Supporting Children and Young People with Complex Needs
Description
This book looks at therapeutic work with children and young people in ways which are distinct from pervasive mainstream conversations. Instead of being an intervention manual, this book focusses on the thought processes which practitioners in education and care settings undertake using vignettes and case studies. The book examines practice-related dilemmas as frequently from the perspective of the practitioner as the child, young person or their family. As such, it reflects the way in which the Mulberry Bush - an award-winning 75-year-old leading charity - functions, by outlining its psychodynamic, reflective and collaborative approach. Often the voice of practitioners (residential care staff, teachers and teaching assistants) is absent from books like this, despite being the individuals working directly with the children and families and whose experience are at the core, and so this title offers an innovative corrective.
Reviews / Votes
"This book is a vital resource for anyone working with vulnerable children and young people. It moves beyond simplistic solutions to offer a deeply insightful, relational approach rooted in understanding the complex interplay of trauma, attachment and communication. Through compelling case studies and practical frameworks, the authors provide a roadmap for building therapeutic relationships and fostering a more compassionate and effective system of care. A must-read for educators, social workers, therapists, and anyone committed to creating a more supportive world for children who struggle." (Fatima Whitbread MBE, Founder of Fatima's UK Campaign)
"This book is a carefully crafted, practical and evidence-informed guide to working with children and young people on the edge of school and family life. Drawing upon the long and rich history of the Mulberry Bush's uniquely successful model of supporting children in the context of a residential school and children's home, this book offers clear insights into children's complex needs and behaviours. With empathy and care both for children and the professionals who support them across a range of disciplines and settings, the authors provide practical advice for how to better meet the needs of children in ways that keep staff (and the environments in which they work with children) safe and supported. Written carefully, compassionately and compellingly, this book will be immensely useful for anyone working with and caring for children - in all of the complexity and vivacity of their present selves - and the hope and potential for their futures." (Kristine Langhoff, Professor of Social Work (Social Work and Social Care))
"This is a very accessible and important text that helps readers engage with and more deeply understand the task of supporting children to heal from trauma. Drawing on a wide range of case vignettes, from different contexts, we are helped to consider what is going on beneath the surface of what we see, and then to consider not only how different staff might respond in theoretically informed ways, but also what other factors need to be considered and managed in the system around children and practitioners. A valuable contribution to support this much needed focus on evidenced based, relational work - beneficial for commissioners and providers alike." (Kevin Gallagher, Managing Director Amberleigh Care)
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Persons
Caryn Onions worked at the Mulberry Bush, UK, initially as Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and latterly as Head of Research / Deputy CEO. She has contributed to research on therapeutic education and residential care. Caryn has written and spoken widely about her clinical interests which also include parent-infant psychotherapy.
Heather Price is a Senior Lecturer at the Open University, UK, and a psychodynamic individual and couple psychotherapist. She has led research projects in collaboration with the Mulberry Bush looking at its milieu therapy, reflective practice provision for staff, and placement and post-placement experiences of the organisation's residential care leavers.
Dave Roberts is the Director of Training and Development / Deputy CEO at the Mulberry Bush, UK, where he has worked for over 25 years. His focus is developing practice-based models of staff training and professionalising the childcare workforce. He formally led the award-winning Foundation Degree in Therapeutic Work with Children.
Content
1. Introduction.- 2. Roots of the Mulberry Bush approach.- 3. New beginnings.- 4. Behaviour as communication.- 5. What to do with strong feelings?.- 6. Working things through with children and .families.- 7. Supporting staff.- 8. Keeping children at the heart of collaborative working.- 9. Leavings and endings.- 10. Becoming research minded.- 11. Conclusion.