The Reflective Fostering Program

Thursday 01 May 2025

Unlocking the Power of Mentalisation through the Reflective Fostering Program: Building Empathy, Support, and Resilience

Richard Cross, Director of Clinical Services at Five Rivers

Once in a while, you witness the determination to make a difference in children’s lives and the well-being of those tasked with being agents of change.

Today was one of those days at University College London (29/04/25) when I heard the sharing of the insightful outcomes of the randomised controlled trial into the impacts of the Reflective fostering program. (The key findings will be shared when their research paper is published.)

Professor Nick Midgley, Dr Sheila Redfern, Karen Irvine, and colleagues have ‘walked the talk’ in professionalism to ensure they have delivered the most extensive study of its kind in the UK, focusing on the effectiveness of the Reflective Fostering Program.

I was present as Five Rivers Child Care was invited to participate in this groundbreaking research project for the past four years, starting in 2021. As a social enterprise, we are committed to investing in developing an understanding of what makes a difference in children’s lives and how to improve the support we offer to foster carers.

Some of my key reflections from the day:
• Understanding the intricate landscape of children’s emotions and past traumas is both a challenge and a profound opportunity in foster care.
• Mentalisation, the capacity to perceive, interpret, and respond to the child’s mental and emotional states, is crucially important.
• The Reflective Fostering Program emphasises mentalising as a core skill for foster carers. It encourages curiosity, prompting carers to reflect on their thoughts and feelings while empathising deeply with the children in their care.

Why Mentalisation Matters

Mentalising, the ability to understand and consider the mental states of oneself and others, is crucial for healthy social interactions, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

Mentalising as a concept also recognises that everyone sees and experiences the world and situations differently. This approach fosters patience and understanding, primarily when children act out or display challenging behaviours rooted in trauma.

The Program

It is a program Built for Reflection and Connection with 10 thoughtfully designed sessions, each focusing on a different theme.
Facilitated by experienced foster carers and social workers, the program develops mentalising skills and aims to build a supportive community among carers. This fosters mutual support, validation, and a collective sense of purpose.

Let’s continue valuing, supporting, and empowering our foster carers—they are the unsung heroes shaping brighter futures.