UEA launching first ever Uni course in ‘Therapeutic Fostering’
This two-year part-time programme starts in September
A University in Norfolk is launching the first ever Higher Education programme on ‘Therapeutic Fostering’- from September.
The course aims to improve the care and support available to these children who've experienced trauma- across the East of England.
"This course has been designed to help foster carers"
Dr Mark Gregory is Director of Continuing Professional Development at the University of East Anglia:
“Foster carers look after children and young people who have experienced significant trauma, so their ability to understand the impact of trauma on children and young people's behaviour is crucial.
“This course has been designed to help foster carers to understand trauma-related behaviour through a therapeutic lens, so that they have the tools needed to build and maintain supportive relationships with children and young people in their care.”
The course in more detail:
There's thought to more than 7,000 children in the care of their local authority in the East of England, and 150 more children coming into care every month.
The UEA says this shows there's an urgent need to equip foster carers with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools needed to understand and respond effectively to the complex behaviours of those they support.
Therapeutic Fostering’, supports young people and children who may have dealt with trauma, abuse or a severe disruption to their lives.
This two-year part-time programme starts in September 2025. It's equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, aimed at those who have already completed at least 80 hours of relevant training.
Graduates will receive a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Therapeutic Fostering upon completion of the course.