Trauma-Informed Care, Underpinned by PACE.
Our proposed approach to residential care is grounded in trauma-informed practice and guided by PACE principles, with a commitment to each child's emotional safety, wellbeing and development.
A thoughtful, child-centred approach.
At Everward, we believe that children thrive when they feel emotionally safe, consistently supported and genuinely understood. Our proposed approach is grounded in trauma-informed practice, with PACE principles at its core.
We will work collaboratively with placing authorities, families and other relevant professionals to ensure that every child receives consistent, high-quality care that responds to their individual needs and supports their progress.
Understanding Trauma and Adversity
Many children in residential care have experienced significant trauma, adversity and disruption. Trauma can affect a child's emotional regulation, behaviour, learning and ability to form trusting connections. Our proposed approach recognises these impacts and responds with patience, consistency and therapeutic understanding rather than purely behavioural management.
The PACE Approach
PACE is an approach developed by Dr Dan Hughes, designed to support children who have experienced trauma and adversity. It provides a framework for how we engage with children — not just in moments of difficulty, but in all aspects of daily care.
Playfulness
Using appropriate warmth, humour and a light-hearted approach to help children feel comfortable, valued and supported. Playfulness creates moments of connection and helps children experience positive interactions in a safe environment.
Acceptance
Recognising and accepting a child's internal experiences, emotions and feelings without necessarily accepting unsafe or harmful behaviour. Acceptance communicates to children that they are valued as individuals, regardless of their difficulties.
Curiosity
Seeking to understand the feelings, experiences and unmet needs that may underpin a child's presentation and behaviour. Curiosity helps children feel understood rather than judged, and supports reflective thinking about their own experiences.
Empathy
Responding sensitively to children's emotional experiences and helping them feel understood and supported. Empathy communicates that their feelings matter and that they are not alone in their experiences.
Emotional Regulation and Co-Regulation
Children who have experienced trauma often find emotional regulation challenging. Our staff will be trained to support co-regulation — providing a calm, consistent and containing presence that helps children manage their emotional responses. Over time, this support aims to build children's own capacity for self-regulation.
Positive Behaviour Support
We will use positive behaviour support approaches that focus on understanding the function of behaviour and addressing unmet needs, rather than purely reactive or punitive responses. Behaviour is understood as communication, and our response will be thoughtful, proportionate and focused on the child's wellbeing.
Individualised Care Planning
Every child will have an individualised care plan developed in collaboration with the placing authority, the child and relevant professionals. Care plans will reflect each child's history, needs, strengths, wishes and feelings, and will be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain responsive to the child's progress and changing circumstances.
Safeguarding and Risk Management
Safeguarding is central to everything we do. Our policies and procedures will be developed in line with current legislation, statutory guidance and best practice. Risk assessment and risk management will be proportionate, child-centred and regularly reviewed in collaboration with placing authorities and other relevant professionals.
Reflective Practice
We are committed to a culture of reflective practice within our staff team. Regular supervision, team reflection and ongoing professional development will support staff to maintain high standards of care, manage the emotional demands of the role and continue to develop their practice.
Children's Voice and Participation
Every child has the right to have their voice heard and to participate meaningfully in decisions about their care. We will actively support children to express their wishes and feelings, understand their rights and contribute to their own care planning in ways that are appropriate to their age and understanding.
Multi-Agency Working
Effective care for children with complex needs requires close collaboration across agencies. We will work openly and proactively with placing authorities, health services, education providers, CAMHS, the police and other relevant professionals, attending all relevant professional meetings and contributing actively to care planning and review.
Working together for every child.
We are committed to open, transparent and collaborative working with local authorities, families and other professionals. Regular communication, honest reporting and a shared focus on each child's wellbeing and progress will underpin everything we do.
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