Promoting Collaborative Relationships in Residential Care of Vulnerable and Traumatized Youth: a Playfulness Approach Integrated with Trauma Systems Therapy

Abstract

Despite the importance of the therapeutic relationship between staff and youth in residential care, there is a dearth of information on how to improve the quality of those relationships. This evaluation study examined the impact of a play-based, trauma-informed training program for staff working in shelters for unaccompanied migrant youth. The play-based training is specifically designed to foster collaborative relationships and well-being among participants. We assessed staff’s beliefs about relational capacities, job satisfaction, and adverse incidents at four sites piloting the program, complemented by qualitative interviews. We found statistically significant improvement in group beliefs about safety, trust, intimacy, and control; group beliefs about the shelters’ capacity to address mental health issues; job satisfaction; and reduction in the incidence of restraints. These findings support the usefulness of therapeutic play-making skills for residential care staff working with vulnerable and traumatized youth, particularly when combined with clinical methods for addressing trauma.