Ending attachments in residential care: A rapid evidence assessment

Current policy and practice in young people’s residential care is significantly influenced by Bowlby’s (1969) attachment theory, where the development and maintenance of secure attachments is paramount in helping young people in care recover from trauma. That said, how to end attachments has not received the same scholarly attention. This is important since leaving care is already a challenging time where individuals are likely to experience repeated patterns of attachment disruption, loss, and separation. This article utilised a rapid evidence assessment methodology, to provide a brief, but comprehensive review of what is already known about ending attachments in residential care. Sixteen articles were included in the final search. Results highlight the need for stability, continuity, and a gradual transition that allows care leavers a period of “letting go” of significant attachments and relationships. This article recommends practitioners prioritise ending attachments and must include this psychological process in the foundation of their attachment and trauma-informed training. This evidence will be useful for future policy and practice, and for those who develop and end attachments with care leavers between the ages of sixteen to eighteen years old, and by doing so, will improve the quality of care and transition experience of care leavers.