CHILDREN in Dorset who have experienced early-life trauma are set to receive enhanced therapeutic care. 

Youth practitioners from The Harbour school in Bovington Lane, Bovington completed an innovative Level 4 Certificate in therapeutic childcare.   

This achievement brings the total to 26 highly trained professionals, after the successful qualification of 10 new practitioners. 

The youth practitioners’ role is to support young people, particularly those in care or on the edge of care, by assisting them in daily tasks, accompanying them to activities that support them. 

Many practitioners step into a parental role, providing consistent care and stability that builds positive relationships with the young people they care for.  

Louise Drury, head of service for children in care at Dorset Council, said: “It is a privilege to celebrate the incredible achievements of our residential colleagues who have excelled in their Level 4 qualification in Therapeutic Childcare.   

“We see their daily kindness and dedication to young people in challenging circumstances.”  

Clare Sutton, cabinet member for children’s services, added: “I'm deeply grateful to those who dedicated their time to complete this course and demonstrated their commitment to providing the highest level of care to some of Dorset's most vulnerable children.”