Public Good Impact Newsletter: Grenada Research

This past summer, we partook in a clinical internship, via University of Denver’s International Psychology Program, that had interns involved with the Reach Within organization in St. George’s, Grenada. Reach Within is a non-profit organization that uses various rhythmic activities (i.e., art, dance, mindfulness) to establish greater mental and emotional well-being among foster children in Grenada. Reach Within works with five Grenadian residential sites that include foster children and adolescents, whose biological parents are not able to care for them. Our research looks to analyze ways in which the Reach Within organization can alleviate caregiver stress, establish greater child emotional regulation, and improve caregiver-child relations, specifically through the implementation of rhythmic activities. Post-analysis surveys and qualitative questioning was used to gather caregiver data, while an informal discussion was led with the child population to analyze the effectiveness in Reach Within’s involvement.

Through our quantitative and qualitative data gathered, we found that more caregiver burnout is associated with less closeness to child residents. Higher reports of conflict occurring at residential sites are associated with caregivers feeling less willing to care for the child residents. Negative impacts in caregivers’ personal life due to their responsibilities is also associated with less closeness to child residents. Through qualitative questioning, caregivers firstly discussed whether Reach Withins’ weekly involvement was beneficial to both caregivers and residents. A participant mentioned “Yes, the extra help was greatly appreciated. It made the shift less stressful since everyone was occupied and no one was left out. Each child was given attention when needed.” However, participants also requested for more assistance from Reach Within that includes longer periods of intervention at the residential sites. For instance, one participant mentioned “I believe that it has, however, it is short lived. Immediately after sessions, they seem calm but after a couple hours, they are back to their usual state.” In regards to the children population, we lead a brief, informal discussion to get their feedback on Reach Withins’ involvement. Many of them mentioned that they “liked the activities” and that it made them feel “happy” and “good” as a result. They felt as though they learned to “better control their feelings” and to provide “self-affirmations.” They further mentioned that they were sad to see the interns go and hope that more topics/activities can be brought to the site that include “friendships” and “attitude.”

Based on the data that was gathered from both the caregiver and child populations, indicating that Reach Within’s interventions were helpful, along with reports of caregivers and children desiring additional assistance, it seems clear that the organization is benefiting the care homes. However, more support is needed for the organization to best serve this population. Thus, further research is needed to support advocacy efforts aimed at creating systemic changes in policies, inform funding decisions, and increase overall awareness of caregiver burnout and its impact on the well-being of children in care homes.