Systemic review highlights the needs of vulnerable young people in secure care and the personal qualities and skills that staff should possess to deliver effective support.

Providing secure care for young people is a challenging job and high staff turnover and burnout are common. This study by researchers from the universities of Glasgow and Dundee and NHS Scotland set out to explore the experiences of staff, focusing on safety, wellbeing and the challenges of caring for vulnerable young people.

The research team searched online databases to identify studies that fit their criteria. They were looking for studies that featured qualitative research – such as interviews or focus groups – to capture the experiences of staff working in secure accommodation for young people aged under 18. Only peer-reviewed studies published in English were considered.