Therapeutic parenting groups

What does the group cover?

Please see our leaflet. We cover lots of themes, concepts and ideas that are relevant to people caring for children with attachment difficulties. However, this isn’t straight-forward training, so we will respond to the needs of the group and try to apply those concepts to the experiences of group members.

How many people will be in the group?

We can run groups with as few as 4 people and as many as 10 people in total. Typically groups have 6-8 foster carers in them.

Who can attend?

The group is for registered foster carers currently caring for children in care in Derby and Derbyshire. This includes connected person/kinship foster carers.

Can I attend online?

No, I’m afraid this is an in person only group. The nature of the group activities and discussion and the building of trust, connection and safety between people works much better when everyone is physically present.

How long are the sessions?

Sessions are 3 hours long, from 10:00-13:00 to allow for school drop offs and pick ups. We have at least one break per session and tea, coffee and biscuits are supplied! We also offer an optional online meet up a week before session 1 to give you a chance to meet us and each other before the first session.

I can’t attend all of the sessions. Can I still attend?

We understand that it’s hard to commit to six long sessions but it’s really important for the dynamics of the group and the continuity of the ideas that you are able to attend all six sessions please.  

I’ve done attachment training already OR I’m new to fostering and worried I’ll be less experienced than everyone else. Should I still attend?

We have very experienced foster carers attending and getting a lot from the group alongside carers who have only just begun their fostering journey who also tell us how helpful it was. For some it refreshes or reframes some familiar ideas, others are exposed to lots of new concepts. Everyone tends to benefit from the support to reflect on what they are doing and why, with a group of people who ‘get it’.

How do I join the group?

Your fostering social worker/child’s social worker can complete and submit the referral form for you. We’ll confirm receipt and then get in touch with you to confirm your place or discuss any queries with you.

All sessions take place 9:45 – 13:00 on Tuesdays:

(with 9:30am arrival for registration, coffee, and settling in before a prompt start)

• 29th September
• 6th October
• 13th October
• 20th October
• 27th October — break (half term)
• 3rd November
• 10th November
• 17th November
• 24th November
• 1st December

• Attachment styles and the impact of developmental trauma
• Therapeutic parenting using the PACE model: Play, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy
• Understanding shame and its influence on behaviour
• The 'Window of Tolerance' and strategies for co-regulation
• The 'Two Hands of Parenting': combining nurturing care with safe, non-punitive boundaries

This training equips caregivers and professionals with practical tools to support healing, build trust, and foster secure relationships with children and young people who have experienced trauma.

This programme provides a series of monthly half-day training sessions can be provided for groups of supervising social workers, residential care workers or foster carers.

The goal of this is to build confidence and skills for therapeutic parents, recognising the challenges they may face in doing this.