Compassionate Accountability in Residential Care: A Trauma Informed Model

This article examines techniques for holding youth in residential care accountable for their behavior. Based on the use of trauma treatment theory, the authors believe that holding one accountable can actually be conceptualized and put into practice as a nurturing operation. For traumatized individu...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Residential treatment for children & youth 2009-07, Vol.26 (3), p.181-193
Main Authors: Cimmarusti, Rocco A., Gamero, Soe L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accountability
Altruism
Antisocial Behavior
Behavior Problems
Caregiver Child Relationship
compassion
Cooperative Planning
Discipline
Empowerment
Environmental Influences
Freedom
Holding
Interpersonal Relationship
Residential Care
Residential Programs
Safety
Sympathy
Symptoms (Individual Disorders)
trauma-informed care
Young people
Youth
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This article examines techniques for holding youth in residential care accountable for their behavior. Based on the use of trauma treatment theory, the authors believe that holding one accountable can actually be conceptualized and put into practice as a nurturing operation. For traumatized individuals, more traditional approaches to accountability do not validate their perspective or feelings and, most likely, threatens them. Consequently, they feel discounted, their freedom restricted, and will feel unsafe and ultimately re-traumatized. Compassionate accountability improves relationships between staff and youth, and the achievement of mastery over trauma related symptoms is enhanced and facilitated versus diminished and blocked. Youth in residential care are empowered to take responsibility while simultaneously feeling validated and safe. Step-by-step guidelines and examples of how to implement this approach effectively are provided.
ISSN:0886-571X
1541-0358
DOI:10.1080/08865710903130244