This is fostering with Break: here’s how we do things differently
10 May 2026
As Foster Care Fortnight begins, Break is shining a light on how it does #FosteringDifferently - and why that difference matters.
At Break, we believe fostering works best when carers are properly supported and when children are given the stability and consistency they need to heal. Our approach is built on a simple but powerful understanding: that what is damaged in relationships can be healed in relationships.
Careful matching that lays the foundations for stability
We take great care to match every child and young person with the right foster family.
Matching isn’t just about availability — it’s about understanding someone’s needs, experiences and personality, and identifying a family where they can feel safe, understood and supported to grow. We also make sure placements are right for foster carers and their families, because stability and consistency are key to helping children feel secure.
By taking the time to get matching right, we help give placements the best possible chance to thrive.
Supporting foster carers - every step of the way
Caring for children who have experienced trauma can bring challenges that are complex and, at times, emotionally demanding. We believe foster carers should never have to navigate that alone.
At Break, we surround our carers with ongoing, tailored support, including:
- Training to build skills and confidence around therapeutic parenting
- Regular support groups and activity days with other Break foster carers
- Monthly supportive supervision with a dedicated social worker
- Bespoke one‑to‑one sessions with Break’s therapeutic fostering practitioner, with no fixed limit on sessions.
Our social workers support a smaller number of families than many other agencies, allowing them to build strong relationships and provide meaningful, responsive support. That support extends to the whole foster family, including carers’ own children.
A trauma‑informed, long‑term approach to care
We work through a trauma‑informed lens because we understand how early experiences shape children’s emotions, behaviours and relationships.
Therapeutic parenting supports carers to respond with empathy, patience and consistency, recognising that behaviour is often a result of earlier experiences rather than deliberate choice. This perspective shifts responses away from blame and towards understanding and connection.
Laura Craven, Therapeutic Fostering Practitioner at Break, said:
“When children have lived with ongoing stress or instability, their brains are often in survival mode. When carers are supported to understand this and are equipped with skills and knowledge on trauma‑informed, therapeutic approaches, it can transform relationships. Over time, consistent, nurturing care helps children regulate their emotions, rebuild trust and develop new ways of relating to the world.”
This approach is grounded in neuroscience. Through predictable routines, clear boundaries and nurturing care, children are supported to form new neural pathways and gradually rebuild trust in adults, and in themselves.
A charity that reinvests in carers and children
As a not-for-profit organisation, all our profits are reinvested back into our services, strengthening the support, training and wrap‑around care we offer. This allows us to continue improving our fostering provision and ensure carers feel valued, supported and equipped to make a lasting difference.
A lifelong commitment to young people
Our commitment doesn’t end when a young person turns 18. Break’s lifelong offer means that any young person who has been in our care can always come back for support, guidance or connection. We’re here for as long as they need us.
If you’re interested in fostering or are an existing foster carer who might like to transfer to Break, we’d love to chat. We’re hosting a pop-up street lounge outside The Forum in Norwich on Tuesday 19 May if you’d like to pop by, or you can book a no‑obligation conversation with our friendly team to ask questions, learn more about our approach and understand what fostering with Break could look like for you.