In a sector that often reduces outcomes to meaningless measurements, it is refreshing to read a book about outcomes that focuses relentlessly on the healthy and holistic development of troubled children. The authors argue that the care of children who have experienced traumatic separation or rejection demands a skilled approach. This requires systematic training of residential childcare staff and continuous growth and learning within the organisation itself, in order to ease the pain of these children and the emotions of staff exposed daily to their distress.
The Pillars of Parenting model empowers staff to understand their crucial role in achieving desired outcomes; it is positive about the potential of children to change and positive about the role of thoughtful residential care in rebuilding young lives. Case studies from the authors' own children's homes provide suggestions for developing thinking about how residential staff work with children. However, this is no do-it-yourself manual to improving your children's home. The authors are unequivocal about the need for supervision and oversight of such a programme by an experienced psychologist.
The book is clearly written and accessible, yet packed with useful theory and background. Whether you are a residential worker keen to develop personal knowledge and skills, or a manager or owner searching for a credible model of care to improve practice and outcomes in your homes, this is a thought-provoking text and is well worth a read. It offers both affirmation and challenge to all those involved in the delivery of residential child care.
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