Episode Details

Not all foster care looks the same. So what exactly is therapeutic foster care, and how does it differ from traditional foster care?

In this episode of The Kingswell Conversations, Richard Kingswell draws on more than 30 years of experience in child welfare to explain therapeutic foster care, sometimes called treatment foster care, and why this additional level of support can make such an important difference for children and families.

Richard takes us behind the scenes of therapeutic foster care, exploring how children with more complex emotional, behavioural or medical needs are supported through specialist training, clinical services and a team of professionals working alongside their foster families.

He explains why therapeutic foster parents receive additional training and ongoing support, how the financial arrangements differ from traditional foster care, and why creating a safe, predictable home environment is so important for children who have experienced trauma.

The conversation also explores sibling groups, the challenges of recruiting therapeutic foster parents and a question many prospective carers may be wondering: Do I have the skills to do this?

For Richard, the answer begins with a conversation, a willingness to learn and the right support.

In this episode, we explore:

• The difference between traditional and therapeutic foster care.
• Why some children need additional therapeutic support.
• The training and professional services available to therapeutic foster parents.
• How foster care stipends differ according to a child's needs.
• The importance of keeping siblings together wherever possible.
• What makes someone a suitable therapeutic foster parent.
• Why stability, consistency and nurturing relationships matter more than labels.

At its heart, therapeutic foster care is about giving children and families the additional tools, understanding and support they need to build stability and move towards a positive future.

Whether you're considering becoming a foster parent, already supporting children in care or working within child welfare, this conversation offers a clear and accessible introduction to therapeutic foster care.

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📘 FREE DOWNLOAD | The Comprehensive Guide to Foster Care and Adoption

Looking to deepen your understanding of foster care and adoption? Richard Kingswell's free 45-page comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the children, families and systems at the heart of child welfare.

Download your free copy here: https://www.fosterva.org/

Connect with Richard Kingswell

With more than 30 years of experience in child welfare, Richard is passionate about sharing knowledge, challenging assumptions and encouraging better conversations about how we support children and families.

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardkingswell/

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