The Experts below are selected from a list of 6513 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Laura Steckley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Threshold concepts in Residential Child Care: Part 2, relational practice as threshold
Children and Youth Services Review, 2020Co-Authors: Laura SteckleyAbstract:Abstract Despite growing international consensus around the complex and demanding nature of Residential Child Care for Children and young people, consensus is lacking around how to develop a workforce equal to the task. Similarly, there is near unanimity about the essential nature of relationships, particularly the relationship between practitioner and Child, for good Residential Care. At the same time, theorization on how those relationships are enacted and how to support practitioners’ related development of practice is underdeveloped or even absent in some contexts. This second of a two-part paper discusses stage two of a two-stage, transatlantic study aimed at identifying and exploring threshold concepts in Residential Child Care. Threshold concepts are central concepts in a given discipline which are transformative but troublesome for many. They are important to their given discipline because they shape thinking and practice, but they are often difficult to master. In stage one, relational practice was the most prominently discussed potential threshold concept in focus groups comprised of educators and practitioners who had studied, practiced and/or taught in the UK, Canada and/or the US. In stage two, in-depth individual interviews were carried out with practitioners around their threshold experiences of relational practice. Analysis found all five characteristics of threshold concepts reflected in the data, with a particular emphasis on the troublesome nature of relationship boundaries. A further theme around the relational nature of teaching and learning relational practice was identified, raising important parallels between the relational experiences practitioners have as part of their training, and their relational practice in the field. Implications are discussed, including the misfit between the demarcation of professional boundaries as applied by cognate fields and the actual requirements of ameliorative relationships in Residential Child Care.
-
Threshold concepts in Residential Child Care : part 1, the selves of learners and their praxis
Children and Youth Services Review, 2020Co-Authors: Laura SteckleyAbstract:Abstract Despite growing international consensus around the complex and demanding nature of Residential Child Care for Children and young people, consensus is lacking around how to develop a workforce equal to the task. Threshold concept theory casts a light on related issues of training and education, and offers direction in addressing them. Threshold concepts are central concepts in a given discipline which are transformative but troublesome for many. They are important to their given discipline because they shape thinking and practice, but they are often difficult to master. This first of a two-part paper discusses the first of a two-stage, transatlantic study aimed at identifying and exploring threshold concepts in Residential Child Care. Using focus groups and individual interviews with participants who had studied, practiced and/or taught in the UK, Canada or the US, it explored the views and experiences of educators who have contributed to knowledge production in the field, as well as front-line practitioners who have completed a dedicated course in Child and youth Care, Residential Child Care or therapeutic Child Care. Findings included unanimous agreement about the relevance of threshold concept theory to their experiences, and strong support for its utility in considering how curricula should be taught. There was a greater degree of commonality than divergence between educator and practitioner views about what might be threshold, with relational practice the most prominently discussed. A theme around the self of the learner was identified in discussions of threshold concept theory more generally, particularly across the educator focus groups. Implications for pedagogical practice are discussed, including the concept of praxis which provides a useful counterpoint for conceptualising the relationship between threshold concept theory and the use of self in practice, especially in fields where the self is a primary instrument of the work.
-
Editorial : Special issue: Psychodynamic and systems theories perspectives on Residential Child Care
Journal of Social Work Practice, 2018Co-Authors: Laura SteckleyAbstract:Welcome to this special issue on psychodynamic and systems theories perspectives on Residential Child Care. Psychodynamic in fluences have been waning over the last several decades, both generally (Shaver & Mikulincer, 2005) and in Residential Child Care settings (Mann, 2003; Sharpe, 2006). Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis, has gone from being equated with Copernicus and Darwin in popular magazines of the 1950s (Menand, 2017) to currently being depicted as a cocaine-addicted charlatan who falsified his case studies in a current, popular biography (Crews, 2017). Behaviourism and social learning theory have become more prominent (Shaver & Mikulincer, 2005 ), both of which offer a more positivist interpretation of human nature (Moyn, 2016). Yet there is a strong, international consensus regarding the centrality of relationships in providing good Residential Child Care (Kendrick, Steckley, & McPheat, 2011), and neither behavioural nor social learning theories offer much illumination for making sense of how mind-bogglingly difficult these relationships can be. Practitioners need support to ask and tentatively answer two, fundamental questions: ‘what is happening for the young person in order to make this relationship work and what is happening for me, the Carer in order that this relationship works?’ (Sharpe, Daniel, & Degregorio, 2007). Psychodynamic and systems theories offer such support.
-
Therapeutic containment and physical restraint in Residential Child Care
2018Co-Authors: Laura SteckleyAbstract:Sometimes it can feel like walking on a knife edge-this work in Residential Child Care. Decisions often have to be made quickly under intense pressure, and the consequences of those decisions may have long term and significant impacts. Sometimes it can appear no good decision is possible, just a choice between wrong ones. Physical restraint is firmly located on possibly the sharpest edge of practice. There have long been concerns about physically restraining Children. The potential for things to go wrong is great. Restraint has been and probably continues to be misused, violating Children's basic rights, damaging the relationships that are meant to heal, and sometimes traumatising or re-traumatising Children. Even when properly implemented, there remain significant risks of physical and psychological harm-both to Children and to staff. Yet, some Children in Residential Child Care have had such damaging life experiences that they act out their pain and confusion in harmful ways. And sometimes, staff are unable to find a way to keep everyone safe without resorting to restraining a Child. This piece will discuss a large research study in Scotland that explored the views and experiences of staff and Children in Residential Child Care related to physical restraint. While much of what has been written about physical restraint has been negative, the findings of this study reveal a subtler and more complex picture-one that can be better understood by applying theories of therapeutic containment and holding environments. These theories will be explained first and then used as one way of making sense of what study participants had to say.
-
Catharsis, containment and physical restraint in Residential Child Care
The British Journal of Social Work, 2017Co-Authors: Laura SteckleyAbstract:In Residential Child Care, physical restraint continues to be a contentious and high-risk intervention with potential for physical and psychological harm to all involved. Its relationship to catharsis is poorly understood and rarely addressed in policy, practice and literature. Indeed, there is a paucity of application of catharsis theory to Residential Child Care (or social work generally). This article redresses this gap by presenting findings of a large-scale, qualitative study of Children, young people and practitioners’ experiences of physical restraint and analysing them through lenses of catharsis and containment theories. It offers evidence of cathartic expression in situations involving restraint, as well as a potential relationship between ongoing, repeated restraints and a drive for catharsis. It is argued that catharsis theory, especially when combined with containment theory, has explanatory power in making sense of physical restraint and how to minimise its use while still meeting the needs of Children and direct-Care practitioners in Residential and other relevant settings.
Andrew Kendrick - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Residential Child Care
International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences, 2015Co-Authors: Andrew KendrickAbstract:Residential Child Care has proved to be one of the most difficult and complex interventions in the lives of Children around the globe. There are polarized views about Residential Care and this is reflected in ambivalence in legislation, policy, and practice. Residential Child Care, however, continues to have a positive role in the Care of Children and young people when they are unable to remain in their own families. High-quality and effective Residential Care should provide an environment that enhances development, promotes resilience, and builds the confidence and self-esteem of Children and young people.
-
What research tells us about Residential Child Care
Social Work with Children and Families, 2012Co-Authors: Andrew KendrickAbstract:Chapter focusing on Residential Child Care
-
Residential Child Care : learning from international comparisons
2011Co-Authors: Andrew Kendrick, Laura Steckley, Graham McpheatAbstract:Over recent years, Residential Child Care has come under increased scrutiny, and there has been marked ambiguity in policy debates about its roles and functions within the range of Child welfare services. Considerable concern has been expressed about the institutional abuse identified in countries around the world. Questions have been asked about the effectiveness of Residential Care in comparison with alternative services. The often difficult experiences of Children and young people leaving Residential Care - particularly those leaving Care to independence - have raised questions about policies and practice. The ongoing focus on the importance of the family and family-based Care settings has been contrasted with the 'institutional' nature of Residential Care. These discussions have played out in different ways across the world. It is the aim of this chapter to highlight the main issues to see what lessons can be learnt from comparison with Residential Care in other countries. The potential scope of this endeavour is huge and we have therefore had to be selective in the examples used, but we hope to contribute to the positive development of Residential Care.
-
Residential Child Care qualifications audit 2009
2009Co-Authors: Andrew Kendrick, Jennifer Davidson, Zachari Duncalf, Maureen AndersonAbstract:In recent years there has been a drive to develop a fully qualified Residential Child Care sector in Scotland. In 2003 the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) announced the baseline qualifications for Residential Child Care staff and set down a target for attaining it. This qualifications framework was subsequently reviewed and expanded in 2004. The Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care (SIRCC), commissioned by the Scottish Executive, has previously undertaken two inquiries into the qualification levels of the Residential Child Care workforce in Scotland. The first Qualifications Audit (Frondigoun, Maclean, Hosie & Kendrick, 2002) was undertaken before the SSSC’s initial qualification framework was known and the second (Hunter, Hosie, Davidson & Kendrick, 2004) was based on it. The previous qualifications audit (Hunter et al., 2004) reported that 18% of Residential Child Care staff were fully qualified in accordance with the SSSC’s qualification criteria (SSSC, 2004). The report forecast that the number of fully qualified staff would rise to 29.1% if all qualifications being undertaken were achieved. The purpose of this current audit is to determine whether levels of qualified staff have risen and to identify qualification trends throughout the Residential Child Care sector in Scotland.
-
Residential Child Care: Prospects and Challenges
2008Co-Authors: Andrew KendrickAbstract:Residential Child Care draws on the latest research to offer guidance for developing best practice, policy and improved outcomes for Children and young people. Contributors examine important aspects of Residential Care work, and address the concerns about the poor outcomes for young people leaving Care and the role of Residential Child Care as a positive choice within the range of Care services. Key issues addressed include promoting well-being and development for young people; tackling potential discrimination in Residential policy and practice; responding to areas of discord in Residential Child Care; and underpinning themes relating to Residential Child Care, such as staff development and support. This book will provide essential reading for policy makers, managers and practitioners in Residential Care and the social services, and students in the field.
Mark Smith - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Residential Child Care in practice : making a difference
2013Co-Authors: Mark Smith, Leon C. Fulcher, Peter DoranAbstract:A daily life approach to Residential Child Care Safe and secure: the idea of belonging Nurtured: the idea of upbringing Healthy: the idea of wellbeing Achieve and enjoy: the idea of fun Active: the idea of purpose Respected and responsible: the Idea of citizenship Contributing: the idea of generosity Included: the idea of community participation Conclusion.
-
Care Ethics in Residential Child Care: A Different Voice
Ethics and Social Welfare, 2011Co-Authors: Laura Steckley, Mark SmithAbstract:Despite the centrality of the term within the title, the meaning of ‘Care’ in Residential Child Care remains largely unexplored. Shifting discourses of Residential Child Care have taken it from the private into the public domain. Using a Care ethics perspective, we argue that public Care needs to move beyond its current instrumental focus to articulate a broader ontological purpose, informed by what is required to promote Children's growth and flourishing. This depends upon the establishment of caring relationships enacted within the lifespaces shared by Children and those caring for them. We explore some of the central features of caring in the lifespace and conclude that Residential Child Care is best considered to be a practical/moral endeavour rather than the technical/rational one it has become. It requires morally active, reflexive practitioners and containing environments.
-
Victim Narratives of Historical Abuse in Residential Child Care: Do We Really Know What We Think We Know?
Qualitative Social Work, 2010Co-Authors: Mark SmithAbstract:Dystopian images of Children’s remains buried in the cellars of Haut de la Garenne Children’s home in the Channel Island of Jersey brought the subject of historical abuse in Residential Child Care ...
-
Rethinking Residential Child Care: Positive perspectives
2009Co-Authors: Mark SmithAbstract:The context of Care History Inquiries and their impact Trends and policy directions Theorising Residential Child Care The Residential environment Assessment, Care planning and programming Working at the boundaries: the personal and professional relationship Residential ChildCare in a continuum of Care Other traditions of practice Conclusion: rethinking Residential Child Care.
-
Historical abuse in Residential Child Care: an alternative view’
Practice, 2008Co-Authors: Mark SmithAbstract:In recent decades Residential Child Care practice across the English-speaking world has been shaped by an assumption of widespread historical abuse. The author questions this dominant account, arguing that the emotion surrounding institutional abuse can preclude appropriately critical examination. Investigations into historical abuse reflect the witch-hunt metaphor employed in relation to previous Child abuse panics in family and community settings. The failure to look critically at this subject has led to the prosecution of scores of staff. There is evidence to suggest that many allegations are false, based on the possibility of financial reward, a state of affairs that also diminishes the experiences of genuine victims of abuse. At a wider level, the assumption of abuse legitimises managerial and regulatory approaches to practice which contribute to the poor condition of state Care. This article gives a brief overview of abuse in Residential Child Care settings. It challenges the premise that it was wid...
Ian Milligan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Residential Child Care: Between Home and Family
2012Co-Authors: Graham Connelly, Ian MilliganAbstract:Government statistics show that around 1,700 Scottish Children and young people are in Residential Care at any one point in time. In addition several hundred others, including those with significant learning, physical and communication disabilities, receive regular periods of respite Care in Residential units. Residential Child Care has also been the focus of a considered amount of government policy-making. There have been changes in the average size and location of Residential units, changes in staffing structures and repeated attempts to better train the workforce. Residential Care has also been the focus of considerable regulation and scrutiny, much of it in response to scandals associated with abuse; both contemporary and ‘historic’. Scotland’s Residential Care services are strongly supported by central government policy and the government continues to play a major role, particularly for the most disadvantaged or ‘troubled and troublesome’ Children. The sector is noteworthy in that Scotland does not have a separate juvenile justice ‘detention’ sector and it only has a tiny in-patient Child and adolescent mental health service. Another notable characteristic of the Scottish Children’s homes sector is that a significant number remain under local authority control. Meanwhile there has been a steady decline in voluntary sector provision and a steady growth, from a low base, of private provision. This is the first dedicated study of the Scottish Children’s Residential Care sector. Throughout appropriate comparisons are made to parallel provision elsewhere in the UK and in Europe. The result is a text of great interest and utility to all those working, training to work or formulating practice and policy for the Children’s Residential Care sector in Scotland.
-
A to Z of Residential Child Care
2010Co-Authors: Claire Burns, Fiona Feilberg, Ian MilliganAbstract:The SIRCC A-Z is an introduction to key issues and concepts that have gained prominence over the past 10 years. SIRCC staff have collectively created a series of 26 articles reflecting key aspects of practice from across the sector. Produced to celebrate 10 years of the Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care.
-
Lessons learnt? Abuse in Residential Child Care in Scotland
Child & Family Social Work, 2008Co-Authors: Robin Sen, Andrew Kendrick, Ian Milligan, Moyra HawthornAbstract:This paper draws on work carried out by Sen, Kendrick, Milligan and Hawthorn commissioned as part of the Historic Abuse Systemic Review by the Scottish Executive in 2007. It considers the evidence base regarding abuse in Residential Child Care from 1945 with a specific focus on Scotland. It reviews the context set for Residential Child Care post-1945 by the Clyde and Curtis reports, outlines how the Residential Child Care sector developed following this, provides an overview of evidence and awareness of abuse in Residential Child Care establishments after the 1948 Children's Act, giving particular consideration to the public inquiries and reviews of Residential Child Care which there have been in Scotland, explores research evidence regarding the safety of convictions of Residential Child Care workers found guilty of Child abuse, and provides an overview of the main policy and practice developments which there have subsequently been in Scotland. The paper concludes by considering the progress that has been made in developing safeguards in Scotland and identifying areas where further research and development are required.
-
Abuse in Residential Child Care: a literature review
2007Co-Authors: Robin Sen, Andrew Kendrick, Ian Milligan, Moyra HawthornAbstract:The issue of the abuse of Children and young people in Residential Child Care, both in the past and in the present, continues to be a serious concern. It has been the topic of a number of government enquiries over the past twenty-five years; some of which have focused on particular cases of abuse, others having a more general remit. This literature review has been commissioned for the latest such enquiry in Scotland, the Historic Abuse Systemic Review.
-
Residential Child Care: Collaborative Practice
2006Co-Authors: Ian Milligan, Irene StevensAbstract:Addresses the specific context of modern Residential Child Care whilst promoting collaborative practice within a wider social work setting. The book analyses the collaborative role of organisations, field workers, parents, teachers, and Children, and stresses how these interprofessional relationships are crucial to ensuring Children's wellbeing.
Florian Eßer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Touch in Residential Child Care: staff’s bodies and Children’s agency
European Journal of Social Work, 2017Co-Authors: Florian EßerAbstract:ABSTRACTThis paper concerns the significance of touch in the everyday life of those living and working in Residential Child Care. Public and professional awareness about Child abuse has focused attention on the bodies of Children and their vulnerability – but the same cannot be said of the bodies of staff members who touch Children. This ethnographic study of a Scottish Residential Child Care unit shows such touch to be central to the everyday participation of Children and young people in Care. On the basis of participant observation, the paper analyses how Care workers influence the agency of Children and young people by bringing their own bodies into their relationships with them. Based on a relational understanding of Care, the paper elaborates on how tender and restraining forms of touch form part of Care workers’ professional repertoire of actions. The analysis of various instances of touch in terms of sociology of the body shows how staff members can help to shape Children and young people’s opportu...
-
Enacting the overweight body in Residential Child Care: Eating and agency beyond the nature–culture divide:
Childhood, 2017Co-Authors: Florian EßerAbstract:This article reconstructs multiple enactments of overweight bodies in Residential Child Care by analysing ethnographic field notes. The account links in with current tendencies in Childhood studies to reach a more material and relational understanding of Children’s agency. Examining concepts of embodiment as discussed in science and technology studies and phenomenology, the article offers an approach to Childhood studies which connects the corporeal and agency. It shows how different enactments of Children’s bodies and food produce different forms of agency.