From Trauma-Informed Care to Thriving Homes

At One Day, our house parents are the daily architects of family life. They cook meals, wash clothes, manage routines, and most importantly, provide consistent care and guidance to the children entrusted to us. Their presence shapes the emotional climate of each home.

Because of this, strengthening and supporting them is not optional. It is central to our mission of providing loving, safe family homes in Lesotho.

As part of our ongoing development, our team participated in Trauma-Informed Care training delivered by Trust for Africa. This training formed part of our commitment to safeguarding, professional growth, and improving outcomes for the children in our care.

Understanding the Impact of Trauma

Many of the children who arrive at One Day have experienced loss, instability, or significant adversity. Trauma does not simply affect memory. It influences behaviour, emotional regulation, trust, and a child’s ability to feel safe in relationships.

The training helped our caregivers better understand these dynamics. House parents explored how trauma can shape reactions, withdrawal, anger, or anxiety. They were equipped with practical strategies rooted in predictability, structure, and emotional availability.

One of the strongest themes that emerged was this: behaviour is often communication.

When caregivers respond with calm consistency rather than reaction, children begin to feel secure. When expectations are clear and routines are predictable, anxiety decreases. When adults remain emotionally available, trust can slowly grow.

These principles align deeply with our Christian foundation. We believe every child carries inherent dignity because they are created by God. Providing patient, steady care reflects the character of Christ, who meets people with truth, compassion, and consistency.

What Changed in Practice

Following the training, we began to see measurable shifts within our homes.

House parents reported increased confidence in managing challenging situations. They had clearer language for understanding behaviour and more structured approaches for responding. Conflict reduced in intensity. Communication improved.

Within the homes, there was a stronger sense of peace and stability. Children demonstrated improved emotional regulation and greater cooperation. Shared routines became more consistent. Participation in daily responsibilities increased.

This change did not come from a single workshop. It came from caregivers choosing to apply what they had learned in ordinary, daily moments.

• Morning routines.

• Homework time.

• Mealtimes.

• Bedtime conversations.

Over time, small adjustments compound. Stability grows. Trust deepens.

A Faith-Informed Approach to Care

Our daily rhythm at One Day includes time for prayer and devotion. We believe a relationship with Jesus provides the foundation for hope, restoration, and resilience. Trauma-informed care does not replace faith. It strengthens our ability to live it out wisely.

Understanding trauma helps us respond with patience. Faith anchors that patience in something deeper than technique. It reminds us that restoration is possible and that growth takes time.

We are not seeking quick behavioural compliance. We are seeking long-term healing and development.

Strengthening the Whole Care Model

The impact of this training extends beyond individual houses. It shapes how we think about safeguarding, independence, conflict resolution, and long-term planning.

It complements other developments within One Day, including individualised living environments and our evolving teenage care model. A shared framework ensures consistency across the entire project.

Investing in staff development strengthens the entire foundation of residential care. Well-supported caregivers are more confident. Confident caregivers create secure attachments. Secure attachments enable children to engage in education, relationships, and responsibilities with greater stability.

We remain grateful for the partnerships that make this training possible and for the humility and dedication of our house parents. Their willingness to learn and grow reflects the heart of our mission.

At One Day, we continue to build homes where children are not only safe, but understood. Homes where structure and compassion work together. Homes where faith informs practice and practice reflects faith.

Strengthening caregivers strengthens children. And strengthening children strengthens communities.