This is a transformative approach to foster care, grounded in the realities of everyday practice and shaped by those whose expertise is deeply rooted in lived experience. This model reflects a profound understanding of the daily challenges faced on the frontline of caring for children who have endured trauma.
Relational Care in Practice for foster care is more than a new training course; it is an transformational approach designed to redefine how we engage with vulnerable, traumatised children in care. This approach shifts the focus from prescribed methods to a way of being that is authentic, adaptive, and deeply relational.
Relational Care in Practice is not a set of instructions or techniques, it’s a deeper methodology that develops personal growth, self-awareness, and genuine connection. By grounding itself in the uniqueness of every relationship, Relational Care in Practice offers a refreshing, sustainable approach that’s intuitive and transformative.
At the core of Relational Care in Practice lies the principle of authenticity. Authenticity is not about adopting a specific persona, adhering to a prescribed methodology, or following scripted actions from a manual. Instead, it emphasises genuine, meaningful engagement rooted in individual integrity and relational connection. It’s about being real, and is anchored in self-awareness and congruence.
This authenticity stems from within and honours the unique inner world of both the foster carer and the child. When foster carers approach relationships with this kind of authenticity, they create an environment where genuine connection can thrive.
This approach emphasises that all relationships are inherently unique. There is no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ relationship, rather, there are opportunities to understand and enhance the connections we already have. Relational Care in Practice invites foster carers to embrace the relationships that exist in every interaction and explore how self-awareness can make these connections more meaningful and supportive.
Relational Care in Practice is founded on the principle that many foster carers already possess an inherent capacity for compassion, empathy, and intuitive foster carer skills. Many are already engaging in practices that support and nurture children in meaningful ways. This approach does not position itself as the sole expert, nor does it prescribe rigid methods for doing things ‘right.’ Instead, it acknowledges the fluid and dynamic nature of caregiving and the complexities of the children we care for.
Relational Care in Practice recognises that no foster carer can achieve perfection, and indeed, the concept of ‘right’ is ever-changing and context-dependent. Learning and understanding within this framework is not a linear processes, it ebbs and flows, much like the developmental and emotional journeys of the children themselves.
Children in foster care are not static in their needs or identities. They evolve through the impacts of trauma, the resurfacing of past trauma, challenges with birth family dynamics, peer relationships, and interactions within educational settings. These factors shape their emotional and cognitive states, which vary significantly across different stages of development and particularly intensify during adolescence, a period of profound emotional and psychological upheaval. Given this, relationships with these children will inevitably experience fluctuations, progress and setbacks, growth and regression. Relational Care in Practice embraces this reality and accommodates practice that is adaptable and attuned to the child’s immediate needs.
Relational Care in Practice aims to facilitate stability through healing relationships, ones that promote resilience, and lay the groundwork for emotional well-being, it is a model rooted in understanding, flexibility, and a commitment to helping children and young people navigate their complex journeys toward more emotionally secure futures.
Relational Care in Practice is not about ‘instructing’ foster carers on what to do, it’s about creating opportunities for self-learning and personal transformation. By fostering a deep sense of self-awareness, foster carers learn to adapt to the needs of each unique relationship. This adaptability ensures that the care provided is not formulaic or artificial but natural and deeply rooted in the specific context of each interaction.
This methodology acknowledges that relationships are not static. They evolve and require ongoing attention. Building Relational Care in Practice is not about achieving a fixed goal; it’s about committing to a continuous process of growth and mutual understanding.
The foundation of Relational Care in Practice is built on the strength of self-awareness. By taking the time to explore your inner world, your values, triggers, and vulnerabilities, you can deepen your understanding of yourself and how you connect with others. Confidence rooted in self-awareness promotes authenticity and builds trust, creating meaningful and supportive relationships that truly empower those in your care.
The foundation of Relational Care in Practice is built on the strength of self-awareness. By taking the time to explore your inner world, your values, triggers, and vulnerabilities, you can deepen your understanding of yourself and how you connect with others. Confidence rooted in self-awareness promotes authenticity and builds trust, creating meaningful and supportive relationships that truly empower those in your care.
Every relationship is unique, and Relational Care in Practice celebrates this individuality. It’s not about following a one-size-fits-all model but about adapting to the specific dynamics of each interaction. This adaptability allows for a deeper connection that respects the individuality of both the foster carer and the child.
Relational Care in Practice is built on simplicity. It’s not rigid formulas or complex strategies. Instead, it focuses on being present, genuine, and open. Sometimes, the simplest acts of connection can have the most profound impact.
Healthy relationships require clear boundaries and an understanding of choices. Relational Care in Practice teaches foster carers to set boundaries that are firm yet compassionate, creating a safe and predictable environment for children. It also emphasises the importance of empowering children to make choices, promoting their sense of agency and self-worth.
Relational Care in Practice transcends notions of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’; it is not a prescriptive method or tool but a dynamic and evolving way of being. Building meaningful relationships with others is a journey that acknowledges the complexities and challenges inherent in caregiving. Many foster carers, parents, and professionals already possess innate relational qualities, and this approach focuses on refining and empowering those attributes.
It is equally important to recognise the profound difficulties faced at the frontline of caring.
When relationships encounter challenges or appear to falter, it is essential to avoid attributing blame. Even the most attuned foster carer will encounter moments of impasse. These moments call for understanding and support, not judgment or condemnation. Relational Care in Practice is about fostering growth and resilience, even in the face of adversity.
This approach is not a binary practice of ‘doing’ or ‘not doing,’ ‘giving’ or ‘not giving,’ nor is it about rigidly following prescribed steps. Instead, it builds upon the innate qualities and strengths that foster carers already possess, enhancing these through deeper layers of knowledge and understanding. By tapping into these inherent capacities, this approach empowers foster carers to bring greater depth and insight to their relationships and care practices.
Building relationships takes time. It’s not about expecting immediate results or miracles.
Sometimes, despite the foster carer’s best efforts, trust may not develop, or progress may seem slow. Relational Care in Practice acknowledges these challenges and encourages foster carers to remain patient and consistent. Even when connections are difficult, the effort to create trust and safety is never wasted.
Relational Care in Practice shifts the focus from doing to being. It’s not about a checklist of actions but about cultivating a way of being that prioritises genuine connection and mutual growth. By embracing authenticity, adaptability, and self-awareness, foster carers can create an environment where children feel seen, valued, and understood.
This approach is not about perfection. It’s about progress. It’s about understanding that what foster carers bring to the table right now is good enough as a starting point. Through ongoing self-reflection and adaptation, they can continue to deepen their relational skills and provide meaningful support to the children in their care.
Relational Care in Practice places a strong emphasis on how we relate to others and the relationships we build, how we nurture them, and the internal foundations from which they arise. Equally, it recognises the critical importance of education and understanding in this process. Central to this approach is a comprehension of childhood trauma, attachment theory, and the profound impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on children in care.
This knowledge equips foster carers with the insight needed to respond with understanding, attunement, and effectiveness. By integrating relational skills with an understanding of trauma and its effects, foster carers can create environments that promote healing, growth, and trust.
This synthesis of relational practice and informed understanding forms the bedrock of Relational Care in Practice.
Relational Care in Practice is more than a training course; it’s a transformative methodology that empowers foster carers to build authentic, adaptive, and meaningful relationships. By celebrating the uniqueness of every interaction and prioritising self-awareness and authenticity, this approach offers a powerful new way of being. It’s about creating a lasting framework for relational growth and healing. In doing so, it has the potential to become the new model for those committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
The Relational Care in Practice in Practice course is structured around six core modules that guide participants through a comprehensive journey of understanding and applying Relational Care in Practice.
Beginning with Understanding Relational Care: The Heart of Connection, participants are introduced to the philosophy and principles that underpin this transformative approach, emphasising authentic, adaptive care rather than prescriptive techniques.
The course delves into the foundations of self-awareness in The Foundation of Relational Care exploring personal values, emotional congruence, and the importance of understanding one’s inner world. Subsequent modules, such as Building Trust and Safety Through Authenticity and Celebrating Uniqueness: Adaptive Relationships in Practice, focus on creating safe, trust filled environments and tailoring care to the unique dynamics of each relationship.
Additional modules address critical areas like setting compassionate boundaries, empowering children through choice, and promoting self worth. The course culminates in The Journey of Relational Growth, which highlights the ongoing nature of relational care, emphasising patience, self-reflection, and a ‘no blame, no shame’ approach to foster caring. Together, these modules provide a robust, actionable framework for integrating relational care into daily practice.
Each module includes theoretical components, reflective exercises, case studies, and practical applications to ensure the content is professional whilst remaining accessible, and engaging.
Sarah Anderson, a qualified psychotherapist, brings unparalleled expertise to this course, which has been carefully developed in collaboration with frontline professionals in the children’s care sector. With extensive experience in child and adolescent mental health across both the NHS and private practice, Sarah has devoted over 16 years to fostering, with a particular focus on supporting adolescents with complex needs.
As the founder of FosterWiki, the UK’s largest independent platform for foster carer-led information, guidance, and advocacy, Sarah has been a steadfast advocate for foster carers and children in care. Her work spans every level of the UK fostering sector, from advising the Department for Education to engaging daily with thousands of foster carers on the frontline.
This dual perspective of policy and practice has been instrumental in shaping this course, ensuring it integrates professional expertise with the lived realities of Relational Care in Practice. Sarah has led the development of this transformational model in partnership with sector experts, bringing a rich blend of insight, experience, and dedication to the field.
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