Preprint
Young People’s Lived Experience of Relational Practices in Therapeutic Residential Care in Australia
Southern Cross University
09/2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/preprint.407
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Abstract
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 wellbeing 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 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.
Details
- Title
- Young People’s Lived Experience of Relational Practices in Therapeutic Residential Care in Australia
- Creators
- Lynne McPherson (Chief Investigator) - Southern Cross University, Social WorkAntonia Canosa (Author) - Southern Cross University, Centre for Children and Young PeopleRobbie Gilligan (Author) - Trinity College DublinTimothy Moore (Author) - Australian Catholic UniversityKathomi Gatwiri (Author) - Southern Cross University, Social WorkKylie Day (Author) - Southern Cross University, Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian PeoplesJanise Mitchell (Author) - Australian Childhood FoundationAnne Graham AO (Author) - Southern Cross University, Faculty of HealthDonnah L Anderson (Author) - Charles Sturt University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Identifiers
- 991013221613602368
- Academic Unit
- Centre for Children and Young People
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Preprint