We want to ensure that kinship carers have access to the right therapeutic support at the right time. Caring for children/young people who have experienced trauma can be challenging. It can lead to carer fatigue and the need for emotional support.

We understand that there is a role for formal therapy modalities, but informal therapeutically informed practice doesn’t have to be a therapy, and this may suit some families more.

If you think you may benefit from some Systemic support, please contact the Kinship Team to discuss further and for a referral. 

As part of the journey through the kinship assessment process, carers will have the opportunity to access support from a Systemic Practitioner. This support is offered in the form of up to 2 consultation sessions, designed to help reflection and thinking through any aspects of the assessment. Initially this is available to families who are supported via Children’s services, or Family Hubs and can be accessed by discussing this with the allocated practitioner. These sessions will be confidential and tailored to the needs of the kinship carer, providing a safe space to explore thoughts, feelings, and challenges the kinship carer may be experiencing. Further support could be offered via a referral from the Kinship Team which could include:

• Family Therapy/Systemic Practice

• Therapeutic Life Story Work

• DDP informed Practitioners

• Video Interaction Guidance

• Nurturing Attachments

Systemic Family Therapy is a way of helping families understand and support each other better. It looks at how family members relate to one another and how these relationships affect everyone’s wellbeing. Instead of focusing on one person’s difficulties, it explores how the whole family works together and how small changes can make a big difference. It’s a respectful and inclusive approach that values everyone’s voice and helps families find their own solutions.

Therapeutic Life Story Work helps children understand their past and make sense of their life experiences. It’s a gentle and creative process that uses drawings, timelines, photos, and conversations to explore a child’s journey. With the support of a trained worker, children can build a clearer picture of who they are, where they’ve come from, and how they fit into their family story. This can help them feel more secure, valued, and connected to the people who care for them.

Telford and Wrekin Council are currently piloting a Storyteller App which helps children capture and share their life stories using digital tools. It allows them to express their feelings and experiences, collaborate with trusted adults like carers or social workers and communicate safely with people in their support network. This app allows children to feel empowered to take ownership of their story and be supported with their emotional wellbeing and the development of their identity.

DDP stands for Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. DDP-informed practice helps children and carers build stronger, more trusting relationships especially when children have experienced early trauma or loss. It focuses on creating a safe, nurturing environment where children feel understood and connected. Practitioners use a warm, playful, accepting approach to support emotional healing and strengthen bonds within the family.

Video Interaction Guidance is a gentle and supportive way to help families strengthen their relationships. It involves filming short moments of everyday interactions like playing, talking, or sharing a meal and then watching them back together with a trained guide. The focus is on spotting the positive things that are already happening, like good communication and emotional connection, and building on them. It’s a great way to boost confidence and help carers feel more connected to the children they care for.

Nurturing Attachments is a training programme designed to help carers understand how early experiences affect a child’s behaviour and emotions. It offers practical tools and ideas to support children who may struggle with trust, relationships, or managing their feelings. The training helps carers feel more confident and connected, and supports them in creating a calm, safe, and loving home.