What is it about?
Children at the Mulberry Bush School (UK) have experienced multiple placement breakdowns due to their emotional trauma, complex and challenging behaviours. They need specialist long-term therapeutic input. The aim of this research was to determine how the therapeutic approach of the Mulberry Bush School affects the children placed in its care, and how the school’s group-work model relates to children’s ability to develop relationships.
Why is it important?
Children at the Mulberry Bush are some of the most distressed and emotionally vulnerable in the United Kingdom. Mainstream schooling has not been able to help them learn. They need 24 hour help and support to start to learn how to live. The findings can be used to help mainstream schools and other childcare settings such as residential, foster care and adoption providers. Incorporating the essential elements of being a therapeutic setting is vital to help traumatised children.
Perspectives
My colleague Dave Roberts carried out this study. There is little research into what is 'therapeutic' about residential childcare and so this is an important piece of work. There are wide reaching implications and lots to think about in relation to dissemination and training.
