Janita is a foster carer who adopts informal animal therapy approaches to achieve profound outcomes for children who have experienced deep trauma.

For most of my professional life, I worked with young people in rehabilitation as a mental health nurse. Becoming a foster carer was something I had considered for many years. I felt drawn to creating a safe, nurturing space where children could be themselves and thrive, particularly in an outdoor, nature-based environment.

While working on a Care Farm, I found myself increasingly drawn to supporting the farm staff and working alongside the young people as they cared for the animals. I had always loved the idea of having my own flock of sheep, having helped friends during lambing season over the years but it remained a dream for a long time. When I turned 50, encouraged by my children, I enrolled at an Agricultural College near Brighton and completed their Agricultural Course while still working as a nurse. After graduating, I applied for a part-time job on a cattle farm and was fortunate to be offered the position. Alongside that role, I became an assistant shepherd on a large estate, shepherding around 2,000 ewes. I’ve now been working there for over seven years, and have started building my own flock at home.

Alongside the sheep, I have a working dog which is a firm favourite with the children I provide care for. Almost every child is immediately drawn to the animals. During lambing season, we usually have around 25–30 orphaned lambs on the farm, and bottle-feeding them is always a highlight for the children.

The children naturally become involved in the routines and responsibilities of caring for the animals. It gives them a real-life example of commitment and what it means to be depended on. The animals rely on us for food, health, and safety – and that responsibility is often a new experience for children. Animals are also natural PACE experts; they don’t judge, they just connect. One young person used her experience helping with the dogs as part of her ASDAN modules in animal care.

I don’t use formal animal-therapy techniques, but the children often seek out the animals intuitively when they’re struggling emotionally. They gravitate towards my dog in particular; for a walk or play, sometimes just for reassurance. Others find comfort in sitting with the sheep or giving my very gentle ram a cuddle. The animals seem to know exactly when to offer calm and connection.

I always work at each child’s comfort level. Some children enjoy gentle interactions, like cuddling the dog or helping clean out the chicken coop and collecting eggs. Others develop a deeper interest. My last young person, for example, grew confident enough to move sheep independently using the working dog, and helped drench (worm) the flock. They even assisted with fleece-wrapping during shearing. They are now applying for a farm-based animal care course at college!

One of the most powerful moments happened with a young girl who had experienced deep trauma. During lambing, I explained the concept of ‘mismothering’: when a ewe rejects her lambs. She immediately related to this, connecting it with her own experiences. That moment of understanding was incredibly meaningful for her and helped open the door to greater awareness of her own adverse childhood experiences. It was a profound breakthrough.

I have learned a lot from the young people I’ve cared for. They have helped me become more self-aware and patient. They bring such an energy and youthful perspective into my home. It’s a privilege to share their journey with them.

I chose TACT because they are a charity, and their commitment to investing in high-quality training. The support for both carers and young people really attracted me to them. I have been very pleased with the support I have received over the years. Their encouragement and guidance has been invaluable. I personally have been enrolled on several courses that TACT felt were specifically beneficial for my area of work as a foster carer.

All members of staff at TACT have been very supportive and are always available. My current Supervising Social Worker is an absolute treasure. She is consistently there for me, whether it’s a supportive phone call or surprising me with flowers and chocolates after a tricky period.

Fostering is not an easy path; it can have a significant impact on your life and often brings up personal challenges you thought you had already resolved ages ago. Despite the challenges, fostering has made me a more self-aware and fulfilled person. I foster teenagers, and they keep me grounded, open-minded, and I am constantly learning.

Seeing young people regain hope for their future. There’s nothing more rewarding.

Fostering in the South West