Championing Therapeutic Foster Care
A healing-based approach to fostering.
What is therapeutic parenting?
Many foster children live with some degree of trauma. As a result, traditional parenting methods often fall short of the mark.
We have seen the difference a therapeutic parenting approach can have on traumatised children and young people.
Therapeutic parenting is designed to help parents set firm but fair boundaries, establishing routines for stability and honesty using the PACE approach. We provide regular, sector-leading training in therapeutic methodologies, ensuring that all of our foster carers have the tools and skills required to reshape a foster child’s life.
What is meant by PACE?
PACE is a way of thinking, feeling, communicating and behaving that aims to make the child feel safe. It is based upon how parents connect with their very young infants. As with young toddlers, with safety the child can begin to explore.
CAFs Model
The child is at the centre of all that we do
They are fully supported by the Foster Carer, Supervising Social Worker and Youth Team
All work undertaken is carried out using the PACE Principles and the appropriate therapeutic support that is agreed for the child
As an agency, Children Always First is a learning organisation and is informed by others but also informs others on the benefits of a therapeutic approach.
Our therapeutic specialists, here when you need us.
We have a clinical lead. It’s their job to help you develop the therapeutic skills required to better provide foster care to a child in need using a PACEful therapeutic approach.
It’s important to note that you’re never alone when fostering through Children Always First. You’ll have a team of support specialists and foster care experts by your side at all times.
- Therapeutic parenting skills & implementation training
- Ongoing therapeutic support from our clinical lead , including Clinical Guidance
- Extra training when children have complex issues to work through
- Jigsaw Meetings with the team around the child to explore their lived experiences and how to respond to these therapeutically.
Why work with CAF?
Most fostering agencies have a specific focus or strength.
For us, we’re incredibly proud to be the only agency in the West Midlands with a dedicated youth work team. This means that all CAF foster carers enjoy ongoing, regular support from a community of youth workers, all of whom are highly skilled in both 1-2-1 and group activities with foster children/young people.
We also have our own clinical lead, whose role it is to run therapeutic groups, both for carers and children. We pride ourselves on offering the very highest levels of support, not often seen elsewhere in the sector.
Our training is second-to-none, and our support is the best you’ll find.
Sector-leading youth work
From nights spent camping to one-on-one activity days, our youth workers are specialists in being whatever a foster child needs – supporter, mentor, professional; it’s their role to help your foster child learn to build healthy relationships.
Specialised support
You’re never alone when fostering through CAF. Our support team are here 24/7, whenever you need us. We also offer a broad range of clinical support as and when required, both for yourself and for your foster child.
Considering fostering?
Speak to a member of our team. We’ll help you decide whether fostering with us is right for you.
Thoughts of our Children Always First carers
I worked for Children Always First for 18 months. In that time, I witnessed excellence, passion and care from every member of the staff team. My time with CAF was a privilege I am honoured to have had. The team are dedicated to supporting carers and meeting the needs of the young people. I would highly recommend Children Always First as a foster agency.
Fantastic foster care agency. I have had 5 positive years with CAF. Great training and amazing children and young people.
Fantastic family feel fostering agency, amazing support and training. Highly recommended for anyone who fosters or is thinking of becoming a foster carer.
A family led foster agency that goes above and beyond in providing the highest level of therapeutic support and guidance to the foster carers and the young people that are placed into their care. Joining this agency was the best decision we ever made!
I have been a supervising social worker at CAF for over a year now and have really enjoyed my journey here so far. I feel the therapeutic support we can offer the foster carers ranks us very high in terms of the quality we can deliver and the youth service ensures that children get a fantastic level of support, not just emotionally but socially.
Children Always First are a genuine, family-feel agency with a passion for providing quality support and positive outcomes for its children, young people and foster carers. If interested in fostering and being part of an agency where your voice is truly heard and valued, then get in touch with Children Always First!
Our Services
We’re on had to support you on your fostering journey.
Youth Team
Our youth team sit at the core of CAF. We run regular events for foster families to attend, as well as 1-2-1 activities with your foster child to help broaden their horizons.
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Financial Support
Our financial support team are here when you need them. From accountancy funding and support through to ongoing financial advice, we’re here.
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Therapeutic Approach
We’re big advocates of a therapeutic parenting approach. We offer extensive training and support for foster carers to adopt this style of care.
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Training
We run a broad selection of both mandatory and elective training courses. All of our courses run on the academic year (no training in the holidays!).
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Placement & Matching
We can support you through the entire assessment and placement process. It’s our job to match you with a child that’s a perfect fit for your home.
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Specialised Care
Some children have specialised needs. We can help you to meet their needs, or provide assistance in a variety of ways to keep the child happy and healthy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the therapeutic parenting approach?
The therapeutic parenting approach focuses on meeting the emotional and developmental needs of children who have experienced trauma or attachment issues. It emphasises building trust, providing consistency, and creating a nurturing environment to support the child’s healing and development.
What does PACE stand for in the therapeutic approach?
PACE stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy. It’s a therapeutic approach used in parenting and caregiving to help build positive relationships with children, especially those who have experienced trauma or attachment difficulties.
How does Children Always First support therapeutic foster carers?
Children Always First supports therapeutic foster carers by providing specialised training in therapeutic parenting techniques, access to therapeutic support groups, Clinical Guidance, Jigsaw Meetings and resources to help foster carers implement therapeutic strategies in their homes.
What are Jigsaw Meetings and their purpose?
Jigsaw Meetings are collaborative meetings involving all professionals involved in a child’s care, aimed at assembling a comprehensive support plan and gaining a therapeutic understanding of the child’s needs, akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. These meetings facilitate coordinated efforts and ensure that all aspects of the child’s welfare are addressed effectively.
