First Nations children and young people are overly represented in residential care in Australia. This is due to the historical legacy of colonialism and the assimilation policies which have had lasting impacts on Indigenous families. This presentation explores the lived experiences of First Nations young people living in Therapeutic Residential Care (TRC) in New South Wales (Australia). Findings from qualitative in-depth interviews with 16 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 years showed that these Indigenous young people experienced a lack of culturally sensitive and safe practices within TRC, and were culturally disconnected from wider kin and community networks. The research design was guided by a theoretical framework which linked recognition theory, social capital theory and the theory of practices architectures (TPA) within a broader decolonial and childist ontology which served to challenge interlocking systems of oppression embedded in coloniality. This research thus seeks to bring to the fore the voices and lived experiences    of some of the most marginalised young people in society, to reflect on ways to improve the interpersonal practices and institutional conditions that enable positive, trusting relationships and connections for Indigenous young people living in Therapeutic Residential Care.

This presentation explores the complex journey of a young person who has graduated from out-of-home care, highlighting the flexible and adapting role of clinical support throughout their experience. Co-presented by the clinician and the young person, the session will examine key moments in their relationship, illustrating the dynamics of support that were both beneficial and, at times, met with resistance.

The young person will share personal narratives that reflect the challenges faced while navigating the care system, including issues of trust, autonomy, and emotional well-being. Concurrently, the clinician will provide insight into their approach to support, discussing strategies employed to foster engagement, as well as moments of disconnect that arose.

By exploring these interactions, the presentation aims to offer valuable lessons for practitioners in the field of childhood trauma. It will underscore the importance of understanding the perspectives of young people in care, emphasizing the need for flexibility and responsiveness in clinical practices. Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation of the dual nature of support—its potential to empower as well as the necessity for practitioners to adapt to the evolving needs of young people in care. It is hoped that this collaborative reflection can inform future policy and practice and enhance outcomes for youth transitioning out of care.

This presentation will demonstrate Jo’s Therapeutic Residential Care’s practical application of family work and transitions in care.   

Children and young people in residential care frequently report a lack of contact with their families throughout their care experience. Research indicates that, while safety concerns related to previous abuse and neglect in the family home are paramount, maintaining connections with parents, siblings, and extended family members is vital for a child's overall development (AIFS, 2020; O'Neill et al., 2018). These familial relationships are fundamental to fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and emotional well-being (McGhee et al., 2021).

At Jo’s Therapeutic Residential Care Program, our service model and practice framework prioritises family engagement as an integral component of our care approach. By actively promoting family connections, we aim to facilitate healing and enhance the well-being of the children and young people in our care. Where safe to do so, this is primarily with the biological parents, but also extended family, grandparents, siblings and cultural connections.  

Moreover, transitions in care—such as moving to a new house—can be particularly traumatic for children and young people in out-of-home care, regardless of whether it is their first or they have had multiple placements. These transitions often result in additional trauma, grief, loss, and disrupted relationships (Woods & Houghton, 2019). To reduce additional trauma, Jo’s model employs a planned approach to transitions, focusing on the emotional needs and experiences of both the incoming child or young person and those already residing in the home. This approach reduces anxieties, fosters ongoing relationships and maintains stability in other areas of their lives (Pettigrew et al., 2020).