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

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.