MANAGING PAIN IN RESIDENTIAL CARE: A DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

This article explores the presence of pain in residential programs for children and youth. The challenges associated with acknowledging and interpreting the behavioural manifestations of this pain — for the young people and for front-line practitioners — are discussed and interpreted through a constructive-developmental lens. The notion of the organization as a holding environment is reviewed, with a key focus on the role of the supervisor in absorbing the pain, providing emotional containment, supporting practitioners “where they are”, encouraging reflection, promoting developmental growth, and maintaining a stable presence. Implications for the organization are reviewed.

Keywords

• child and youth care
• residential care
• constructive-developmental theory
• pain
• pain-based behaviours
• meaning-making