Breathe Trust Connect
Breathe Trust Connect (BTC) is a specialist, trauma-informed therapeutic service, developed by Birmingham Children’s Trust, to support birth parents who have experienced the removal of a child through adoption or care proceedings.
We are sharing our learning and working alongside other local authorities who want to explore or develop similar support. Whether you are at an early thinking stage or looking to strengthen an existing offer, we would welcome a conversation.
Operating as a voluntary, non-statutory service, BTC intervenes at moments of profound vulnerability to reduce trauma, strengthen relationships and help prevent repeat removals. By addressing intergenerational trauma early, the service supports families to move from crisis towards safety, stability and connection.
Please watch the video below which demonstrates the success of the Breathe Trust Connect Service.
Why it matters
Across the UK, repeat care proceedings continue to rise, with over half of newborns in England and Wales entering care through families with previous removals. In Birmingham, nearly half of those affected are care-experienced themselves.
These patterns reflect entrenched trauma, poverty and limited early intervention. BTC responds before crisis escalates, providing therapeutic support that protects children, improves parental wellbeing and reduces the long-term social and financial cost of statutory intervention.
What BTC delivers
BTC provides structured, evidence-informed therapeutic pathways that support people to process trauma, mourn loss and rebuild safe, nurturing relationships. Through one to-one therapeutic social work, attachment-based interventions, pregnancy and parenting pathways and community connection, BTC delivers measurable improvements in mental health, family relationships, and long-term life chances.
The model is designed to create lasting change beyond statutory involvement and can be adapted to reflect local context and need.
How can we help?
Breathe Trust Connect has been shaped through practice, learning and lived experience. We are increasingly supporting other local authorities to explore how a similar approach could work in their own area.
We offer tailored, practical support, from sharing insight and frameworks through to helping design and implement this service that meets local need.
If you are considering how to strengthen support for birth parents and reduce repeat care proceedings, we would be very happy to start a conversation.