‘Who do I turn to if something really bad happens?’ Key working and relationship-based practice in residential child care

ABSTRACT

This article explores the psychodynamics of relationship-based practice from the perspective of young people in residential care. This research involved qualitative semi-structured interviews with 10 care leavers, aged 18–24 years, who had been in residential care in Ireland. Drawing selectively from that research, this article reports their views and experiences of key-working and how relationship-based practice acted as a reparative method within their experiences of care and aftercare. Similar to previous research, this study underscores the necessity to ensure that children in care are cared for and supported by a trusted adult. In addition, based on this study, the role of a key worker appears capable of providing this ideal type of supportive relationship. It also highlights the importance of the care system working to provide consistency and support for the young people and confirms the importance of relationships with trusted adults, such as key workers.

KEYWORDS:

• Relationship-based practice
• young care leavers
• continuity
• key worker
• key working

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. All participant names and identifiable information has been changed to protect their confidentiality.

2. The term ‘knows the craic’ (pronounced ‘crack’) means someone who knows about the other person’s experience in a specific situation.

Additional information

Funding

This research project was supported with a grant from the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Benefactions Fund, Trinity College Dublin.

Notes on contributors

Maria Swan

Maria Swan graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Masters in Social Work in 2013 and now works as a mental health social worker working with the homeless population in Dublin, Ireland.

Stephanie Holt

Stephanie Holt, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work & Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.

Gloria Kirwan

Gloria Kirwan is Assistant Professor of Social Work in the School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.