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Exploring effective practice with vulnerable young people: what does practice wisdom reveal about the working alliance?

ABSTRACT Contemporary approaches to evidence-based practice require researchers to draw upon the practice wisdom of experienced practitioners who can potentially identify the core components that give programmes of care their efficacy. One such component is the ‘working alliance’. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study of how this alliance played out within the context of a charity with significant experience of working with vulnerable young people. Utilising fieldwork observations (n = 11), semi-structured interviews (n = 16) and focus groups (n = 3), the study explored the importance of the alliance, how it was built and how it operated in the everyday work of the organisation. Findings confirm the need for a pan-theoretical working model based on expressing warmth and care to clients whilst working towards specific outcomes through the completion of predetermined tasks. This was achieved through active listening, building trust, demonstrating care and empathy, providing practical and social support and persuading and motivating young people towards agreed goals.