Practices that build trusting relationships, recognition and positive social connections in therapeutic residential care

Investigators

Assoc Prof Tim Moore with Assoc Prof Lynne McPherson, Prof Anne Graham, Dr Kathomi Gatwiri Meaghan Vosz (Southern Cross University); Dr Donnah Anderson (Charles Sturt University); Prof Robbie Gilligan (Trinity College Dublin); Dr Joe Tucci and Ms Janise Mitchell (Australian Childhood Foundation)

Funding source

Australian Research Council

Aims

The aim of this research is to critically examine the interpersonal and institutional practices in therapeutic residential care that enable or constrain the cultural and structural conditions necessary for developing trusting relationships, strengthening identity formation and building positive social connections.

The project aims to answer the following research questions, including:

• How does current policy construct relational practices within therapeutic residential care?
• What are the interpersonal and institutional practices that enable and constrain the experience of positive, trusting relationships within therapeutic residential care?
• What is the association between interpersonal and institutional practices in therapeutic residential care settings with young people’s recognition, positive social connections, safety and wellbeing?
• What are the implications of this knowledge for developing evidence-informed policy guidance, practice tools and professional learning to support therapeutic residential care?

Contact

Tim Moore for further information.