Therapeutic Residential Care for Children and Young People

Outlines a model of care for traumatized children based on theory and practice experience.

This book provides a model of care for traumatized children, based on theory and practice experience pioneered at the Lighthouse Foundation, Australia. The authors explain the impact of trauma on child development, drawing on psychodynamic, attachment and neurobiological trauma theories.

Foreword. Acknowledgements. Authors' Note. Introduction. What is child abuse and neglect? The cost of abuse. The need for early intervention, treatment and prevention. 1. The Importance of a Theoretical Base. The relationship between theory and practice. Theory in the caring professions. Psychodynamic thinking. Psychodynamic concepts. The relationship between the organization and therapeutic task. The treatment approach. Attachment and trauma-informed theories. The influence of Winnicott on therapeutic residential care. Individual, family, community and societal wellness theory. Conclusion. 2. Trauma-Informed Practice. How traumatization develops in childhood. Trauma causes hyperarousal and fear in children. Childhood trauma reduces the brain's capacity to think and regulate emotions. Trauma disconnects children from relational resources. Trauma restricts the attention capacity of children. Trauma-based behaviour has a functional purpose. Trauma restricts children's ability to deal with change. Trauma undermines identity formation in children. Trauma affects social skills development and impacts on peer relationships. The impact of trauma on the child's internal working model. Relationship and attachment difficulties. Physical wellbeing. The basics of trauma treatment. 3. Therapeutic Relationships. Beginnings. Information gathering and assessment. The intake process. Attachment. Secure base. Commitment. Continuity of care. Working with loss. Role modelling. Personal growth. Creating capacity for relationship building: one-to-one time with children. Unique needs. The importance of the relationship when challenging behaviour. Challenging behaviour as a sign of hope. The role of touch in the healing process. Consequences vs punishment. Promoting responsible children (empowerment processes). Participation of children and young people in the organization. 4. Demands and Rewards of the Work: Staff Support. Working with challenging and aggressive behaviour. Physical and emotional wellbeing. Working with anxiety. Communication challenges. Therapeutic supervision: working with feelings. Safety and containment. The impact of trauma work on our own memories and experiences of childhood. 5. The Home Environment. Home aesthetics. Encouraging play and curiosity. Privacy and security. 6. The Holding Environment and Daily Routines. Routines, limits and anchor points. Daily programme. Use of television and computers. Free time. The importance of food in the healing process. Bedtime and waking routines. Play. Celebrations as a sense of belonging. 7. The Organization and Community. The language of the organization. Trauma re-enactment and its impact on the organization. Management and the therapeutic task. The lighthouse foundation as an open system. Leadership. Authority. Managing change. The organization's vision. Sense of community. Sense of family and home. Organization as family. Local community. Community committees as a containing membrane. Collective wellness. 8. Group Processes. 'I feel like saying' process. Shared history: culture passed on through stories. Strong culture. Child safety. Reflective practice. Emotional intelligence. Emotional wellness. Transparency and openness. Family meetings. Combined family meetings. Whole family meetings. Youth forums. Clinical supervision (relationship between carers). Clinical peer supervision (carers' meeting). Mediation processes. 9. Moving On: Transitions, Aftercare and Outreach. Transition as a separation experience. Life membership. Transitional planning and transitional objects. Transition celebrations. Stepping stones: transitional programmes. Assessing readiness for transition. Carer relationship beyond transition. Aftercare programme. Outreach. Children returning to work with the organization. 10. Outcomes-Based Practice. Outcomes-based approaches. The need for evidence. Measuring outcomes. Difficulties in measuring outcomes. Potential benefits and value of developing an outcomes-based approach. Appendix 1 Susan's Story. Appendix 2 The Lighthouse Therapeutic Family Model of Care. About the Authors. References. Index.