Is It Possible to Strengthen Bonds without Breaking Hearts? The Relational Paradox within Residential Care

ABSTRACT Attachment theory (AT) is one of the most popular theories used among professionals working in children and family welfare worldwide. An important contribution relies on the central role of professionals in creating an emotional environment for children and youth psychosocial adaptation and development. Nevertheless, little research has been focused on comprehending caregiving challenges in such complex contexts as RC settings from an attachment theoretical framework. This study will focus on caregivers’ narratives on major processes involved when supporting young people, problematizing professional caregiving and relational challenges. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 22 professionals working on four RC facilities in Portugal. Three major themes emerged during the analysis: “it is life we are dealing with, it’s not work,” “unfortunately (or not) we are human beings” and “someone to listen when you have a monkey on your back.” By acknowledging the complex dynamics involved in the caregiving process in out-of-home contexts, this study stresses the need for an important change in the relational paradigm in child welfare, advocating for the role of reflexive practice and self-knowledge as important premises for secure base behaviors.