Tusla publishes CES Review of Activity-Based Therapeutic Supports

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has published a report produced by CES of our independent review of Activity-Based Therapeutic Supports.

CES was commissioned by Tusla in 2024 to carry out a review of Activity-Based Therapeutic Supports (ABTS) funded through the Child and Family Agency, Tusla.  

The review focused on three types of ABTS funded through Tusla including:  

• Creative therapies (art therapy and play therapy),  

• Adventure therapy, and  

• Animal-assisted therapy (equine-assisted therapy).

The objectives of the review were:  

• To complete desk-based research and a literature review of ABTS

• To complete case studies exploring stakeholder experiences of ABTS in four sites, and  

• To include the voice of children and young people, parents/foster carers, and service providers.  

Methodology

This review employed a case study design to explore the benefits, challenges, and limitations of ABTS for young people in care and young people in the community that are referred to Tusla across four case study sites. The review also explores what works well in relation to ABTS and areas for improvement in the future.  

Qualitative data was gathered via semi-structured interviews with staff/therapy providers, parents/foster carers, and young people, and through observations accumulated during the site visits.

For the most part, the review focuses on young people aged 14-17 years, apart from one case study site which caters for children aged 7-12 years.

This review offers insights into how these therapeutic supports are delivered, the enablers and the challenges.

Findings

The review found that there is significant value in the provision of ABTS to young people. The results confirm and add to the growing body of literature building evidence to inform policy and practice in the provision of ABTS for children and young people.  

The fact that the supports are community-based, locally accessible and delivered by qualified, committed and passionate staff are key enablers of success. The results show that the therapeutic supports are relational, enjoyable, and grounded in relevant theories, e.g., solution-focused therapy, gestalt therapy. The benefits cited for children, and young people include increased self-esteem and self-confidence, enhanced social skills and relationship building, and emotional regulation.  

There are also signs of benefit for parents/foster carers and the wider community.  

There is scope for further study to understand the value and fit of ABTS in the broad suite of supports available to children and young people.

Dr Caroline Rawdon, CES Project Specialist says:

"Thank you to the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, and the case study sites for facilitating a novel, practical and useful review of activity-based therapeutic supports. The CES research team enjoyed meeting with staff, parents/foster carers and young people and hearing about their experiences of activity-based therapeutic supports. We are very hopeful that this research will continue to inform good practice and policy development."

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You can read the report here: Independent Review of Activity-Based Therapeutic Supports funded through Child and Family Agency