Strengthening relationships: What young people say about therapeutic residential care in Australia
Jul 2025
Written by Antonia Canosa
In a powerful and timely study, McPherson et al. (2025) amplify the voices of young people living in Therapeutic Residential Care (TRC) in Australia, shedding light on what truly matters to them in their care experience. Drawing on interviews with 38 young people and an online survey with 140 young people aged 12–18, the research explores the relational practices that foster trust, safety, and wellbeing and the systemic barriers that often stand in the way. Here are the key findings:
1. Recognitional practice is central
The study introduces the concept of “ practice,” a relational approach that goes beyond transactional caregiving to “being and doing with” young people. This includes:
- Deep listening and empathy
- Prioritising time with young people
- Respecting personal space and autonomy
- Building trust through consistent, caring engagement
Young people described feeling valued when staff showed genuine interest, compassion, and respect. These practices were foundational to all other positive experiences in TRC.
“A good worker, for me, is someone who’s dedicated, who won’t complain about how much work they’re being given, who won’t be on their phone all the time. I like workers who are dedicated, who really love people, love working with these people.” (Evelyn, 14 years)
2. Relational permanence-connection to family and culture matters
Maintaining ties with family and cultural identity was deeply important. Staff who facilitated family visits, built relationships with families, and supported cultural reconnection were seen as making a meaningful difference. For Indigenous youth, being placed “off Country” and disconnected from cultural heritage was a source of pain and confusion.
“So my case manager, they’re organising everything. So, they’ve got everything there to try and make contact with most of my family.” (Liam, 15 years)
3. Life skills and interests build confidence and social connection
Support for hobbies, interests, and life skills – like cooking, budgeting, and job readiness – helped young people feel more prepared for life beyond care. However, understaffing and rigid routines often limited these opportunities.
“She [practitioner] helps me out with a lot of stuff. She’s always there when I need something and she’s nice to me.” (Chloe, 17 years)
4. Social networks beyond care are vital
Young people valued support in forming friendships and community connections. Staff who bent rules to allow social visits or helped manage emotions during outings were praised. These connections helped youth feel less isolated and more hopeful.
“I’d also let the young people have friends over. Making that clear. I want friends over. I’m lonely… I feel like [not being allowed to have friends over] makes my friends think I don’t want to have them over. When in reality, I do. It’s just that they have stupid rules here saying I’m not allowed to.” (Luca, 15 years)
5. Safety is more than physical
While most felt physically safe, many lacked “relational safety.” For example, girls who had experienced trauma felt unsafe when male staff were rostered despite their concerns. Surveillance measures like cameras and alarms, though intended for safety, often undermined trust and autonomy.
“They just kept putting on male workers after I asked for them to stop. I remember there was male workers every single day for a week straight at my house. I locked my room, I literally for that whole week, I didn’t come out.” (Mia, 15 years, survivor of child sexual abuse)
6. Participation and autonomy are often missing
Many young people felt excluded from decisions about their lives: where they lived, who they lived with, and their education or health care. This lack of agency led to feelings of ‘misrecognition’, reinforcing distrust and disengagement.
“I don’t get a choice. I don’t get a say on where I live.” (Felix, 15 years)
“They should be listening to the young people. They never listen to my voice and that is the reason why I am like the way I am.” (Mia, 15 years)
A call for change
The authors argue that ‘recognitional practices’ must be embedded in TRC at every level – from interpersonal interactions to organisational culture and policy. This includes:
- Prioritising stable placements and consistent care teams
- Supporting cultural and community connections
- Empowering young people to participate in decisions
- Redefining professionalism to include relational depth and emotional presence
This research is a compelling reminder that healing and growth in residential care depend on relationships built on trust, respect, and recognition. Listening to young people – and acting on what they say – is not just good practice; it’s a matter of rights, dignity, and justice.
To read the full article visit https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019074092500012X?via%3Dihub
To read more about this research visit https://www.scu.edu.au/centre-for-children-and-young-people/our-research/strengthening-relationships-and-connections/
