Active Research
Strengthening relationships and connections for young people in therapeutic residential care
- Prevention of child sexual abuse
- Response to child sexual abuse
Research Topic areas
- Community awareness
- Drivers of child sexual abuse
- Education
- Government & policy responses
- Out-of-home care
Project Duration
Start: January 2023
End: December 2026
Geographical Scope
NSW
Populations
Victims and survivorsGeneral communityWorkforce
Adolescents (13-17 years)Young adults (18-25 years)Adults (26-65 years)Older adults (>65 years)
Gender
All genders
Project Lead
Associate Professor Lynne McPherson, Southern Cross University
Project Team
Professor Anne Graham, Southern Cross University
Associate Professor Kathomi Gatwiri, Southern Cross University
Background
Young people in residential care face major challenges that can prevent them from forming healthy relationships and a strong personal identity, which are critical building blocks for their wellbeing and safety. For the first time in a large-scale mixed-methods study, we will listen to young people living in therapeutic residential care, staff and managers across NSW about current practice and how it can be improved.
Aims
This project aims to understand the practices that help young people living in therapeutic residential care to form strong, healthy relationships and have a positive self-identity. Researchers will 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.
Methods
Phase 1: Policy and program analysis
Phase 2: Qualitative research will hear from young people and staff
Phase 3: Quantitative research will use surveys of young people and staff
Phase 4: Knowledge translation
Phase 2: Qualitative research will hear from young people and staff
Phase 3: Quantitative research will use surveys of young people and staff
Phase 4: Knowledge translation
Further Details
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Australian Human Research Ethics Committee:
This project is subject to ethical oversight by the Southern Cross University Human Research Ethics Committee (ratified by the Australian Catholic University Human Research Ethics Committee)
This project is subject to ethical oversight by the Southern Cross University Human Research Ethics Committee (ratified by the Australian Catholic University Human Research Ethics Committee)
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