Introduction
We know relationships matter in therapeutic residential care—but how do we move beyond theory and truly understand what strengthens or hinders these connections in real-life care environments?
Australian therapeutic residential care is designed to provide “positive, safe, healing relationships and experiences” informed by trauma, attachment, and developmental needs. Research shows that strong, trusting relationships are key to creating a sense of safety and security, which lays the foundation for healing and successful transitions from care. But what about the everyday practices and conditions that make—or break—these relationships?
This webinar dives into a critical research gap: the voices of young people themselves. What are they saying about the practices and environments that shape their experiences in care? What truly helps them feel safe, supported, and connected?
The panel will present and discuss groundbreaking research involving marginalised young people who are currently living in therapeutic residential care. We will share what young people themselves have told us about relationships and the importance of ‘recognitional’ practices, what gets in the way of forming trusting relationships in the context of therapeutic residential care, and what needs to change, according to the young people themselves. Finally, we will explore the implications for practice and policy in therapeutic residential care, wrapping up the session with a Q&A.
Panel Members
Professor Lynne McPherson
Based at Southern Cross University, Lynne is the inaugural Chair, Out of Home Care Research. This position, co-funded by the Australian Childhood Foundation and Southern Cross University, was established to lead the development of a high-quality program of research that builds new knowledge and sector-wide cultural transformation in practice in out-of-home care in Australia. As Deputy Director, Centre for Children and Young People, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lynne is recognised for her distinctive research in approaches to out-of-home care, child sexual abuse, and children’s rights.
Dr Antonia Canosa
Dr Antonia Canosa is a social anthropologist and Research Fellow at the Centre for Children and Young People, Southern Cross University, Australia. She is currently the Project Manager for the ‘Strengthening Relationships and Connections for Young People in Therapeutic Residential Care’ ARC research project. Her work focuses on children’s rights, participation and wellbeing.
Professor McPherson and Dr Canosa will be joined by co-researchers from the Young Person’s Advisory Group. These young adults have lived experience of residential care and have helped to guide the study and make sense of the findings.
Please note: all course and workshop times are displayed in Sydney/Melbourne/Canberra time zones. Please ensure you convert the time to your current time zone. All workshop payments must be made by credit card. Invoicing is only available for group bookings of 5 or more for the same workshop date. Contact us through cetc@childhood.org.au for group bookings.
Australian therapeutic residential care is designed to provide “positive, safe, healing relationships and experiences” informed by trauma, attachment, and developmental needs. Research shows that strong, trusting relationships are key to creating a sense of safety and security, which lays the foundation for healing and successful transitions from care. But what about the everyday practices and conditions that make—or break—these relationships?
This webinar dives into a critical research gap: the voices of young people themselves. What are they saying about the practices and environments that shape their experiences in care? What truly helps them feel safe, supported, and connected?
The panel will present and discuss groundbreaking research involving marginalised young people who are currently living in therapeutic residential care. We will share what young people themselves have told us about relationships and the importance of ‘recognitional’ practices, what gets in the way of forming trusting relationships in the context of therapeutic residential care, and what needs to change, according to the young people themselves. Finally, we will explore the implications for practice and policy in therapeutic residential care, wrapping up the session with a Q&A.
Panel Members
Professor Lynne McPherson
Based at Southern Cross University, Lynne is the inaugural Chair, Out of Home Care Research. This position, co-funded by the Australian Childhood Foundation and Southern Cross University, was established to lead the development of a high-quality program of research that builds new knowledge and sector-wide cultural transformation in practice in out-of-home care in Australia. As Deputy Director, Centre for Children and Young People, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Lynne is recognised for her distinctive research in approaches to out-of-home care, child sexual abuse, and children’s rights.
Dr Antonia Canosa
Dr Antonia Canosa is a social anthropologist and Research Fellow at the Centre for Children and Young People, Southern Cross University, Australia. She is currently the Project Manager for the ‘Strengthening Relationships and Connections for Young People in Therapeutic Residential Care’ ARC research project. Her work focuses on children’s rights, participation and wellbeing.
Professor McPherson and Dr Canosa will be joined by co-researchers from the Young Person’s Advisory Group. These young adults have lived experience of residential care and have helped to guide the study and make sense of the findings.
Please note: all course and workshop times are displayed in Sydney/Melbourne/Canberra time zones. Please ensure you convert the time to your current time zone. All workshop payments must be made by credit card. Invoicing is only available for group bookings of 5 or more for the same workshop date. Contact us through cetc@childhood.org.au for group bookings.
Target Audience
Residential care workers, case workers, therapeutic specialists, house managers, care team members, researchers, and anyone who works in or around therapeutic residential care programs and the young people they serve.
Learning Outcomes
- Explore groundbreaking research into the experience of young people in therapeutic residential care.
- Hear what young people in therapeutic residential care say about relationships and the importance of recognitional practices.
- Identify and understand barriers to developing trusting relationships in therapeutic residential care.
- Develop strategies to implement necessary changes to practice and policy in therapeutic residential care.
Webinar
Name | Date | Time | Cost | Register |
Learning from Lived Experience: What do young people say needs to change in therapeutic residential care? | 26 February 2025 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | $0.00 |
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