The value of the strengths-based approach at residential child and youth care facilities in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

The child and youth care profession has always existed to provide services for children and youth who are vulnerable, orphaned or at risk, as well as for their families. However, there is insufficient information on the approaches utilised by child and youth care professionals to ensure optimum growth and development in residential child and youth care facilities. The findings of this study intend to provide knowledge about the application and challenges child and youth care professionals may encounter when using the strengths-based approach, which is an approach that seeks to empower children by focusing on their existing capabilities and resources, rather than solely focusing on their deficits or problems. The study’s aim was to explore the value of the strengths-based approach at residential child and youth care facilities and provide recommendations to enhance and inform strengths-based work in child and youth care. The study adopted a phenomenological research approach using eighteen locally based child and youth care workers from three child and youth care centres in the eThekwini region, Durban, KwaZulu Natal. The study participants were purposively chosen to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. All the ethical considerations, such as voluntary participation, anonymity, informed consent, and confidentiality, were thoroughly followed and adhered to. The research study results highlighted the significant value of strengths-based work in residential child and youth care settings. Notably, this approach has been instrumental in promoting language and age-appropriate programmes, interventions, and assessments tailored to the unique needs of young people. Moreover, strengths-based work has fostered growth and development in the lives of young people, yielding positive outcomes. Participants emphasised that the strengths-based approach is a valuable tool in child and youth care because it governs the way they think about children and young people and the way they go about their life-space work daily. This approach is responsible for meaningful behavioural changes in young people which is the core objective for child and youth care work. Participants in the current study also highlighted the disadvantages of employing this approach stating that strengths-based work is time-consuming, requiring significant investment in building relationships and implementing individualised plans. Additionally, participants reported difficulties in the implementation of the strengths-based approach, highlighting the negative behaviours and attitudes they encounter from children, which hinders progress and create challenges for practitioners. There is also inadequate emotional and financial support offered by the organisation. According to the study results, it was established that many problems in the strengths-based approach can be solved by training, support or education. A better understanding of strengths-based work and the value of this approach may strengthen and improve strengths-based services, broaden knowledge, and enable child and youth care workers to provide thorough treatment and appropriate interventions for children’s developmental needs. It is therefore recommended that future studies evaluate the effectiveness of strengths-based approaches from the perspectives of children and young people in residential care and compare outcomes across different settings and populations to further inform best practices.