The Soul, Rhythms and Blues of Responsive Child and Youth Care at Home or Away from Home

Abstract

The knowledge base that underpins child and youth care work is re-examined through the device of musical metaphor, introducing six voices that impact on responsive practices with children, young people, and their families. The Soul of child and youth care is located in guarantees of physical safety and security and attending to bodily comforts, routines, and preferences. Rhythms of proactive caring build through the unique developmental patterns presented by each child or young person cared for at home or away from home. The Blues of care are recorded in each social history and care order, highlighting stark emotions around significant life events, personal and cultural safety, risk-taking, and acting out, self-mutilation or escape. Six comparative policy themes are highlighted, voicing challenges for child and youth services over the next decade.