'All we are really here for is storage,dear'. Psychodynamic approaches to the short term care of children with learning disabilities

Abstract

Short term care, both residential and family based, remains a cornerstone of family support services for children with learning disabilities. Despite this, research findings from Maureen Oswin's work to present suggest that short term care services are primarily oriented to the support needs of families and carers, rather than to the emotional security of the child.

Drawing on recent observational studies of short term care facilities, and on work undertaken within the Children's Society's Western Corner Project, the author argues that psychodynamic approaches can both illuminate the experience of the child in the residential short term care setting, and suggest patterns of service that can enhance the well-being of the child.

Influenced by the therapeutic tradition within residential child care, the author proposes that careful attention to the building of therapeutic relationships in the context of everyday events such as meals, intimate personal care, individualized play activities and settling to sleep, can make a contribution to the personal growth of the child.

The paper, originally prepared during a period of study at the Tavistock Clinic, concludes by considering some of the implications for staff deployment and development that follow from the adoption of such an approach.