Embracing Risk: Lessons Learned in a Young Person's Wraparound Service in Wales

Abstract

Jael Hill describes the work of a specialist wraparound service for looked after children who present significant risks to themselves and others and/or are vulnerable to being harmed. She explores the nature of risk as a process which acquires form and meaning in working contexts and proposes that there can be significant costs to young people when risk-averse responses dominate, and that children are likely to benefit from services which expect, tolerate, understand and skilfully work with risks. The article describes approaches to working directly with young people, discusses ways of supporting workers to accept and cope with risky behaviours and looks at safely holding the emotions that drive some professionals and agencies hoping to eliminate risky behaviours.