Improving mental health services for young refugees: The role of organisational readiness in residential care facilities

Social workers play a crucial role in addressing the needs of unaccompanied young refugees (UYRs), but the impact of institutional factors on the success of evidence-based programs remains unclear. This study examines factors influencing organisational readiness for change (ORC) in Children and Youth Welfare System (CYWS) facilities caring for UYRs. In a survey of N = 148 CYWS facilities all over Germany, 148 facility directors ( M age = 44.89; SD age = 11.15; 62.7% female) participated. This research utilized a quantitative design to gain a broader and more in-depth understanding of the motivation and institutional capacities needed to support mental health care for UYRs. The participants provided information about the facility structure and characteristics, evaluation of the care provided for mental health within and outside the facility, and preparedness for UYRs’ mental health problems. The ORC was assessed using an adapted (shorter) version of the Readiness Monitoring Tool (RMT). For the analyses, predictors such as preparedness, staff turnover, supervision, and experience with UYRs were used. Institutional preparedness for UYRs’ mental health needs was moderate (M = 6.20, SD = 1.78). Gender did not impact ORC. Staff turnover (45.2%) and supervision availability (98.0%) influenced organisational readiness. General capacity correlated with institutional preparedness, staff turnover, and experience, while innovation-specific capacity was linked to preparedness and supervision. Regression analyses showed institutional preparedness as a key predictor for both subscales, explaining significant variance (general: R 2 = .494; innovation-specific: R 2 = .370). Experience reduced general capacity. The results indicated that successful and sustainable change processes within CYWS facilities rely on profound and individually adapted preparation involving all facility members. In terms of policy and implementation of interventions, host country stakeholders must develop strategies to mitigate stressors and foster an environment conducive to effective, high-quality social work, thereby better equipping social workers for organisational change. • Preparedness to work with UYRs with mental health issues is the key factor contributing to higher capacity for ORC. • Staff turnover negatively impacts both general and innovation-specific capacity. • Longer experience in caring for UYRs is associated with a negative impact on general capacity.