Changing lives and building futures with therapeutic foster care
For young people like Dillon*, therapeutic fostering in a stable family environment can build a positive future. Dillon is a super car loving 15-year-old who is currently living in a children’s home. In his early teens Dillon became involved in joyriding and vehicle theft and has spent time in the youth justice system due to the lack of guidance and support in his early life leading to complex behavioural and emotional needs.
Since leaving the youth offender unit, he has lived with many foster families as well as in a residential children’s home and needed focused support tailored to his needs to build a more positive future. He needs adults he can trust and an environment where he feels secure and with the right support now in place he is ready to move into a nurturing family home and build lasting relationships.
Dillon is intelligent and resourceful, with a strong interest in mechanical and hands-on activities. He responds well to clear routines, consistent boundaries, and carers who can offer encouragement, compassion, patience and understanding towards his feelings and passions.
What tailored support could be offered for Dillon and his foster carers
Foster with Bucks will provide tailored ongoing support, including:
- Ongoing dedicated professional support from experienced fostering and mental health, youth justice practitioners and education providers.
- Clear care planning and risk management, including guidance on managing behaviour linked to previous offending
- Specialist training in trauma-informed care (PACE) and supporting young people with offending histories
- Regular supervision as well as out-of-hours support and advice to help carers understand Dillon’s emotional needs and ensure challenging situations are never managed alone.
What does the future hold for Dillon?
The plan is for Dillon to move into a stable, family setting where he feels safe, included, and supported by carers who can provide clear boundaries, routines, and a calm environment where he can thrive.
His therapeutic foster carers will help him build trust, develop emotional regulation skills, and help him settle back into education when he’s ready.
They will nurture Dillon’s strong interest in cars and mechanics through activities that promote connection, and a sense of achievement, while supporting him to develop positive routines and aspirations for the future.