Initial validation of an observational coding system to assess child-professional caregiver relationship quality in residential care children aged 6–12

Cyr-Desautels, L., Amédée, L. M., Monette, S., Dubois-Comtois, K., Hébert, M. et Cyr, C. (2026). Initial validation of an observational coding system to assess child-professional caregiver relationship quality in residential care children aged 6–12. Children and Youth Services Review, 186 . ISSN 0190-7409 DOI 10.1016/j.childyouth.2026.109045

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Résumé

Background: Relationship quality between children aged 6 to 12 and professional caregivers in residential care remains understudied. Yet, supportive relationships with professional caregivers can promote child emotional regulation and behavioral rehabilitation. Objective: This study conducted an initial validation of the System for Observing child-caretaker Relationship and Communication Exchanges (SORCE), a coding system developed to assess the quality of child-professional caregiver relationships in residential care. Participants and setting: The sample included 76 children (aged 6–12, placed for an average of three years) and their professional caregivers. Methods: Child-professional caregiver dyads participated in a filmed conflict-resolution task and completed self-report measures of relationship quality. Data on maltreatment history, placement history, and sociodemographic characteristics were obtained from child protective services files. Results: Results showed adequate-to-excellent psychometric properties and revealed three dimensions of relationship quality: 1) Caregiver Conflict Resolution Support, 2) Caregiver Sensitive Involvement, and 3) Child Disrupted Engagement. More chronic maltreatment, a higher number of placements, lower levels of caregivers’ conflict resolution support (but not sensitive involvement), and being a boy were all associated with more child disrupted engagement. Conclusions: The SORCE provides a structured observational approach to assessing child-professional caregiver relationship quality in residential care, which may inform practice. Findings highlight the dual, parent-like role of professional caregivers, serving as both a secure base for exploration and a safe haven for comfort. Findings also underscore the impact of early adversity and the potential effect of caregiver’s conflict resolution support on children’s engagement within the relationship.

Type de document:	Article
Mots-clés libres:	Caregiver support Conflict resolution Maltreatment Middle childhood Placement Residential care
Date de dépôt:	08 juill. 2026 14:42
Dernière modification:	08 juill. 2026 14:42
Version du document déposé:	Version officielle de l'éditeur
URI:	https://depot-e.uqtr.ca/id/eprint/13018

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