Navigating crises and personal growth: longitudinal insights into the goals and developmental trajectories of adolescents in secure residential youth care

Secure Residential Youth Care (SRYC) has been associated with both positive and negative effects on young people. Due to the significant restrictions it places on young people’s rights, it is the subject of international controversy. This study aimed to explore how young people develop during and particularly after SRYC, focussing on their self-defined goals. It also aimed to evaluate the factors within SRYC that adolescents perceive as supportive or destructive. Data from a longitudinal qualitative interview study comprising four waves of interviews over a period of 21 months were used. A total of 68 interviews were analysed using the framework approach. The ultimate goal for all adolescents was to leave SRYC as soon as possible. Another major goal was to attend and graduate from school, followed by goals relating to their individual challenging behaviours, e.g. violent behaviour or absconding. Self-determination and the fulfilment of basic psychological needs in SRYC played a central role in adolescent development: those who felt more competent, autonomous and related described better development than those lacking these experiences. Developments were rather uniform during SRYC and could be related to adaptation processes. After leaving SRYC, maintaining positive behavioural changes and pursuing goals was particularly challenging for adolescents whose SRYC placement was terminated prematurely and for those living at home. Facilities providing SRYC should promote the maximal possible degree of autonomy, relatedness and competence for adolescents, with group care workers playing a central role.