Commission’s research recognised internationally

An article written by the Commission titled ‘Young People’s Satisfaction with Residential Care: Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses in Service Delivery’ has been published in the latest edition of the international peer-reviewed journal Child Welfare.

This article presents findings from the Commission’s 2008 survey of young people in residential care in a special edition of the journal on residential care and treatment. The article highlights the unique nature of the ‘Views’ research and its ability to overcome many of the limitations of previous research in this area.

Data from a representative sample of young people in statutory residential care are analysed to identify young people’s satisfaction with various aspects of their residential care experience: their sense of safety, normality, support, comfort in general living environment, participation in decision making, and improvements in well-being.

Findings point to strengths and weaknesses in current service delivery. The vast majority of respondents felt safe and well-treated and satisfied with the care and support provided by residential care staff.

Respondents were less commonly satisfied with the care and support provided by statutory case workers, their participation in higher order decision making, their sense of normality, and the amount of contact with their families. Compared with older respondents, younger respondents less commonly expressed satisfaction with various aspects of their care. Similarly, those reporting more placements were less satisfied with their care and support than those reporting fewer placements.

The article was written by Jenni Southwell, Senior Research Officer, and Commissioner Elizabeth Fraser, and appears in Child Welfare, Vol. 89, No.2, 2010, pp.209-228.

The full-text article is available to subscribers of EBSCOhost or for purchase from CWLA at http://www.cwla.org/articles/cwjabstracts.htm#1002.

For more information about the article or the study, please contact Jenni Southwell on (07) 3211 6876 or email: Jenni.Southwell@ccypcg.qld.gov.au

Last Updated: August 30, 2010

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