The SECURE STAIRS framework: preliminary evaluation of formulation developments in the Children and Young People’s Secure Estate

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate pre- and post-formulation findings with multi-disciplinary staff within two secure children’s homes (SCHs) in the North East of England.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi-disciplinary staff teams involved in formulation across two SCHs were administered pre- and post-formulation questionnaires. The pre- and post-formulation questionnaires focused on five domains: knowledge; confidence; motivation; understanding; and satisfaction with treatment plan.

Findings

A total of 338 pre- and post-formulation questionnaires were administered across 43 formulation meetings. The highest proportion of formulation attendees were: residential staff (44%); mental health staff (17%); case managers (12%); and education staff (9%). Paired samples t-tests showed significant post-formulation improvements across all domains including: knowledge [t(337) = 22.65, p < 0.001]; confidence [t(337) = 15.12, p < 0.001]; motivation [t(337) = 8.27, p < 0.001]; understanding [t(337) = 19.13, p < 0.001]; and satisfaction [t(337) = 18.81, p < 0.001].

Research limitations/implications

The SECURE STAIRS framework has supported formulation developments across the Children and Young People’s Secure Estate. Preliminary findings within two SCHs suggest multi-disciplinary staff teams find psychologically informed formulation beneficial. Future directions are considered including future evaluation of young person involvement in formulation meetings.

Originality/value

There is a notable lack of existing research within the child and young people secure estate evaluating the impact of SECURE STAIRS trauma-informed care developments including the impact of team formulation. This paper adds to the evidence base.

Citation

McKeown, A., Martin, A., Farooq, R., Wilson, A., Addy, C. and Kennedy, P.J. (2023), "The SECURE STAIRS framework: preliminary evaluation of formulation developments in the Children and Young People’s Secure Estate", Mental Health Review Journal, Vol. 28 No. 1, pp. 73-81. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-02-2022-0005