Resilient Youth in Residential Care

Abstract

Youth typically enter residential treatment once other less-intensive interventions have been ineffective. Youth in residential care often have trauma histories, resulting in significant behavioral and emotional impairments. Given the adversity residential youth have faced, how can resiliency and protective factors be fostered? The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), resiliency, and positive youth development in a sample of adolescent youth placed in residential care. The sample included 42 youth between the ages of 13–18 in five different residential treatment centers. Results showed that higher levels of resiliency indicated higher levels of positive youth development. A strong, positive correlation was found between resiliency and positive youth development. Results suggest that higher levels of trauma are related to lower levels of resiliency. A moderate, negative correlation was found between trauma and resiliency. Understanding and accessing youth's sources of strength is an important tool to build upon in therapy. These findings may lead to more effective treatment interventions that are tailored to residential youth's specific needs, ultimately fostering resilient outcomes.