Team Parenting for Children in Foster Care ─ A Model for Integrated Therapeutic Care

Conceived in 1994, Foster Care Associates (FCA) introduced Team Parenting (TP) as a model in the UK, an integrated approach to foster care and with a focus on the foster child, with a multidisciplinary group supporting the child in foster placement. The purpose is to create a stable and safe environment with foster carers who understand the impact of trauma, and are therapeutic parents supported by social workers, educational professionals, and therapists. In 10 chapters, Caw and Sebba share their approach with practitioners as they seek to expand their knowledge base vis-a-vis the concept of Team Parenting. After an introduction to the context which shaped the rise of TP, they offer definitions and practice; elucidate the key features of TP; discuss therapeutic interventions in TP; cover therapeutic interventions and TP meetings; deal with therapeutic interventions and joint carer/child work; explain support of TP foster carers; treat education and mentoring; discuss developments in TP; and conclude with future research, practice, and training. There are references, and a list of figures. Annotation c2014 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Jeanette Caw used to be the Head of Therapy for Core Assets. She now works for Rethink Mental Illness as their Associate Director of Psychological Therapies and has a small private practice in Sheffield as a therapist and supervisor. She is a qualified social worker and clinical supervisor, as well as a fully qualified and accredited psychotherapist with training in Systemic Practice and management training. Judy Sebba is the Director of the Rees Centre for Research in Fostering and Education - a collaboration between the University of Oxford Department of Education and the Core Assets Group. Core Assets is a leading international provider of children's services. The group operates in over 10 countries around the world, working with local communities to make a positive difference for children and families.