Useful information

Information and guidance to help develop your own knowledge and understanding.

The information below can be used to develop your own knowledge and understanding; however all professionals must also have regard to relevant legislation and regulation.

Developmental loss, trauma and attachment

  • Anna Freud National Centre for Childen and Families supports the mental health of children through research, training and treatment with free resources supporting children’s mental health.

    They also offer two free, professional networks: Early Years in Mind and Schools in Mind.

  • Beacon House is a therapeutic service with a specialist interest in working with those who have experienced trauma and loss, providing information and resources around the impact and repair of trauma and adversity.

  • BraveHeart Education educates and supports those living with or working with vulnerable children – whether they are looked after, adopted or in challenging home environments.

  • Centre of Excellence in Child Trauma is an organisation combining resources, research and knowledge from experts across the sector.

  • EdPsychInsight attachment and trauma resources – Dr Chris Moore has created a blog and accompanying resources related to Attachment and Trauma, including individual infographic sheets about each element of PACE.

  • Out Of Home Care Toolbox provides accessible information for the supporters and carers of young people aged 12-18 years in out of home care.

    It provides descriptions of Trauma, Attachment and Adolescent Development amongst other supporting information.

PACE

PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) is an approach developed by the clinical psychologist, Dan Hughes. It is an attitude and a way of being with a child or young person that can promote greater feelings of safety.

This approach can be beneficial for all children and young people as it supports the development and maintenance of healthy relationships, and as such it is particularly important to foster PACE with children who have experienced trauma.

 

Permanence (adoption, long-term fostering, special guardianship orders, kinship care, child arrangement orders and residential care)

Although the content available on the following websites predominantly relates to children who have achieved permanency outside of their birth family, some information may also be relevant when supporting other children who have experienced trauma.

  • Adoption UK is a charity providing support, community and advocacy for all those whose lives involve adoption, including those parenting children who cannot live with their birth families and adopted people.

  • Adoption South East is the regional adoption agency comprising four partner agencies: Brighton and Hove; East Sussex; Surrey and West Sussex. Adoption South East has an ongoing commitment to supporting adopted children and their families.

  • PAC-UK is an adoption support agency and is part of Family Action. They provide specialist support for all parties affected by adoption and permanency.

  • Parents and Children Together - PACT is a voluntary adoption agency offering information, support and training.

  • Family Futures is an independent adoption and fostering agency in London. They provide assessment and treatment services for children who have experienced trauma, as well as providing support to adoptive parents, special guardians, kinship carers and foster carers.