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Author ORCID Identifier

0009-0007-8667-6691

Abstract

In this practice‑oriented research we explore how storyweaving can counterbalance the increasingly negative public discourse surrounding youth care. While societal narratives often emphasise staff shortages, aggression, and systemic failure, youth care workers also describe moments of connection, growth, and meaning that rarely enter the dominant conversation. Through nine storyweaving workshops with 79 youth care workers, six duo‑interviews across roles and organisations, and ongoing reflection with a professional steering group, three central themes emerged: the importance of connection and recognition, the shrinking “space in between” where genuine relational work can occur, and the need to focus on process rather than results. Their storiesies reveal how administrative pressure, societal expectations, and negative framing undermine the relational foundations of youth care, even though meaningful change often unfolds through subtle, long‑term processes. The study demonstrates that creating space for storytelling helps workers reconnect with their purpose, strengthens team cohesion, and broadens the public narrative about youth care. Ultimately, the findings highlight that youth care is built on relationships, and that sharing stories is a form of gentle activism capable of transforming the discourse itself.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

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