What is the profile of workers who build effective relationships with young people facing severe and multiple...

Family-like professional helping relationships have the potential to alter the trajectories of young people facing significant disadvantage. This study seeks to identify the worker attributes that allow the formation of deep bonds with young people in these circumstances. Access to young people in difficult circumstances was secured via organisations that provided support to this population. Interviews about positive-helping relationships were conducted with young people (n = 30) and support workers (n = 35) from 11 UK and 5 US not-for-profit organisations. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Three sets of worker qualities were identified and linked to how relationships change young people's trajectories in the context of adversity. This study has implications for the selection, training, and support of workers who provide support to young people facing difficult challenges underscoring the qualities needed to provide support and change young people's outcomes.