Why Therapeutic Fostering Works: Inside our Level 3 Qualification

At Flourish, our foster parents can complete our Level 3 Course in Applied Therapeutic Practice, a nationally recognised qualification accredited by CPCAB and developed by Dr Mica Douglas and the Flourish therapeutic team. The five-month course goes beyond learning therapeutic approaches and looks at the theory behind why they work. Foster parents explore childhood trauma, […]
Using the PACE Model in Therapeutic Fostering

In This Article What is the PACE model? What does PACE stand for? How does PACE help children who have experienced trauma? What do playfulness, acceptance, curiosity and empathy mean? Why is PACE important in therapeutic fostering? Quick Answer: What is the PACE Model? The PACE model is a therapeutic parenting approach used to help […]
Foster Parent Self-Care Guide: Manage Stress & Avoid Burnout

As much as we celebrate fostering, sharing stories of children finding stable, supportive homes and of parents finding purpose… this isn’t everyone’s story. For many foster parents, supporting traumatised young children can be exhausting and feel impossible. The focus is on the child’s healing, meaning the parent’s well-being might get forgotten. Without support and some […]
Understanding Self-Harm – A Trauma-Informed Guide For Foster Parents

Self-harm is distressing for a parent to encounter, especially if you’ve had no experience with it before. For children who have experienced early trauma, it can be used as a way of coping with their overwhelming emotions. Even though it is increasingly common in society today, self-harm is still very misunderstood. When adults don’t understand […]
The Complete Guide to Fostering With Pets

One question lots of foster parents face before starting their journey is, ‘I want to foster children, but what about my pets? Are there any rules when fostering with pets?’ We completely understand that… our fluffy friends are part of the family! Good news! Most people can foster and have pets, and having a pet […]
I wasted 2025. How can I make a difference this year?

Get fitter. Spend less. Be healthier. Try something new. Every January, many of us open a fresh notebook and promise ourselves a fresh start. New Year’s resolutions help us grow, but what if this year your resolution could do more than improve your own life? What if it could change someone else’s future? If you’re […]
Foster Parents on Stress Awareness Day

While we often celebrate stories of love and resilience in fostering, there’s another side that isn’t always seen. Behind the bright moments, many parents quietly carry the weight of trauma that isn’t their own. We want to share some advice for foster parents on Stress Awareness Day. The Hidden Emotional Cost of Fostering and Adoption […]
Why Therapeutic Fostering Should Be the Standard in Foster Care

Therapeutic fostering has become one of the most talked-about approaches in foster care, but what does it actually mean? More importantly, why do we believe it should be the standard for every child who has experienced trauma? Quick Answer: What is Therapeutic Fostering? Therapeutic fostering is a trauma-informed approach to fostering which helps children recover […]
What is Flourish Foundation?

We’re excited to announce the launch of Flourish Foundation, a new chapter in our mission to support vulnerable children and young people through compassionate, practical education. Flourish Foundation was created by the team behind Flourish Fostering, our Ofsted outstanding therapeutic fostering service. Over the years, our team of expert psychotherapists have developed high-quality training courses […]
Flourish Fostering Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Flourish is Outstanding! On its 5-year anniversary of becoming Ofsted-approved, the fostering service is recognised for its significant positive impact on the lives of children and young people. Flourish Fostering is proud to announce that its team in the South has been rated ‘Outstanding’ following an inspection in March 2025. Ofsted’s report highlights the organisation’s […]