Although children in public care are likely to have complex needs resulting from their pre-care adverse experiences, this book shows how they are not “problem children”. The authors challenge the problem-focused model, showing instead how strengths-based psychology can uncover and appreciate each child’s potential and possibilities with their evidence-based, positive and practical ‘Emotional Warmth Parenting’ approach.

Highlighting the power of parenting on the development of all children and harnessing this power to support children, the authors identify four parenting areas that can change the lives of children who have not enjoyed loving, kind parenting. These areas are:

    The eight Pillars of Parenting (1. providing primary care and protection; 2. forming warm relationships; 3. increasing positive self-perception; 4. achieving a sense of belonging; 5. building resilience; 6. enhancing self-management skills; 7. improving emotional competence and 8. developing personal and social responsibility).
    Trauma-informed parenting.
    Encouraging a child’s positive and self-management behaviour.
    Identifying and building on a child’s signature strengths.

Emotional Warmth Parenting is tried-and-tested, peer-reviewed and empowers those in direct contact with children with the knowledge, theory and practice to understand what to do and why to do it. The book enables those in the parenting role to provide the best physical, emotional, social, educational and psychological support for the child in their care. It offers a vision of a brighter future for children and young people in public care.