Five Rivers and Anna Freud Centre pioneer innovative research to enhance outcomes for children and young people
Friday 14 March 2025
Five Rivers Child Care, in collaboration with researchers from Anna Freud Centre, is proud to announce significant advancements in the evaluation of the Attachment and Trauma Informed models of care. This partnership underscores Five Rivers’ commitment to leading the way in innovative practices designed to improve the lives of children and young people.
At the heart of this collaboration is the Adolescent Story Stem Profile (ASSP), a newly developed narrative measure focused on assessing the psychological well-being of adolescents. This groundbreaking research has demonstrated that the ASSP is both reliable and consistent when applied to adolescents with diverse risk factors.
The findings highlight the potential of the ASSP as a practical, economical, and accessible tool for assessing mental health in adolescents. It offers valuable applications for both preventative and clinical settings. This pioneering work, developed in partnership with Dr. Saul Hillman from Anna Freud Centre, will enhance understanding of the unique needs of adolescents in Five Rivers’ care and provide insight into the most effective support measures.
This learning it is hoped will benefit all children within settings such as residential care or fostering throughout the UK and beyond. We are dedicated, as a social enterprise, to sharing knowledge gained through our research by making this easily accessible to professionals.
Research forms an integral part of Five Rivers approach to harnessing the Attachment and Trauma Informed models of care. Allowing ongoing learning and adaption to new knowledge and approaches. The approach spans a comprehensive range of assessments, individualised therapeutic formulations, and tailored support for children in residential care. Additionally, they offer a range of resources to empower and support their dedicated staff and carers.
Five Rivers remains steadfast in its mission to advance knowledge and improve outcomes for children, young people, and those who care for them. Five Rivers are dedicated to turning lives around through evidence-based practices and unparalleled support systems.