The Positive Aspirations Group – Our Trauma-Informed Commitment
At Positive Aspirations Group we know that many children and young people who come into
care have lived through experiences that can feel unsafe, unpredictable or overwhelming.
Our core value therefore extends beyond “best care”; we are committed to building healing
environments where every child can rediscover safety, trust and hope for the future.
We believe—and research shows—that when children feel physically safe, emotionally
heard and culturally respected they are far more likely to uncover their strengths, recover
from adversity and realise their own aspirations. No dream is too small or too ambitious:
whether it is learning to ride a bike, sitting GCSEs, performing on stage, or simply joining in a
family meal free from fear.
As a foster carer you are a key therapeutic resource. We will work alongside you, through
regular supervision and tailored training, to:
- Create Safety & Predictability – applying our Safer Caring and Safeguarding policies
so every child can relax and learn. - Build Trust through Consistency – keeping promises, sharing information honestly
and using reflective listening. - Promote Choice & Voice – involving children in decisions (Delegated Authority
Policy) and encouraging them to set their own goals. - Champion Strengths – celebrating all achievements, academic or otherwise, to
strengthen self-belief. - Support Regulation – using our Behaviour Management and Promoting Health &
Wellbeing policies to teach coping skills, rather than relying on sanctions. - Value Identity & Culture – applying the Equality & Diversity Policy to honour each
child’s background, faith, gender and sexuality.
Your supervising social worker will help translate these principles into daily routines,
placement plans and review meetings.
If you need any further information, explanation or advice,
contact your supervising social worker
Positive Aspirations Taskforce (PAT) – How We Put Aspirations into Action
The Positive Aspirations Taskforce is a network of staff, foster carers, fostered children and
birth children who work together to turn hope into practical steps. Guided by the Resilience
Framework and Five Everyday Actions of Trauma-Informed Care (notice, name, nurture,
navigate, negotiate), PAT focusses on five objectives:
- Healthy Body & Mind – easy access to physical exercise, balanced nutrition,
trauma-aware mental-health support and reliable health passports. - Safe & Caring Families – robust risk assessments, safer caring policy and warm,
attuned relationships that model respectful conflict resolution. - Fun, Purposeful Ambition – creative ways to spot and nurture talents: from coding
clubs to dance classes; from job-shadowing to volunteering. - Positive Community Contribution – inclusion in local sports, arts and youth forums,
reinforcing belonging and citizenship. - Economic Well-being & Independence – budgeting skills, work experience and
mentoring that prepare young people for adult life in line with our Preparation for
Independence Policy.
PAT meets quarterly (virtually and in person) and shares stories of success, “near misses”
and learning. All carers and children are invited to contribute ideas; small victories—such as
making a friend at school—are celebrated as enthusiastically as A-level results, recognising
that every step forward is evidence of resilience.
How this looks in practice
- Celebration folders in your home where children can save certificates, photos or
notes of pride. - Aspirations Action Plans devised with the child and updated at each Looked After
Review. - Peer inspiration: older care-experienced young people visit support groups to share
their journeys. - Feedback loops: rapid surveys and creative consultation (videos, art, voice notes) fed
into the Children & Young People Participation Policy.
Remember, every interaction is an intervention. Your curiosity, empathy and
encouragement today lay the groundwork for a young person’s confidence tomorrow
