Fostering when you have your own 'triggers'

[MrsBobDylan]

We are in the middle of online training to become foster carers for children 0-5.

Last night we watched a video for homework of a little girl who had a dreadful home life. I'm not a big crier but I had a sob then pulled myself together for the rest of the online training session.

Our next session involves role playing different roles in a case study of an abused child. I'm not sure that I can role play without finding it a trigger for my own past but I will definitely give it a go.

DH has questioned if I will be able to foster with my 'back story'. For context I have paid for counselling with the same person for 13 years (on/off over this time) and I have a steady marriage and three happy kids and am personally very content. Having a happy family was my dream and it came true.

DH and I feel confident that we can handle a traumatised child and parent with love, kindness and patience. But does my history mean that I will fail? I can't tell if I'm being unrealistic or if DH is trying to protect me for getting hurt/upset and we both just need to be brave and crack on.

[Ginisallyouneed]

It could also make you more empathetic and better at supporting as well though perhaps?

[gospelsinger]

I would have expected that it should have been stated at the start of training that you shouldn't have to take part in something that is triggering trauma. When I did initial training, one of our group was excused for one of the sessions because of her own experiences. No one even hinted that it would prevent her from fostering. Talk to the course leader.