Oxfordshire foster carers urge others to get involved

Tracy Hinton and Sarah Black, from the Henley area, are sharing their experiences of therapeutic fostering as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s campaign during Foster Care Fortnight to inspire others to become carers.

Therapeutic foster care supports children who need extra care and stability due to early-life challenges.

Ms Hinton and Ms Black both began as mainstream foster carers before moving into specialist therapeutic roles.

Ms Hinton, who also works with neurodiverse children, said: “I love both the challenge and emotional reward, playing an important part in developing these young people’s self-esteem, belief and understanding in overcoming and managing their emotions.”

Ms Black, a former mental health nurse manager, said: “The therapeutic approach was particularly meaningful to me because it prioritises understanding the root causes of a child’s behaviour and providing appropriate care and responses.

“The support received from the wider Oxfordshire County Council team is invaluable and I really enjoy this work.

“Seeing its positive effects motivates me to continue helping young people overcome difficult early experiences in this way.”

Both carers receive training and support from Oxfordshire County Council’s therapeutic fostering team, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the psychology behind children’s behaviour and how to respond with empathy and confidence.

Ms Hinton described the impact of their work with a young person who had struggled emotionally and lacked confidence following multiple disrupted experiences in their early upbringing.

She said: “Through the regular and consistent care we gave, with a strong therapeutic approach, gradually we connected with the child.

“Trust was built, slowly they came out of their shell, a personality started to shine through, and they were in a better place emotionally to enjoy life and make the most of their future.

“It was quite a slow process, which is understandable, but patience brings its rewards, and that’s what we both love about fostering and why by sharing our story we hope more people in Oxfordshire will consider giving it a go.”

Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children, education and young people’s services, praised the carers.

He said: “Tracy and Sarah are role models, along with our other 146 approved fostering families.

“Through care and dedication, they make a big difference to the lives of children who, for various reasons, need to be cared for outside of their own family.

“I admire and congratulate each and every one of our dedicated foster carers.”

Foster carers with Oxfordshire County Council receive training, ongoing support, and generous fees in addition to the child’s allowance.