Introduction

This introduction sets out the context for an exploration of therapeutic approaches to support babies and young children in care and outlines the intended audience of the book: foster carers and parents, social work professionals and clinicians, commissioners, and the general reader with an interest in the early lives of children in care. Adversities affecting babies and young children who cannot be looked after in their family of origin are addressed. Trauma, deprivation, and multiple caregiving can all impact on the capacity of adults to respond to the psychological needs of vulnerable infants and young children. The potential impacts of transitions for babies and young children are illustrated with reference to Hogarth’s painting in London’s Foundling Museum of the child Moses. An outline of the book is followed by a note on terminology.