16 November 2022
by DK
Therapeutic Foster Care for Children with Mental Health Issues
Therapeutic foster care is a specialised type of foster care. With this qualification, you can care for children with mental illnesses. We will share a wide range of tips that you will find useful when caring
It requires boldness and unreserved dedication to care for children with mental health issues. You are a rare persona if you are contemplating this bold decision.
However, you need to understand what therapeutic care is and how you can do it better to care for children with mental health issues.
What is therapeutic foster care?
It is a specialised type of foster care carried out by carers who have specialised training in different therapeutic niches to care for children facing significant emotional, social, medical, and behavioural issues.

Who can become a therapeutic foster carer?
Unlike many other forms of foster care, therapeutic foster carers are require to undergo specialist therapeutic training. You should have experience in mental health, psychology, or any medical background that is relevant to this type of care. You must also be willingness to work with specialist mental health services and teams.
Caring for children with mental health issues
Let’s face it, caring for children with mental health issues can be quite challenging. But you still have a duty to care for such children because they are a part of society. More importantly, they also need care, which no one can offer if everyone absconds this duty.
We understand how challenging it can be to care for children with mental health issues. In that regard, you can use the following tips to advance your care approach:
- Watch out for behaviour changes and be ready to support them when they need it;
- Model good coping skills for them to learn from you;
- Open communication channels and keep them honest;
- Always assure them that they are loved;
- Provide positive feedback when they do something positive;
- Involve them in decision-making;
- Always talk about emotions;
- Involve professionals if you cannot handle a situation.

Is it manageable?
Yes, caring for children with mental health issues is manageable. You can join other dedicated foster carers offering therapeutic care to children with mental health issues in the UK.
Your contribution to this noble cause will always be compensated financially. However, the social contribution can never match the financial gain. Contact us today if you want more information about therapeutic foster care for children with mental health issues.
