1. © 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
© 2018 The Family Place. All Rights Reserved.

2. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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
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6. 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)
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7. 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
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8. 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.

9. © 2018 The Family Place. All Rights Reserved.
If required:
MIM while child in foster care
Follow up specialist work
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10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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
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14. 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