The Theatre Workshop Period in Child Welfare Unit as a Way to Enriching Communication

Arts-based activities are underutilized in social and health care sector. In my research drama-based exercises are seen as a method for enriching communication and self-expression among adolescents placed in residential child care. Arts-based methods and namely drama-based exercises have provided positive effects in working with special groups.

Reform school (RS) system in Finland works with adolescents (aged 12-17) with severe behavioral problems, like difficulties in schooling, conduct or mental health problems and substance use. RS is integrated in the social welfare system, and it stresses the rehabilitation aspect. Traditional discussion-based social work appears to have a limited effect for many adolescents residing in the RS and many of them have difficulties processing emotions. New intervention methods are needed.

My study is connected to theatre play project, which is based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s book "Crime and Punishment". The project includes arts-based workshops that deepen the theme of the play together with adolescents.We interviewed eight adolescents in reform school for assessing the effects of participation in drama workshops (13 weekly sessions).

Our special focus was in emotion processing abilities. The data was collected by half-structured interviews at the beginning, in the end and six months after the drama workshop period. The results show that drama exercises released anxiety and provided more courage. By participation in exercises, adolescents were able to express themselves more freely. They also found new, hidden abilities from themselves. According to the results arts-based activities should be use much more in child welfare.