Foster Carers:
Discover How to Transform the Lives of Your Children with Our Compassionate Behavioural Training Course
How To:
Unleash the Power of Love, Empathy, and Connection to Help Your Foster Children Thrive in Your Care
Dear Foster Carer,
Your decision to become a foster carer is a remarkable one.
One that friends, family members, and people you barely know will praise you for.
But they’ll never truly understand the challenges that come hand in hand with your selflessness.
Because while you have the unique and rewarding opportunity to make a profound difference in the life of a child who has faced adversity…
You also face the weight of responsibility that comes with creating a loving, supportive, and nurturing environment, for a child who may have experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse.
And at times, many foster carers (regardless of experience), report feeling overwhelmed, underprepared, or uncertain about how to approach certain situations.
That’s no surprise, right? When you consider the challenges presented to you:
The Challenges of Foster Care
Challenge #1. Managing behavioural issues
Foster children may exhibit a wide range of behaviours as a result of their past experiences. These can include aggression, withdrawal, tantrums, or self-harming tendencies. Managing these behaviours can be emotionally and physically demanding.
Challenge #2. Understanding the impact of trauma
Many foster children have experienced trauma, and understanding the effects of this on their emotional well-being and behaviour is crucial for providing appropriate care and support.
Challenge #3. Building trust and attachment
Foster children may have difficulty forming secure attachments due to their past experiences. Developing trust and building a strong bond can take time, patience, and understanding.
Challenge #4. Navigating complex emotions
Foster children may struggle to express and manage their emotions, which can manifest in challenging behaviours or emotional outbursts.
Challenge #5. Balancing your own well-being
Although often overlooked, caring for a foster child can be emotionally taxing, and it’s essential to strike a balance between providing care and looking after your own emotional well-being.
Where Do You Turn For Support?
It takes patience, compassion, and resilience to provide the care these children need.
And the support for foster carers like you has come a long way in the last few years – with a growing network of support systems designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence you need to support the children in your care.
But despite this progress, there’s never been a truly comprehensive guide to show you how to navigate the challenges of fostering…
Until now.
Introducing the ProActive Fostering Course
We’ve distilled years of working closely with foster carers and partnered with leading experts in children’s psychology to meticulously design a step-by-step programme to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and insights you need to effectively navigate your foster children’s unique challenges while fostering a secure and nurturing environment for them to thrive.
By enrolling in the ProActive Fostering Course, you’ll:
#1
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of trauma on children’s behaviour, emotions, and development, and learn how to respond with empathy, patience, and compassion. By understanding the root causes of your foster child’s behaviour, you can tailor your approach and offer targeted support.
#2
Discover evidence-based techniques and strategies to help foster children build self-esteem, resilience, emotional intelligence, and healthy coping mechanisms. Our course will teach you practical methods for helping your foster child develop the emotional skills they need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
#3
Master the art of setting appropriate boundaries, creating a safe and predictable environment, and establishing routines that promote stability, trust, and a sense of belonging. Consistency and structure are essential for helping foster children feel secure and supported.
#4
Uncover the power of compassionate communication to connect with your foster child on a deeper level, diffuse challenging situations, and encourage open dialogue and emotional expression. Effective communication is key to building trust and understanding your foster child’s needs and emotions.
#5
Learn self-care strategies and stress management techniques to help you maintain your own well-being while caring for your foster child. Our course emphasises the importance of looking after yourself so you can provide the best care possible.
#6
Join a supportive community of fellow foster carers, sharing experiences, insights, and learning from one another. Gain access to expert advice and guidance from experienced professionals in the field of foster care.
What’s Included?
Our comprehensive and in-depth course includes:
14 modules of interactive online lessons, featuring engaging video lectures, enlightening case studies, quizzes, and hands-on exercises designed to reinforce your learning. In each module, you’ll explore a new topic, building on your knowledge and skills to become a more effective and compassionate foster carer.
More information below
Monthly live Q&A sessions with our team of experienced foster care professionals, child psychologists, and therapists, offering personalised support and advice. These sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification, and gain insights from experts in the field.
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Optional 1:1 support, designed to provide personal support with the techniques and strategies you’ve learned throughout the course. Direct 1:1 support via Zoom from our team of professionals.
Lifetime access to course materials, updates, and resources, so you can revisit and refresh your knowledge whenever you need to, ensuring ongoing growth and development. As your foster care journey progresses, you’ll have access to the latest research and strategies to support your growth as a carer.
Course Modules
Course Introduction
In this introduction module, we’ll chart your journey of knowledge and empowerment. Gain a comprehensive overview of the course and discover the essential skills and resources you need to provide the type of environment your foster children need in order to thrive.
Therapeutic Parenting
Unlock the power of therapeutic parenting, learn evidence-based strategies, practical techniques, and nurturing approaches so that you can create a sense of calm and belonging in the parent-child relationship.
Understanding Behaviour
Comprehensive module that delves into the underlying factors that drive behaviour, equipping you with effective tools and insights that will empower you to create positive transformations in your foster children’s lives.
Understanding The Neuroscience
In this module, dive deep into the inner workings of the brain, unravel the connections between brain development and behaviour, and discover powerful strategies to support positive outcomes for the children in your care.
Child Development – Using a Lived Experience Lens
In this transformative module, delve into the stages of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional growth. Gain practical insights, evidence-based knowledge, and effective techniques to support each child’s unique developmental journey
Applying Attachment Theory To Fostering
Discover the profound impact of unmet attachment needs on a child’s emotional wellbeing. Gain practical strategies, explore the importance of bonding and how to create a secure attachment with your foster children, even if up until now they have pushed you away.
Childhood Trauma (Understanding Lived Experiences)
Empower children to heal from childhood trauma. This module equips you with trauma-informed strategies, resilience building techniques, and a deep understanding of the healing process.
Toxic Shame – The Missing Third Element
This module explores the profound impact of toxic shame on a child’s self-esteem and behaviour. Gain practical tools, compassionate approaches, and evidence-based strategies to help children ovecome shame and build resilience.
House Model of Parenting – Pulling it all Together
In this module. we unveil a comprehensive framework that integrates therapeutic techniques, trauma-informed approaches, and nurturing strategies that has been developed specifically for foster carers.
PACE & Staying PACEey
This module unravels the principles of Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy, providing you with practical techniques and scripts to connect deeply with children, build trust and promote healing.
De-escalation Strategies
In this module, learn proven techniques to defuse tense situations, promote emotional regulation, and create a calm and safe environment for the children in your care.
Understanding Recovery (and Resilience)
In this empowering module, explore the factors that contribute to resilience, learn effective strategies to support healing and growth, and discover how to nurture a sense of hope and strength in children overcoming adversity.
Post Crisis Support & Reattunement
This module offers practical strategies, self-care techniques and resources to help children and yourself navigate the aftermath of challenging situations and explains how to effectively repair ruptures to your relationships.
TRUST Method
Therapeutic Re-Parenting Understanding Attachment, Shame & Trauma.
Applying theory and knowledge into a cohesive model for change.
Building Bridges: A Foster Carer’s Guide to Working Successfully with Schools
In this module, explore effective strategies to build strong partnerships with school, enhance communication, and promote educational success for your foster children.
Questions? Get Answers...
Even when you’re equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to handle challenging situations as a foster carer, it’s natural to have doubts.
“Am I doing the right thing?”
“Could I have dealt with that situation better?”
“Is it just me finding this aspect difficult?”
That’s why the ProActive Fostering Course goes far beyond providing you with the practical information and know-how you need to provide the best possible care.
Because when you sign up, you’ll also receive exclusive access to our live monthly Q&A calls.
Each month, you’ll be invited to join us live on Zoom and provided the opportunity to ask any questions you might have about your foster journey – for life.
Whatever the topic or concern, our expert team will be on hand to provide answers from their experience, training and psychology.
And even if you don’t have any questions, you’re still welcome to join the call and benefit from the questions other foster carers are asking.
Carer Success Stories
Discover the most transformational course for Foster Carers.
But don’t just take our word for it – hear from some of the inspiring foster carers who have already transformed their lives and the lives of their foster children through our course:
Provided me with some Eureka moments!
“It really is an excellent catch-all course that brings together a lot of what we have learned & re-frames it. It should be part of our compliance to do this course yearly.
Helen is very knowledgeable & it is clear that she is passionate about this work. I was impressed that we could talk about behaviours & Helen could explain how our young people will be feeling & what part of the brain was leading the responses. In understanding this it enables me as a carer to respond (or not) to what is being presented.
As foster carers, our training covers this as a series of different topics so to have it consolidated certainly provided me with some Eureka moments!”
Pauline Young – Foster Carer
Made understanding the course easy
“Very informative… lots related to our situation as new carers.
We thought Helen was fantastic and really made understanding the course easy, great use of videos, really helpful and enjoyed it.”
Loveen and Ryan Richards – Foster Carers
Enabled us to understand
“The course enabled us to understand reasons for a child’s responses – see things through the trauma / sensory / therapeutic lens which allows us to respond in a way the children will be able to manage – It takes time, keep going.”
Foster Carer
Honestly loved this
“I normally really struggle with training as I can’t focus on things when sat still but honestly loved this, I think this is because of both interesting content and delivery with a fab mix of resources, activities, facts and examples.”
Kadya Wittenberg – Foster Carer
Can’t Recommend It Enough
“Helen is a great trainer. She explained everything well and simplified it, so easier to grasp.
Her energy was also great.”
Foster Carer
Very engaging
“…I found the course to be invaluable. Helen was very knowledgeable as a trainer and very engaging.”
Foster Carer
Brilliant course
“Helen is a great trainer. She explained everything well and simplified it, so easier to grasp.
Her energy was also great.”
Foster Carer
Are You Ready To Make A Lasting, Positive Impact On The Life Of Your Foster Children?
Pay in Full
£247
14 On-Demand Modules
Monthly Q&A Calls (for life)
Lifetime course access
1 Easy Payment
With 1:1 Support
£649
3 months 1:1 Support*
14 On-Demand Modules
Monthly Q&A Calls (for life)
Lifetime course access
1 Easy Payment
* 1:1 Support consists of a 1-hour monthly Zoom meeting with Helen. Secure her undivided attention to focus on YOUR questions about YOUR children.
Payment Plan
£89X3
14 On-Demand Modules
Monthly Q&A Calls (for life)
Lifetime course access
3 Monthly Payments of just £89
Our 100% Money Back Guarantee
We understand that investing in any course can feel daunting, even when it feels like a perfect fit.
That’s why we created our 100% Moneyback Guarantee.
If you watch the entire course and decide it’s not exactly what you were hoping for, or it hasn’t lived up to your expectations as a Foster Carer, we’ll refund 100% of your money – no questions asked.
Meaning getting started with the ProActive Fostering Course is 100% risk-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have a certain time in which I need to complete the course?
A: No! You’ll receive lifetime access to the course, meaning you can complete it in your own time as fast or slow as you like. Plus you’ll always be able to join the monthly Q&A calls to help you when needed.
Q: What’s your refund policy?
A: Our 100% Money Back Guarantee means that as long as you watch all of the course materials, we’ll refund 100% of your money if you’re not completely satisfied with the course and what you’ve learnt. No questions, no quibbles.
The best part, you have a FULL 60 days to experience the course and start to apply the learning in your home.
Q: How do I access the course materials?
A: You’ll be sent your login details for the online learning portal straight after purchase, designed to make the process super simple. All you need is a laptop, computer, phone or tablet and an internet connection!
Q: Is this suitable for me if I’m not yet a Foster Carer?
A: The course has been carefully designed to deliver value to novice and experienced Foster Carers alike. If you’re still on your journey to becoming a Foster Carer, it’ll provide you with the tools and know-how you’ll need further down the line so that you can start with confidence and avoid the usual pitfalls.
Course Authors
Dr. Anna Randle
(Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist)
Anna is an exceptionally warm, gentle and deeply compassionate Clinical Psychologist who has over fifteen years of experience working with children, young people and families.
She has a considerable portfolio of experience working in NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care Services (MTFC), Inpatient Adolescent Services as the Clinical Lead in Eating Disorders and Psychosis, and Principal Psychologist in Residential Services for looked after children. In both these roles, she had the lead responsibility for providing training and specialist consultation to Health, Social Care and Educational Professionals as well as providing reflective supervision of Assistant, Trainee and Specialist Psychologists.
More recently, Anna spends her time working as Head of Therapy for a Fostering Agency. She has a special clinical interest in working with looked after and adopted children and young people. She is particularly keen to integrate the work of Kim Golding and Dan Hughes and the key principles of parenting with PACE into her work with children, young people and families.
Anna has published research papers relating to the development of ‘therapeutic attachments’. She believes in the importance of building a therapeutic web around the complex emotional needs of children who are looked after, to nurture their capacity to form ‘therapeutic attachments’.
Helen Knowling
Helen is an experienced trainer with 19 years in SEMH (Social, Emotional, Mental Health) children’s residential homes, and special schools and has been directly supporting foster carers for the last 9 years. She holds the L5 Diploma in Leadership of Children’s Services and L5 ILM cert in Leadership and Management.
In 2014, Helen implemented the Secure Base Model of Care (Schofield and Beek, University of East Anglia). Working in close collaboration with the founders she adapted the model for residential care settings. She then extended the model into educational settings. She was asked to present this work at the Secure Base Network Meetings in London and later to Norfolk County Council to demonstrate the benefits of using the Secure Base model in Special School settings.
Helen recognises that education offers many barriers for children to thrive and has worked closely with SEMH schools to align staff with therapeutic practice. This has resulted in creating a briefing system to ensure consistent approaches are used schoolwide.
She has delivered INSET days to schools on trauma-informed education and has carried out consultancy work in both schools and with foster carers to identify where trauma-informed practice could improve outcomes.
Helen has just published her first book (The A-Z of Behaviours in the Classroom – A Trauma-informed Guide for Teachers) and believes that it will offer teaching staff valuable insight into why trauma-informed practice is so important and offers strategies for supporting over 50 different behaviours commonly seen in the classroom.