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Therapeutic Foster Care
Therapeutic-led fostering provides children who have experienced trauma with the safety, stability and specialist support they need to heal, grow and thrive.
Therapeutic-Led Fostering
Some children have experienced trauma, loss or neglect that can make it difficult for them to trust others and feel safe. Therapeutic-led fostering provides these children with the stability, understanding and specialist support they need to begin recovering from their experiences.
As a therapeutic foster carer, you'll offer more than a safe home. Working alongside Olive Branch's therapeutic team, you'll help children build trusting relationships, manage their emotions and move forward with confidence.
Why do some children need therapeutic-led fostering?
Children who need therapeutic-led fostering have often experienced significant trauma or disruption in their early lives. Their experiences can affect how they communicate, form relationships and respond to the people around them.
Therapeutic-led fostering recognises that behaviour is often a response to past experiences. Instead of asking, "What's wrong with this child?", it asks, "What has this child been through?" This understanding helps carers respond with patience, empathy and consistency while supporting children to feel safe again.
Helping children recover from trauma
Therapeutic foster carers create a calm, predictable home where children can begin to feel secure.
Everyday routines, clear boundaries and trusting relationships all play an important part in helping children recover. You'll work closely with therapists, social workers, education professionals and our therapeutic team to ensure every child receives the support they need.
Progress doesn't always happen quickly, but even small steps can make a lasting difference.
Is therapeutic-led fostering right for you?
Therapeutic-led fostering is suited to people who are patient, resilient and willing to learn.
You don't need to be a therapist or have professional counselling experience. What matters most is your ability to build trusting relationships, remain calm during difficult moments and provide a safe, nurturing home.
We'll provide specialist training, practical guidance and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role.
Specialist support from Olive Branch
Our therapeutic-led foster carers receive enhanced support to meet the needs of the children they care for.
Alongside your dedicated supervising social worker, you'll have access to our therapeutic team, specialist training, regular guidance and 24-hour support throughout every placement. You'll never be expected to manage complex situations on your own.
Find out more
If you're interested in therapeutic-led fostering, we'd love to hear from you.
Speak to our friendly team for a no-obligation conversation about this specialist fostering role and discover how you could help a child build a brighter future.
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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.