When a child enters foster care, they bring with them not just their belongings, but their entire lived experience – including trauma that may have deeply shaped how they see the world and relate to others. At Origins Foster Care, we believe that supporting foster carers starts with understanding that experience through a trauma-informed lens.
Leah – a Senior Practitioner and Link Social Worker at Origins – shares how she brings trauma-informed practice into her everyday work with foster carers. With a background in child protection and specialist trauma services, Leah knows just how powerful this approach can be.
It might sound like something from a science textbook, but Leah explains it simply – when she stays calm and regulated, it helps foster carers feel calm too.
My nervous system right now is impacting your nervous system [...] if I'm really up to ninety without me even speaking a word, you're going to feel that from me, you know? And vice versa, because actually our nervous systems speak to each other.
And when carers feel grounded and supported, they’re better able to help the children in their care regulate their emotions and behaviours. In moments of stress or crisis, this can be the difference between disconnection and breakthrough.
One of the biggest misconceptions about foster care is that once a child is removed from risk, they’re “safe” – and everything will settle. But as Leah reminds us, just because the immediate risk is gone, doesn’t mean that the child is going to instantly recover from the trauma that's already taken place.
Children’s systems are shaped by what they’ve lived through. Even in the safety of a loving foster home, they may continue to struggle with trust, attachment, and emotional regulation. This is where traditional parenting approaches may fall short – and where specialist support becomes essential.
At Origins, we recognise that caring for a child who has experienced trauma takes more than just good intentions. It requires a unique approach and additional assistance, which is exactly why our support systems are as comprehensive as they are – and is designed with carers’ real needs in mind.
Here’s how we help:
Trauma is slow to heal. It takes time, consistency, and enormous compassion. But with the right supports in place, children in care can heal – and carers can be part of that journey without feeling alone or overwhelmed.
If you’re considering fostering, or already on the path to applying to become a foster carer, know that Origins will be with you every step of the way. Get in touch with us today to find out more about becoming a foster carer with Origins.
Reach out for any questions and enquiries. A member of our fostering team will get back to you as soon as possible.
