Children who have experienced trauma, neglect, or repeated placement breakdowns often need more than a safe home. They need consistent, trauma-informed care to help them feel secure, recover, and thrive.
Intensive Foster Parents play a vital role in this. But there is currently a shortage of Foster Parents with the skills and training to provide this specialist care. This can mean some children miss out on the support they need or are placed far from home, adding to their sense of disruption.
Key Responsibilities of an Intensive Foster Parent
Provide emotional and psychological support
Intensive Foster Parents create a safe, nurturing environment where children can begin to process trauma. They recognise that challenging behaviours often come from pain and fear, not defiance.
Build trusting relationships
Many children in intensive placements struggle to trust adults. Foster Parents work to build secure attachments through patience, empathy, and consistency.
Work closely with professionals
Foster Parents are part of a wider network that includes social workers, psychologists, and therapists. They attend meetings, training, and therapy reviews to ensure the child’s care plan is followed.
Respond to challenging behaviour
Foster Parents are trained to manage and de-escalate difficult situations linked to trauma or anxiety. They use calm, reflective approaches rather than punishment.
Support development and stability
By providing structure and routine, Foster Parents help children settle, regulate emotions, progress in education, and build resilience.
Keep detailed records
Foster Parents keep daily logs of progress, needs, and behaviours, helping professionals adapt care strategies as the child grows and changes.
Why choose AFA fostering?
At AFA Fostering, children’s needs come first. Intensive fostering is designed for children who are at greater risk of placement breakdown, and our Foster Parents play a vital role in helping to break that cycle. Here’s how we support you in doing this important work:
Specialist support and training
We provide comprehensive training on trauma, attachment, and behaviour. Whether you’re new to fostering or experienced, you’ll be equipped with the skills to meet children’s complex needs.
Dedicated supervising social workers
Our Foster Parents work with small caseload supervising social workers, so you receive regular, personalised support.
Round-the-clock availability
We understand that caring for children with complex needs doesn’t follow office hours. Our 24/7 support ensures help is always available when you need it.
Community and clinical support
You’ll be part of a supportive fostering community with peer groups, clinical input, and a genuine team ethos.
Generous allowance
We recognise the skill and commitment intensive fostering requires. Our financial package reflects the time, energy, and expertise you bring to the role.
Could you make a difference?
If you have the patience, resilience, and commitment to help children who need intensive fostering, we would love to hear from you. With the right training and support, you could transform a child’s future.