Compassionate Fatigue

The Fostering Network Wales

Compassion Fatigue is generally defined as a state of emotional and physical burnout combined with secondary traumatic stress. It can be exacerbated further when carers are not told about the exact abuse, trauma and neglect a particular child may have experienced, and the full spectrum of their current behaviours.

To enhance our knowledge and understanding of attachment theory and its effect on personal and professional relationships
Understand the attachment pattern we may have developed and learn the possible implications for our caring relationship
Develop an understanding of how attachment patterns can be altered
Identify what co-regulation means, why it's essential, and how to apply it
Discuss the challenges and successful skills in applying therapeutic foster care
Explore how the changes to family dynamics brought about by fostering causes stress
Analyse factors that lead to compassion fatigue
Identify critical signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue
Identify coping strategies that you can use to increase resiliency
Identify ways of maintaining positive elements of "pre-fostering life" and self-care
Develop ways to find support for yourself and give support to your colleague