Citation

Mckeown A, Ramshaw G, Smith A, Atkinson S, Kennedy PJ. Safer Communities 2023; 22(1): 1-14.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Emerald Group Publishing)

DOI

10.1108/SC-11-2021-0044

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

PURPOSE The SECURE STAIRS framework for integrated care is a trauma-informed approach to supporting staff and young people within the Children and Young People's Secure Estate (CYPSE) in the UK. Within secure settings, therapeutic climate is a concept that encapsulates an individual's perception of safety, connectedness with others and level of support within the environment. To support evaluation of the SECURE STAIRS framework, a Secure Children's Home (SCH) within the North East of England examined therapeutic climate for staff and young people annually using the Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES) over a three-year period. This paper aims to present the findings.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Over the three years, a total of 71 young people and 214 staff EssenCES questionnaires were administered. Between 2020 and 2021, the setting also experienced significant changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Numbers of young people also decreased within the setting over the three-year period.

FINDINGS Results indicated a positive trend for therapeutic climate sub-scores. For example, Experienced Safety for young people significantly increased from 2020 to 2021. Additionally, therapeutic hold for staff was significantly higher in 2020 and 2021 in comparison to 2018.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE Findings are discussed in relation to implementation of the SECURE STAIRS framework and providing trauma-informed care for vulnerable young people within secure settings. Implications for practice are explored.

Language: en