With young people who are not used to being listened to, we don’t give them time—but we need to because they don’t expect that their opinion about themselves really matters. Decisions have quite often been taken without them being involved in that decision, and sometimes we need to find ways to support them to have this conversation. (Talking Hope project)

Strong, trusting relationships between young people and staff are key to making secure placements work. For young people with care experience, feeling safe and heard can help them build confidence and trust in others. Staff should take time to understand each young person’s story, the reasons for their placement, and how they see the world. Too often, young people have decisions made for them without being asked what they want or need. This can lead to frustration and a lack of trust. To build better relationships, involve young people at every stage – before, during, and after their time in secure care. When they understand their rights and have a say in decisions, they are more likely to feel respected and to trust the people around them.

Children enter secure children’s homes under different legal orders. Some are placed by social services for their own welfare; others are sentenced through the justice system. All are considered vulnerable and in need of care, not punishment.

However, secure care is often misunderstood—by the public and by young people themselves—as a place of punishment. It should be a safe, therapeutic environment that provides the support, structure, and guidance many young people have lacked.

Most children in secure care have faced trauma and instability, which can influencerisky behaviours. Secure care should help them rebuild trust, develop a sense of safety, and feel valued.

KeyFoundations for Building Relationships in Secure Care:

• Inform – keep young people informed about decisions affecting them.
• Know – empower young people through providing the information they need.
• Rights – young people should know what their rights are in secure care and how these will be upheld and what to do if these rights are compromised.
• Expectations – young people should know what to expect from secure care, what are the practical things they should know?
• Connection – show empathy and avoid judgement; build trust through consistency.
• Engagement – support and protect relationships with family or trusted others—these should never be withdrawn as punishment.
• Health – young people’s mental, physical and sexual health and needs are prioritised and understood by those around them.
• Care – young people are given the care, respect and attention they deserve.
• Confidence – young people should feel confident that their hopes and wishes are not only considered but are central to decision-making.

At the right time for them, working with young people to understand the importance of boundaries and how to set them can be a great support to building trusting relationships. You can read more about boundary setting here.

The Securecare pathways and standards set out what should happen at everystage of secure care – before young people are admitted, during their time thereand in moving on. It also suggests practical steps to best support young peoplein secure care.

The Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice published three reports on Reimagining Secure Care: A Vision for the Future in 2024, with emphasis on a rights-respecting person centred approach.

The Talking Hope project worked with young people in secure care and staff supporting them, to promote more hopeful conversations with and about the young people.