Carers are holding everything.
But who’s holding them?
Nicola McCafferty The Foster Parent's Coach
Foster carers are doing life-changing work in some of the most emotionally demanding conditions - and too often, they’re doing it unsupported, unseen, and slowly burning out.
I work with local authorities, agencies and organisations to change that.
Through coaching, consultancy and group support, I help services create emotionally sustainable systems that allow carers to stay, grow, and feel held—so that the children they care for can thrive too.
You’ve Been Doing Your Best - Now Let’s Make Carer Support Sustainable
You don’t need another report to tell you what’s happening.... You already know...
I know you’re already seeing it:
Carers leaving the system quietly and quickly
Placement disruptions rising
Families pushed to breaking point
Emotional fatigue across teams and services
Good carers burning out—and not coming back
The truth is: most services are doing everything they can with what they’ve got.
But information alone doesn’t create transformation.
And traditional training often misses what matters most: the emotional sustainability of the carer.
We can’t expect carers to keep showing up for complex, trauma-informed work if the system isn’t designed to show up for them.
This isn’t about blame.
It’s about building something better - together.
Why This Work Matters
When foster carers feel emotionally supported, everything improves—placement stability, staff relationships, long-term engagement, and outcomes for children.
But most services aren’t set up to support carer wellbeing in a sustainable way.
That’s where the Fostering With Confidence™ Framework comes in—a trauma-aware, human-first model designed to meet carers where they are and give teams the tools to truly support them.
The Types Of Services Offered
Whether you're supporting five carers or five hundred, I offer flexible, human-first solutions that meet your service where it’s at.
Carer Support Spaces
Emotional wellbeing shouldn’t be optional. These sessions offer carers structured, trauma-informed support that helps them feel held - and stay longer.
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Group coaching for carers (6–8 week programs)
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Reflective practice spaces
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Emotional resilience sessions
Staff & Team Development
We can’t support carers if staff are stretched thin. These sessions are built to equip your teams with the tools they need to stay regulated, resilient, and connected to the work.
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Vicarious trauma + burnout awareness
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Boundaries + emotional regulation workshops
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Reflective leadership + relational supervision
Service-Level Consultancy
If you're looking to integrate emotional sustainability into your carer retention strategy, I can work with you directly to develop something that fits.
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Wellbeing audits
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Bespoke consultancy + development plans
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Custom training design + delivery
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Strategic integration of the Fostering With Confidence™ Framework
You can mix and match support to suit your team, your carers, and your capacity.
We’ll co-create something that fits.