“We Needed Help. She Needed Help:” Caregivers’ Feelings About Juvenile Residential Placement and Their Engagement

• In Event: Experiences of Incarcerated Juveniles

Abstract

Juvenile justice services have undergone a paradigm shift from youth-centered services to family-centered services. While increased attention and effort have been given to engaging caregivers in interventions for justice-involved youth, most understanding of caregiver engagement has been derived from the staff perspective. Exploring the attitudes and feelings of caregivers at the time of their child’s placement will assist in understanding caregiver experiences that might relate to their ability to be engaged. The current study utilized data generated during interviews with 101 caregivers, who recently had a child residentially placed. Caregivers were asked questions pertaining to their feelings and experiences surrounding the placement of their child. This study explored some the caregivers’ feelings related to placement including their general level of agreement or disagreement with the placement decision and what they felt and experienced during the days leading up to the placement. A discussion of how these feelings and experiences could either contribute to or inhibit caregiver engagement will be explored. Recommendations for agencies focused on early caregiver engagement will be made based on the experiences and emotions expressed by caregivers.

Author

• Raquel Moriarty Derrick, University at Albany