.