Become a foster carer, click here for details or call 0115 979 2515

Handling separation anxiety with foster training support and development

Posted on

Separation anxiety disorder (SAD) affects many children in care. It is a severe form of anxiety that triggered by a sense of separation from your their home, their foster carer, caregiver or siblings. It has a very strong emotional attachment which can be difficult to treat or care for. With foster training support and development, there are several techniques to help aid separation anxiety disorder and help you to handle it if it occurs when fostering in Nottingham.

Little child in tender white dress is sitting on the windowsill, kid, child services, happy childhood, lonely tiny girl

Acknowledging separation anxiety

Separation anxiety disorder can be difficult to treat because problems can often occur initially with them being separated from their biological parents and family, or their home. Naturally, this is out of their control but in turn, this can add their feeling of abandonment. Foster training support and development can help you to identify and acknowledge triggers.

As a foster carer, it can be very hard to see your foster children in distress and can more often than not, leave you feeling helpless. With patients, empathy and attention, allow for time to bond with your foster children and help the ease the impact of separation anxiety. Reassurance is key so let them know frequently that they’re safe and cared for.

In this article, we offer practical and honest advice on handling separation anxiety and with the right foster training, support and development, how you can navigate these situations when they arise.

Foster parents finding it hard to acknowledge separation anxiety without foster training support and development

Why is separation anxiety in fostering is so difficult to manage?

In most instances, many foster children are affected by separation anxiety disorder at a young age, way before they come into care. As they grow, they recognise how dependent they are on their parents and this can cause anxiety when they’re not there.

Most children will grow out of this, however, problems can persist into adulthood. It is more likely to occur with foster children as they have to deal with the trauma of being removed from their homes and birth parents. If they are moved between placements, this can add to the sense of fear and insecurity. Foster training, support and development measures are available at Fostering Dimensions to ensure you do not embark on this emotional journey by yourself.
Although fostering is a safeguarding measure, it can be difficult for your foster children to understand why they’ve been placed in care. This, in turn, can create trust issues and make it difficult for them to bond with you. We’ve put together the best practices on how to handle separation anxiety.

Mother reassuring and discussing her daughter. Patient girl sad on bedroom hospital.

Use your foster training support and development

There are many things you can put in place to reduce the anxiety your foster children may feel.

Build an environment of trust: A good place to start is by drawing on your foster training, support and development and build trust between you and your foster children and between them and your home. If they feel comfortable in their surroundings, they are less likely to feel anxious when you’re not there.

Encourage them to talk openly: Sometimes, an honest and warming chat is all it takes. They may feel better once they’ve opened up to you – but don’t be disheartened if they don’t do it straight away or at all. This is something very personal to them and it may take time.

Raise the issue with other support systems: You should speak to other people like their teachers, social workers and parents of their friends. First, you should inform their social worker, who can liaise with their birth parents and other family members as to the best course of action. They may be able to offer some advice. Fostering dimensions are always here as well. We can even go through your foster training, support and development to give you a refresher on things.

Make an extra effort to bond with them: the more you do with them, rather than for them may help to enhance your relationship and build trust between you. This is one main focus of your foster training, support and development which is all focused on building relationships and maintaining them.

Mom and daughter spend time together, sit on the couch, talk and draw with colored pencils. Leisure mothers and daughters. Girl draws on paper.

Where to turn if your foster children are dealing with separation anxiety

Handling situations like this can put a strain on you, your foster family and your life. It can be hard to deal with and you can easily feel overwhelmed. It isn’t a burden that you need to handle yourself and with Fostering Dimensions by your side, you won’t be alone. We have the correct foster training, support and development in place but we’re always here, should you need us.

Learn more about our foster training support and development here or if you’re ready for a chat, give us a call.