In 2014 CES was commissioned to work with Oberstown Children Detention Campus. Oberstown is a national facility based in Lusk which provides safe and secure environment to young people under the age of 18 who have been sentenced by the courts. Relationships between staff and young people in Oberstown were identified as an important factor in improving their lives. A first phase of the work which CES conducted involved reviewing learning on what works for children and young people in similar settings.
This publication outlines a ‘conceptual model of relationship building’ and describes the various elements involved in this model. When implemented together, these elements can support young people in detention to develop their communication skills and confidence, help them to plan and solve problems, encourage creativity and innovation, self-control and improve their health and wellbeing in the long term.