The Experience of Receiving Psychological Consultation within Children's Social and Residential Care Services: A Systematic Review of the Literature

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Title: The Experience of Receiving Psychological Consultation within Children's Social and Residential Care Services: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Language: English
Authors: Naomi Hamilton, Megan Veillard, Jala Rizeq
Source: Child Care in Practice. 2026 32(3):332-353.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 22
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Descriptors: Consultation Programs, Psychological Services, Psychological Evaluation, Social Services, Residential Care, Children, Social Work, Caseworkers, Access to Health Care, Barriers
DOI: 10.1080/13575279.2025.2597536
ISSN: 1357-5279
1476-489X
Abstract: The overall aim of this review was to systematically review and synthesise the evidence base on the experience of receiving psychological consultation within children's social and residential care services and review it based on its quality. A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Four databases were searched. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, and their quality was assessed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT). Results were synthesised and integrated using a convergent integrated approach. Overall, psychological consultation is viewed as valuable to residential carers and social workers working within children's care services, identifying three overarching functions and outcomes of this experience: (1) accessing independent expertise, (2) developing a new skill, (3) providing a deeper understanding of a young person/family. The provision of a safe and dedicated space for reflection, the use of accessible language by the consultant, and the availability and responsiveness of the consultant were three key facilitators for the consultation experience. On the other hand, barriers to the consultation experience were associated with time dedicated to the consultation, the frequency and location of consultations, and the clarity or lack thereof of the role of psychology and purpose of consultation. Despite the limited research in this field and inconsistencies in the reporting of these studies, this review identified the key elements that capture the consultation experience. These findings are essential for shaping frameworks for psychological consultation within children's care settings and guiding their measurement.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1509273
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: The Experience of Receiving Psychological Consultation within Children's Social and Residential Care Services: A Systematic Review of the Literature
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Naomi+Hamilton%22">Naomi Hamilton</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Megan+Veillard%22">Megan Veillard</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Jala+Rizeq%22">Jala Rizeq</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Child+Care+in+Practice%22"><i>Child Care in Practice</i></searchLink>. 2026 32(3):332-353.
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  Data: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Consultation+Programs%22">Consultation Programs</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Psychological+Services%22">Psychological Services</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Psychological+Evaluation%22">Psychological Evaluation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Social+Services%22">Social Services</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Residential+Care%22">Residential Care</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Children%22">Children</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Social+Work%22">Social Work</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Caseworkers%22">Caseworkers</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Access+to+Health+Care%22">Access to Health Care</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Barriers%22">Barriers</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1080/13575279.2025.2597536
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  Data: 1357-5279<br />1476-489X
– Name: Abstract
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  Data: The overall aim of this review was to systematically review and synthesise the evidence base on the experience of receiving psychological consultation within children's social and residential care services and review it based on its quality. A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Four databases were searched. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, and their quality was assessed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT). Results were synthesised and integrated using a convergent integrated approach. Overall, psychological consultation is viewed as valuable to residential carers and social workers working within children's care services, identifying three overarching functions and outcomes of this experience: (1) accessing independent expertise, (2) developing a new skill, (3) providing a deeper understanding of a young person/family. The provision of a safe and dedicated space for reflection, the use of accessible language by the consultant, and the availability and responsiveness of the consultant were three key facilitators for the consultation experience. On the other hand, barriers to the consultation experience were associated with time dedicated to the consultation, the frequency and location of consultations, and the clarity or lack thereof of the role of psychology and purpose of consultation. Despite the limited research in this field and inconsistencies in the reporting of these studies, this review identified the key elements that capture the consultation experience. These findings are essential for shaping frameworks for psychological consultation within children's care settings and guiding their measurement.
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        Value: 10.1080/13575279.2025.2597536
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      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 22
        StartPage: 332
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      – SubjectFull: Consultation Programs
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Psychological Services
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Psychological Evaluation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Social Services
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Residential Care
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Children
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      – SubjectFull: Social Work
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Caseworkers
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Access to Health Care
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Barriers
        Type: general
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      – TitleFull: The Experience of Receiving Psychological Consultation within Children's Social and Residential Care Services: A Systematic Review of the Literature
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