Promoting Capabilities with a Drama Workshop among Foster Care Adolescents

Abstract We assessed the impacts of a drama-based 13-session workshop among adolescents (N = 8) residing in a reform school due to severe conduct problems. The participants were interviewed three times during the process. In addition, they filled in a questionnaire assessing emotion processing. The theoretical background was Capabilities Approach. Our results showed that participation promoted numerous positive outcomes both at the individual and group level: personal growth, new insight, meaningful interaction and increased interpersonal trust. Providing a control-free space is especially important for minors residing in a controlled environment. Drama workshops and capability approaches provide promising tools for child welfare.