Co‐producing to understand what matters to young people living in youth residential rehabilitation services

Aim Residential group care is an important service for vulnerable young people experiencing mental health, substance abuse and/or behavioural challenges. Yet little is written about specific models and their outcomes, especially from the perspectives of the young people who use these services. This...

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Published in:	Early intervention in psychiatry Vol. 16; no. 7; pp. 782 - 791
Main Authors:	Ennals, Priscilla, Lessing, Kate, Spies, Rebecca, Egan, Rebecca, Hemus, Philippa, Droppert, Kathryn, Tidhar, Michael, Wood, Tom, Dijk, Carolien, Bride, Rachael, Asche, Alison, Bendall, Sarah, Simmons, Magenta
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Melbourne Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd 01-07-2022 Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
Subjects:	Atmospheric models Child & adolescent psychiatry consumer involvement Data analysis Mental health Participatory research personal recovery Recovery (Medical) Rehabilitation residential care Residential communities Safety Young adults youth mental health
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Summary:	Aim Residential group care is an important service for vulnerable young people experiencing mental health, substance abuse and/or behavioural challenges. Yet little is written about specific models and their outcomes, especially from the perspectives of the young people who use these services. This project aimed to explore what matters to young people living in a 12‐month voluntary residential program for young people aged 16–25. Methods This participatory action research study was co‐produced with Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service residents and staff as co‐researchers. A steering group comprising residents, staff and researchers oversaw all research stages. 18 young people and 17 staff members participated in either individual or group interviews to discuss what was important in Youth Residential Rehabilitation Services. Data analysis drew on grounded theory techniques; subsequent codes and themes were refined in the steering group. Results We identified the 'change work' that young people were expected to do, and the milieu factors that created a supportive environment. As young people were figuring out their directions and learning new skills, they needed to be understood as the developing expert of their own lives. Real relationships with staff and other young people created a culture of belonging, safety and feeling known. These findings are metaphorically captured in the image of an egg. Conclusions Our study highlights that real relationships between all Youth Residential Rehabilitation Service community members are central to creating the atmosphere of safety and belonging that enables healing and self‐development to occur.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23
ISSN:	1751-7885 1751-7893
DOI:	10.1111/eip.13222