Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, valued, and loved – but for many the basic needs of children in care, have not always been met. At STARS Care Group, we believe that understanding the unique emotional, physical, and psychological needs of care-experienced young people is the first step toward making a real difference in their lives.
One helpful framework to understand the needs of children in care is the Hierarchy of Needs for Care-Experienced Young People, an adaptation of Maslow’s hierarchy that’s tailored to reflect the complex journeys these young people have been on.
Understanding the Hierarchy of Needs in Care
The Hierarchy of Needs for Care-Experienced Young People recognises that young people in residential care often face challenges that go far beyond day-to-day support. The model begins with the most fundamental needs of children in care and builds upwards, showing how children cannot truly thrive until their lower-level needs have been met.
Key levels include:
1. Safety and Stability
Children in care need to feel physically safe—but also emotionally secure. Predictability, routine, and the presence of trustworthy adults are essential foundations.
2. Belonging and Connection
A consistent sense of connection is crucial. Whether it’s through family, carers, or friendships, young people need to feel they matter to someone.
3. Self-Worth and Identity
Many care-experienced young people struggle with self-esteem. They need support in understanding who they are, and in recognising their value beyond their past.
4.Empowerment and Aspirations
With the right care and support, young people begin to dream bigger. They need opportunities to build independence, develop skills, and shape their own futures.
Meeting These Needs Through Therapeutic Care
At STARS, we use therapeutic care as our way of meeting these layered needs of children in care – not with one-size-fits-all solutions, but with a relational, reflective, and compassionate approach. This includes:
- Creating a calm and nurturing home environment
- Supporting young people through trauma-informed practices
- Encouraging positive relationships between carers and children
- Helping children build emotional resilience and trust
- Supporting identity formation and life story work
Why Understanding The Needs of Children In Care Matters
When care teams truly understand the emotional and developmental needs of the young people they work with, everything changes. Behaviour makes more sense. Reactions feel less personal. And most importantly, young people feel seen—not just managed.
It’s about shifting from “what’s wrong with them?” to “what happened to them?” and then asking, “how can I help?” to truly meet the needs of children in care.
Putting Children First, Always
At STARS Care Group, we don’t just provide accommodation—we provide safety, structure, and a chance to heal. Our entire model of care is built around understanding and meeting the needs of children in care, through a truly therapeutic approach.