Why Focusing on Development Really Matters in Foster Care

Why Focusing on Development Really Matters in Foster Care

If you’ve ever spent time with kids, you know that they all grow and learn at their own pace. But for kids in foster care, their developmental journey can look a little different –sometimes delayed, sometimes out of order – and often shaped by past experiences of trauma, instability, or neglect.

That’s where the developmentally focused principle from CARE: Creating Conditions for Change, comes in. It’s all about meeting children where they are, rather than where we think they “should” be, and helping them grow in ways that make sense for their individual needs.

When children enter foster care, they bring with them a history that has shaped how they think, feel, and interact with the world. Some might be wise beyond their years emotionally but struggle with basic social skills. Others may have cognitive delays but an incredible ability to adapt and survive. Understanding these differences and supporting children in the right way can make all the difference in their healing and development. 

Why development looks different for children in care

It’s important to remember that development isn’t just about age; it’s about experience. Trauma and adversity can disrupt emotional, social, cognitive, and even physical growth. Here’s how different areas of development can be affected:

• Emotional Development: Kids in care might find it hard to regulate their emotions, trust adults, or form healthy attachments.
• Social Development: Many struggle with friendships, understanding social cues, or engaging in cooperative play.
• Cognitive Development: Some experience learning delays, difficulty focusing, or experience challenges with problem-solving and decision-making.
• Physical Development: Neglect or early deprivation can lead to health issues, delayed motor skills, or sensory sensitivities.

Recognising these challenges helps us better support kids where they are at, rather than expecting them to meet “typical” developmental milestones on a standard timeline.

For further information on developmental milestones, see this great guide by Berry Street.

How adults can support developmental growth

Every adult in a foster child’s life, whether a carer, caseworker, teacher, or allied health professional has an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The key? Patience, understanding, and a willingness to tailor support to a child’s specific needs. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Create a safe and predictable environment – Children who have been through trauma crave predictability. Chaos and sudden changes can trigger stress responses, making it hard for them to learn and grow.

• Try this: Stick to a routine as much as possible, use clear and calm communication, and give children a heads-up before transitions.
• Why it helps: When kids feel safe, their brains can focus on development rather than just survival.

2. Support emotional and social development – Many children in care struggle with emotions and relationships. They may not have learned how to express feelings appropriately or trust that adults will respond with care.

• Try This: Teach emotional regulation through co-regulation (helping them calm down first), model appropriate emotional responses, and encourage play-based interactions with peers.
• Why It Helps: Emotional security is the foundation for healthy relationships and self-regulation skills.

3. Use play as a tool for growth – Play is how kids explore the world, express emotions, and develop problem-solving skills. But for kids in foster care, play might not come naturally if they’ve had to focus on survival.

• Try this: Engage in sensory play, role-playing, and interactive storytelling. Let them take the lead and join in their world.
• Why it helps: Play strengthens cognitive skills, social connections, and emotional processing in a way that feels safe and fun. For further information on play please refer to the fact sheet here.

4. Tailor learning to their needs – Because many children in care have had gaps in their education or struggle with trauma-related learning challenges, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.

• Try this: Work with teachers to create individualised learning plans, focus on hands-on learning, and be patient with academic struggles.
• Why it helps: When learning feels achievable, kids develop confidence and a love for exploring new ideas.

5. Encourage independence and self-esteem – Children in care often feel like they have little control over their lives. Helping them gain independence in small ways can build their confidence.

• Try this: Give them choices in daily activities, involve them in decision-making, and celebrate their achievements, big or small.
• Why it helps: Feeling capable boosts self-worth and motivation to keep trying new things.

6. Use therapeutic approaches to support healing – Sometimes, children need more than just love and patience—they need professional support to help them process past experiences.

• Try this: Consider trauma-informed therapies like art, music, or animal-assisted therapy. Work with professionals who understand developmental trauma.
• Why it helps: Therapy can provide a safe space for children to work through their emotions and develop coping skills.

Shifting our perspective: understanding behaviours as developmental needs

One of the biggest mindset shifts we can make is to stop seeing certain behaviours as “bad” and start seeing them as signs of unmet developmental needs. When a child is acting out, they’re not trying to be difficult, they’re showing us what they need help with. By responding with patience and guidance instead of frustration, we can create opportunities for growth rather than reinforcing fear or insecurity.

Supporting growth through the zone of proximal development

Strategies for change are most effective when they align with a child’s current level of functioning. Children learn best when they have a supportive adult who encourages them to try new things without overwhelming them. This approach is known as working within the child’s Zone of Proximal Development. The zone of proximal development is the space where tasks may be too difficult to complete independently but can be achieved with appropriate guidance and support. The CARE framework emphasises the importance of meeting children where they are, providing the right balance of challenge and assistance to foster growth and confidence.

Final thoughts

Being developmentally focused means stepping into a child’s world with curiosity and compassion. It’s about meeting them where they are, not where we think they should be. Whether you’re a foster carer, caseworker, teacher, or therapist, you have the power to create moments of safety, learning, and connection that can change a child’s life. By embracing a developmentally focused approach, we help children heal, grow, and believe in their own potential, one step at a time.

Together in care, we can ensure every child has a great day, every day.