Self-harm in residential care: a consideration of the evidence and the implications for practice

Young people in residential care settings are disproportionately affected by self-harm. This has an impact on other residents and care staff as well as the young people engaging in self-harming behaviours. Research into the efficacy of care strategies in these contexts is scarce, which makes developing and implementing effective practice challenging. This paper reviews the existing literature to identify important themes for young people and residential care staff in relation to self-harm support and management, and to outline potential areas for further research and policy development.