Creating a secure foundation for children at risk

Secure Care is considered to be one of the most intensive and restrictive forms of care provided for children who are at immediate and substantial risk of causing significant harm to themselves and/or others. Children requiring Secure Care are placed involuntarily in a locked centre in order to provide safety for themselves and others, with the overarching goal of being able to safely transition them back into the community. Many countries utilise such a service, however under vastly different frameworks and policies, with little evidence to support such differences. This presentation explores key findings from an international Churchill Fellowship examining care frameworks, stay duration and transition planning for children requiring Secure Care; as well as providing considerations for the development of a higher standard of therapeutic care in secured settings.

Kelly Thompson is the Senior Clinical Psychologist for the Kath French Secure Care Centre in WA. Prior to this she worked in Residential Group Homes with children who have challenging, pain-based behaviour resultant from complex developmental trauma. Whilst her work has included experience in the private sector, her predominant focus has been on government systems, with a strong focus on the impact of trauma on children as well as the impact on the families and systems that surround the child. Kelly has recently completed a Churchill Fellowship, examining care frameworks, stay duration, and transition plans for children requiring Secure Care.

CPD pending (for lawyers).

This meeting will be preceded by ANZAPPL WA's Annual General Meeting. Please click here for more information.

Please click here to purchase tickets.