Initial reflections and learning from the development and delivery of staff consultations in an innovative residential childcare pathway

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the development of staff consultation in the context of an innovative residential childcare pathway within a local authority in the United Kingdom. A preceding attempt to develop group consultations in residential homes has been expanded upon and enhanced as part of implementing a broader therapeutic residential service model. A wide-ranging training programme and consultations have been developed for residential childcare workers to introduce and embed therapeutic ideas. Systemic therapy and attachment theory ideas have been used explicitly through exploring with staff how these approaches can inform practice, and implicitly by providing a framework of consultation to inform and expand individual and team thinking. Promoting reflective practice through group consultations has highlighted complex challenges, stimulating opportunities as well as a need to consider multiple levels of context. Recommendations from this learning are discussed to help inform practice in new and existing residential services.

KEYWORDS:

• Consultation
• residential care
• clinical team
• childcare approach
• reflective practice
• theory-to-practice

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Moritz Happ

Moritz Happ is currently a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist in the StiftungJugendhilfe Aktiv, a community and residential child and adolescent service in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany. His previous role was in the Oxfordshire Residential Edge of Care Service. His research interests include families on the edge of care, children’s residential teams, reflective practice and team consultation. Email: [email protected]

Andy Glossop

Andy Glossop holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He is currently a Principal Clinical Psychologist in the Oxfordshire Residential Edge of Care Service. His research interests include families on the edge of care, social care, children’s residential teams, reflective practice, mindfulness and adoption. Email: [email protected]

Laura Ogi

Laura Ogi is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and currently leads the Oxfordshire Residential Edge of Care Clinical Team, as well as psychologists working with the social care area teams. She has extensive experience in setting up psychological provision, new services and inter service partnerships using a systemic approach. Laura has presented at national and international conferences. She has several publications and awards, and is currently involved with national strategies on Child-Family Reunification and UASC (Unaccompanied asylum Seeking Children). Email: [email protected]