Advancing Therapeutic Residential Care Through Real-World Research

Introducing Grace Fawcitt

PhD Candidate, Central Queensland University (CQU)

In Partnership with LBI Foundation. Funded through an Elevate Scholarship, with invaluable support from The Royal Commonwealth Society - South Australia.

I am a PhD candidate at Central Queensland University working in partnership with LBI Foundation to develop a sector-leading evaluation framework for the IMPACT program—a capacity-building initiative designed to empower residential care communities to sustainably deliver intentional and personalised therapeutic care.

My research focuses on strengthening workforce capability and wellbeing in youth residential care settings, ultimately enhancing the developmental and wellbeing outcomes experienced by children and young people.

About Me

I bring a strong science-to-practice background to my work.

I have completed:

Bachelor of Psychological Science (First Class Honours)
Graduate Certificate in Childhood Trauma

My academic studies are complemented by hands-on experience as a youth mentor, where I supported children and young people with complex behavioural, developmental, and wellbeing needs.

I am passionate about turning best-practice principles into real-world action and making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people.

Outside of my research, I enjoy attending local art, film, and music events in South Australia. I also spend a lot of time outdoors, especially exploring walking trails and national parks.

Project Objectives

The three key project outcomes are:

Improve wellbeing and professional outcomes for residential care workers
Strengthen the sustainable delivery of therapeutic, personalised care for children and young people
Develop an evidence-based evaluation framework that assesses how intentional and personalised care is sustainably embedded across residential care settings

PROJECT STAGES

1. Sector Review

I am analysing existing training and support programs to understand their effectiveness in improving workforce wellbeing and outcomes for children and young people.

2. Co-Design With Sector Partners

I am collaborating with sector partners to identify, define, and operationalise meaningful outcomes for future training and capacity building programs.

3. Framework Development

I am developing a comprehensive evaluation framework for the IMPACT Program—filling a major gap in the sector, as no current framework assesses how trauma-informed care is intentionally personalised to meet each child\s unique needs and context.

4. Implementation & Testing

I will apply this evaluation framework within a residential care organisation to assess the program’s impact and outcomes.

Why My Research Matters

For the Workforce and Carers

Strengthens wellbeing, resilience, and reflective practice
Builds capability in delivering intentional, evidence-based therapeutic care
Provides clarity around expectations and professional growth

For the Sector

Offers a rigorous, transferable evaluation tool for personalised therapeutic care
Informs policy, program design and workforce investment
Enhances accountability, transparency and national consistency

For Children and Young People

Contributes to safer, more stable and therapeutic residential care environments
Ensures care is personalised to individual needs, goals and contexts
Supports improved developmental, social and wellbeing outcome

A Pathway to Stronger Residential Care

My research has the potential to reshape how the sector designs, delivers and evaluates therapeutic residential care. By identifying effective methods for embedding intentional and personalised care, I aim to improve program quality, influence national policy and support better outcomes for children and young people across Australia.

Get in Touch

If you would like to know more about this important work, please feel free to email me at grace.fawcitt@cqumail.com.