About Fostering

Our Therapeutic Approach

A Trauma-Informed Organisation

Working therapeutically is challenging yet rewarding, providing children with stability and helping them understand that safe relationships are crucial for their development towards adulthood.

Relationship-Focused Support

Building Lasting Connections
New Chapters is a trauma-informed organization using a relationship-focused approach to supporting fostering families. This approach is known as PACE Parenting, which was developed by Dan Hughes, a clinical psychologist. The model on which it is based is called Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), a therapeutic approach used in psychology. It was originally developed to help children who had early experiences of trauma such as abuse, loss, and rejection, and aims to help a child feel safe through their relationships.

The PACE Parenting Model

PACE stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy, and is a model of parenting that is relationship-based. Maintaining a PACE attitude supports adults to remain emotionally regulated and attuned to the child’s needs in moment-by-moment interactions. It helps children and young people build safe and meaningful relationships and feel more connected to and understood by important adults in their life.

Playfulness

Communicating in a fun, light, and playful way with a child or young person strengthens the relationship and enables them to relate and interact more freely with the adult. Using a non-judgemental, light tone of voice helps to maintain an open and engaged state where a positive connection can be built. The child feels safe because the relationship feels more equal.

Acceptance

This aspect of PACE parenting is about understanding that how we feel in the moment is okay for both the child and ourselves. The behavior that occurs because of how we feel may not be desirable or, at worst, may be harmful to self or others; however, the feelings driving the behavior must be understood, accepted, and responded to through a calm and non-threatening approach.

Curiosity

Feeling misunderstood or having assumptions made without exploration can often lead to a defensive stance. Curiosity is the aspect of PACE parenting that stops the adult from making assumptions and instead explores with the child what has led them to behave in a certain way. Curiosity focuses on finding out with the child what happened, often wondering what feeling had been triggered that resulted in the behavior presented. Through the use of curiosity, the adult shows a genuine desire to understand.

Empathy

Any relationship is stronger when there is a real sense that the other person is genuinely trying to understand how you feel. Being listened to without judgment is a foundation on which a strong connection can be made and maintained. Knowing that a “listening ear” is always available will help a child cope better with difficult situations that can become emotionally overwhelming if they have to deal with them alone.

Support for Foster Carers

Introduction to PACE
Parenting

When you first contact New Chapters about being a foster carer, the basic principles of PACE parenting will be shared, and this will be discussed further during a home visit. If you go on to be assessed as potential foster carers, you will start to explore how you think PACE parenting can be put into practice.

Comprehensive
Training

Once you are approved as a foster carer, you will attend an 18-session Nurturing Attachments course, which gives a detailed understanding of the principles of PACE and DDP. Partner carers attend a 6-session Foundations to Attachment course, which is a condensed version of the training.

Supervision and
Support

You will be supervised by a social worker who works alongside you in understanding the impact of the child’s trauma and the parenting needs they require to recover from this. Together with your SSW, you will develop a plan that covers all your training needs to help you support traumatised children.

Building Community

Throughout the year, we provide get-togethers for our foster carers and children to encourage relationship building within a safe and welcoming environment. Through the consistent use of PACE parenting, you will change children’s lives and help them recover.

Ongoing Guidance
and Resources

All our social workers manage no more than 12 foster carers. Regular reflective sessions with the Head of Therapy are held to reflect on PACE parenting and the ongoing relationship between carer and child. You will have access to family support workers who develop bespoke therapeutic and practical support. If needed, you can access 10 sessions of counselling and well-being support, provided externally to ensure confidentiality and comfort for those seeking this assistance.

Our Staff Who Support Our Family of Foster Carers

At New Chapters, we are proud to have foster carers and staff who have been with us for several years, providing much-needed stability and security to vulnerable children. Our team is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Craig Walton

Strategic Director

Rosie Cavalot

Director & Head of Therapy

Debbie Borley

Administrator

Claire Upcott

Registered Manager

Karen Phillips

Family Support Worker

Martin George

Director & Responsible
Individual

Andrea Southall

Supervising Social Worker

Sara Dowding

Supervising Social Worker

Claire Farr

Supervising Social Worker

Sarah Richards

Family Support Worker

Merrikki Glendenning

Family Foster Coordinator

Become a Foster Carer

Becoming a foster carer with New Chapters Fostercare is a rewarding journey. We value our foster carers and offer generous allowances, respite, and special events to show our appreciation. Whether you're just starting to explore fostering or looking to transfer from another agency, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Looking to Transfer?

Becoming a foster carer with New Chapters Fostercare is a rewarding journey. We value our foster carers and offer generous allowances, respite, and special events to show our appreciation. Whether you're just starting to explore fostering or looking to transfer from another agency, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Community Voices

Andy
Director - Smash Life
Joe
Founder - BrightStar Boxing
Michelle & Tone
Foster Carer
Janette & Peter
Foster Carer
Rob
Director - RGT Training & Consultancy LTD
Derrick Rayner
Shades Training
Julie
Foster Carer
Rachael
Foster Carer
Francesca
NewStart Networks
Pat & Mike
Foster Carers

Join Our Family

Ready to make a difference?
Contact us today to learn more about becoming a foster carer with New Chapters. Our friendly team is here to answer any questions and help you take the first step towards changing a child's life.

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