Often, children who are placed in residential care have complicated requirements that cannot be fulfilled by just one person or organisation. In the line of therapeutic care, multi-agency teamwork is the norm, necessitating clear communication, mutual understanding, and a shared purpose.
The work done at children’s residential homes is some of the most intricate, difficult, and rewarding labour done in the social care industry. Children need a committed team of skilled workers, led by trained and experienced managers, to keep them safe, meet their care needs, and help them with their emotional and behavioural challenges. This team must adhere to strict regulatory standards while being closely monitored by outside organisations (such as Ofsted, the commissioning of services, etc.).
The first step of therapeutic care for children in residential homes usually involves building strong connections with the individual, developing a shared understanding of risk and need and forging a cooperative relationship. This step is extremely important for creating a strong foundation of trust and understanding for the child’s needs. Through the beginning steps of therapy, therapists and psychologists can start to gain an understanding of the underlying psychological causes that motivate and drive the young person’s behaviours by watching and listening to them. The growth of this therapeutic culture aims to combat the propensity of problematic youth to avoid dealing with underlying psychological disorders that lead to behavioural challenges.
The purpose of therapeutic care is to encourage personal development, which manifests itself in adjustments to thinking, behaviours and emotional regulation. This is vital during the developmental stage of childhood and adolescence. Many young people are given this care because they have not improved after traditional treatment methods.
In order to lessen personal suffering, promote recovery from mental health issues, improve personal functioning, and help young people develop appropriate behavioural self-management and coping mechanisms, programmes are tailored to the individual needs of each young person.
What assessments are used to provide the appropriate therapy for children in residential homes?
- Intellectual/cognitive assessments (i.e., WISC-V)
- Complex risk assessments e.g Harmful Sexual Behaviour / AIM3 and assessments of violence risk (i.e., SAVRy)
- Assessments of Protective Factors (i.e., SAPROF-YV)
Therapeutic care for children in residential homes is a very valuable service to offer to children who have experienced complex trauma. Through psychological assessments and therapeutic practice, each individual should be capable of reaching their potential. The psychological assessments carried out before the care is given allow clinicians to make informed decisions on which type of therapy to provide for the individual. Companies such as Meadows Psychology Service have a team of knowledgeable psychiatrists and psychologists with over 20 years of experience in therapeutic care for children in residential homes. Providing support and care during the early stages of life can reassure and provide children with trust and eliminate negative experiences in the future.
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