Logo image
Back
Young People’s lived experience of relational practices in therapeutic residential care in Australia
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Young People’s lived experience of relational practices in therapeutic residential care in Australia

Lynne McPherson, Antonia Canosa, Emeritus Prof Robbie Gilligan, Tim Moore, Kathomi Gatwiri, Kylie Day, Janise Mitchell, Anne Graham and Donnah Anderson
Children and youth services review, Vol.170(March), 108129
03/2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108129
Appears in  Recent Faculty of Health Publications
pdf
Young people’s lived experience of relational practices1.22 MBDownloadView
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0,  Open Access
url
Young people’s lived experience of relational practices View
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0,  Open

Related links

Metrics

3 File views/ downloads
56 Record Views
3 Times Cited - Web of Science

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

Source: InCites

Abstract

therapeutic residential care child protection recognition children in care indigenous wellbeing
Young people living in therapeutic residential care face major challenges that can prevent them from forming healthy relationships and connections within the community, which are critical building blocks for their well being and safety. To address these challenges, Australia has introduced ‘therapeutic residential care’ (TRC) models in a number of states and territories. TRC in Australia is designed to respond to high levels of complexity of need, for those young people who are unable to live in a home-based care arrangement. This research sought to explore whether and how relational practices in TRC enable the experience of positive, trusting relationships for young people. Young interviewees between the ages of 12 and 18 years (N = 38) reported experiencing trust when staff members genuinely invested time in their wellbeing, demonstrated care and respect, and made them feel valued. Conversely the lack of these practices and/or particular organisational and systemic conditions were often considered barriers that could lead to ‘misrecognition.’ Drawing directly from the lived experience as recounted by the young people currently living in residential care, the researchers conceptualise and introduce a new dimension of relational practice in residential care settings.

Related content

Has preprint

Details

Logo image