© 2018 The Family Place. All Rights Reserved. By Your Side: An Attachment and Trauma-Based Approach to Facilitating Transitions to a New Family Developed by The Family Place Poster available free at www.thefamilyplace.co.uk © 2018 The Family Place. All Rights Reserved.

Objectives for the Session To consider the benefits of using a therapeutic approach during transitions. To discuss the Adopting Together; By Your Side package and what that might look like. To consider some case studies where a therapeutic approach has been used. © 2018 The Family Place. All Rights Reserved.

Benefits of using a Consultation approach when preparing for transitions Trauma narratives and potential difficulties are considered and discussed openly at the outset so that an open and curious approach becomes part of the core structure when planning transitions. A consultation model focuses on long term planning into the future as well as the “here and now” and supports long term placement stability. Difficulties are discussed and considered as part of the “norm” and managed together rather than requiring a crisis response. Successful approach used in Devon, Derbyshire and Bath.

Benefits of using a Therapeutic Approach Promotes the development of attachment and reliance on adults – even in short terms placements Close observation of what regulates the child, what excites and upsets them and how that they can be comforted Focus on the child’s sense of safety – assume fear underlies many behaviours © 2018 The Family Place. All Rights Reserved.

Utilising a Therapeutic Approach in Transitions Introduce attachment forming interventions early Introduce the idea of new parents once they are ready to meet the child Repeat information simply and using visual cues Provide non-verbal regulation techniques across contexts (ie den building, making child into a sausage roll, hand/clapping games, etc.) Use the child’s history as a dictionary to help understand behaviour (see trauma-nurture timeline) Use foster carer accounts to help understand how the child shows stress and fear, seeks comfort and responds in different situations (ie in busy places) © 2018 The Family Place. All Rights Reserved.

Utilising a Therapeutic Approach in Transitions contd. Mark the passage of time via non-verbal rituals Timings to follow needs of the child rather than being resource/adult led Adult time for discussion essential - increases the capacity of adults to bear the inevitable distress and advocate on behalf of the child Joint sessions provide connecting experiences as well as exploring difficult themes with the main attachment figure alongside. This starts in the foster placement and continues across introductions …….. and beyond Norris and Twigger 2012 © 2018 The Family Place. All Rights Reserved.

Adopting Together Therapeutic Work Plan Detailed information gathered including Trauma Nurture Timeline Detailed notes from foster carers Psychology Consultation Meetings 1 x large meeting prior to matching (formulation) plus report 3 x follow up psychology consultation meetings Direct Transition work (Theraplay and DDP informed) 3-4 sessions with foster carers and child 1-2 sessions during introductions 3-4 sessions after move with adopters and child Some adult only time © 2018 The Family Place. All Rights Reserved.

© 2018 The Family Place. All Rights Reserved. If required: MIM while child in foster care Follow up specialist work © 2018 The Family Place. All Rights Reserved.

Example Session Jump into the room Tommy Thumb/Measure (check ins) Beep Honk Pop cheeks Pass the funny face Foil Prints Trace the message/Weather report Tootie Ta

Example Case Study K age 9. Background of chronic neglect and physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Exposure to domestic violence and volatile adult behaviour, adult mental health issues and drug addiction. Removed age 5 years One of 5 siblings. Multiple changes in foster placement Placed as a single placement with two adoptive parents.

Example Case Study C age 7. Background of chronic neglect, exposure to domestic violence and extreme adult volatile behaviour, adult mental health issues and drug addiction. Diagnosis of FAS and organic brain damage connected with significant exposure to drugs inutero and medical complications associated with withdrawal following birth. One foster placement followed by a disrupted adoption. Transition work undertaken to support C achieving permanence with her former foster family.

Example Case Study J and S aged 9 and 8 years respectively Background of chronic neglect, domestic violence, physical abuse and exposure to volatile adult behaviour. Exposure to drugs and alcohol inutero. Removed at age 3 and 4 years respectively. 3 moves in foster care plus four failed introductions © 2018 The Family Place. All Rights Reserved.

Transitions Package Trauma Nurture Timeline Detailed notes from foster carers Therapeutic story Consultation meetings 3 sessions with foster carer and child 2 sessions during introductions 4 sessions with adopters after children moved. Some adult time only