A Process Evaluation of Auckland's Engaging Challenging Youth Programme

Abstract

Previous research into young people’s experiences in state care have often yielded negative findings. A component of state care that may help buffer these negative experiences is the relationship between the young person and their social worker. The Engaging Challenging Youth (ECY) team was specifically established to engage and develop working relationships with the most at-risk group of adolescents in their care. This research aimed to provide a description of ECY’s operations, including their objectives and its implementation through a process evaluation framework using a qualitative methodology. ECY social workers and young people were interviewed and their views on the areas that are working well and those that may need further improvements were also explored. In sum, the main objectives of ECY included; engaging and building relationships with their young people, identifying and managing their risks, and developing individualised plans that included their views. The interviews suggested that the social workers were mostly successful in implementing these objectives. The young people’s interviews highlighted key factors that had contributed to a positive relationship with their social worker and that included; honest communication, consistency and a sense of genuine care towards them from their social workers. Furthermore, the young people reported on improved outcomes since joining ECY. A few areas for further development of ECY’s operations were also reported by the participants (and implications about broader systemic issues). A key recommendation from the staff indicated that ECY needed more specific trainings targeted at understanding the complex trauma and presentations of their young people. They also alluded to a need for more standardised protocols within their operations. Some of the young people spoke about wanting their social workers to listen more and better support their independence. These findings are discussed in relation to the literature and the implications for the functioning of ECY (as well as other practitioners working with at-risk young people) are also addressed.