Relational Care for Youth in North American Culture: A Case Study in Nova Scotia

This article is a case study of relational care for youth in Canada. It examines some of the factors that contribute to and influence approaches to practice and levels of care for youth. This inquiry also provides an enriched understanding of some of the issues youth in care may face and highlights some of the nuanced intervention needs of youth that those working with youth should know. Through practical examples taken from observations of interactions and relationships between youth and practitioners in a residential setting, practice approaches and ensuing levels of care are assessed against the characteristics and objectives of relational care. This article adds to the literature on child and youth care practice with youth, relational practice in the field and research on child and youth care work within the residential milieu. It may also contribute to the literature on the criminalization of youth as well as rehabilitation and reform needs of at risk youth and be of use to educators, child and youth care practitioners, social workers, and the training institutions of these professionals.