When a child has experienced trauma, their behaviour often tells a story that words cannot.

A child who hoards food may be frightened that another meal won't come. A child who reacts with anger may actually be scared. And a child who struggles to trust adults may have very good reasons for feeling that way.

So how can foster parents recognise what lies beneath these behaviours and respond in ways that help children feel safe?

In this episode of The Kingswell Conversations, Richard Kingswell explores what trauma-informed care really means and why understanding a child's experiences before entering foster care is essential to supporting their future.

Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in child welfare, Richard explains how trauma-informed training equips foster parents with practical tools to create safe, predictable and nurturing homes. He also takes us through the foster parent approval process, the importance of matching children with the right families and why preparation and ongoing professional support can make such a difference.

The conversation moves beyond individual foster homes to explore the wider network of social workers, clinicians, educators, medical professionals and community advocates who must work together to support children and families.

In this episode, we explore:

• What trauma-informed care means in everyday foster parenting.
• Why fear, uncertainty and past experiences can influence a child's behaviour.
• How foster parents are trained to respond to trauma.
• What the foster parent approval and licensing journey involves.
• Why matching and placement stability are so important.
• The role of reunification and adoption in achieving permanency.
• How collaboration between agencies, social workers and other professionals supports better outcomes for children.

Richard also shares why he believes that stability is one of the greatest gifts we can offer a child in foster care. The goal isn't simply to find somewhere for a child to stay, but to create the conditions where they can feel safe, build trust and begin to heal.

Whether you're considering fostering, already caring for a child or working within child welfare, this conversation offers a compassionate, practical introduction to trauma-informed foster care.

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📘 FREE DOWNLOAD | The Comprehensive Guide to Foster Care and Adoption

Looking to deepen your understanding of foster care and adoption? Richard Kingswell's free 45-page comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the children, families and systems at the heart of child welfare.

Download your free copy here: https://www.fosterva.org/

Connect with Richard Kingswell

With more than 30 years of experience in child welfare, Richard is passionate about sharing knowledge, challenging assumptions and encouraging better conversations about how we support children and families.

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardkingswell/

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