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Risk vulnerability among children living in residential care in England: A study using multi-level models
Meryl F Westlake1, Dominika Dykiert1, Saul Hillman1
1Anna Freud, London, UK; Department of Clinical Education and Health Psychology, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
Background:
Children living in residential care are seen as some of the highest need children in society, yet there is scarce research studying their co-occurring risk-taking behaviours such as going missing, substance misuse, criminal behaviour, self-harm, and suicidality.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the patterns of vulnerability to harm from external risk and risk to self among children living in residential care in England.
Participants And Setting:
1114 children (46 % female), aged 5 to 18 years (M = 13.8, SD = 2.2), living in residential care (children's homes and semi-independent accommodation).
Methods:
Archival data collected routinely from residential care staff who complete the online BERRI Questionnaire about children in their care were used.
Results:
On average children in semi-independent accommodation had higher levels of harm from external risk, compared to those in children's homes (p < .01). Multi-level modelling was used due to the nested data structure. Children who experience a greater number of recent life events had greater vulnerability to harm from external risk (β = 1.58, p < .001) and risk to self (β = 0.31, p < .01). Older age related to greater harm from external risks (β = 1.24, p < .001), and being a girl related to greater risk to self (β = 2.53, p < .001).
Conclusions:
Certain groups of children in residential care are vulnerable to different types of risk. Routine assessment of children's risk, alongside training for residential staff, is essential to identify, monitor and safeguard against potential harms.
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