Care experiences of Looked After Children (LAC) FV1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study exploring the care experiences of Looked After Children (LAC)
IRAS ID
246890
Contact name
Kevin Browne
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 18 days
Research summary
The fundamental aim of the care system is to enable children to live safely and securely in a permanent care arrangement, either within their own family or elsewhere. Research has shown that children in secure care placements have the best life outcome. Unfortunately, many children in care experience multiple placements and have inconsistent involvement with professionals and services. Those children are more likely to have difficulty forming attachments to subsequent caregivers and are at a greater risk of experiencing repeated instability in their placements. Consequently, these individuals are more vulnerable to have involvement with criminality, substance misuse, child sexual exploitation (CSE) and mental health problems.
A large literature base that looks at the outcomes of LAC currently exists. However, this mainly relies on routinely collected data and existing case files. Instead, more research is required which directly asks young people about their care experiences. This is important, when considering the views of young people in decision-making is the foundational principle of childcare policy and law.
This research will interview a group of Looked After Children (LAC) who currently live in foster homes, residential units or semi-independent support who are under the care of Nottingham Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) team. Children and young people will be asked about their experiences of care. The aim of the research is to influence service provision to create more effective strategies that reduce the moves children in care have to make. This can then increase positive outcomes for LAC whilst reducing cost to society.
Recruitment of participants will include consent forms being sent to the young person, their corporate parent/social worker and carers. Individual interviews will take place in an appropriate place. Participants will receive a £5 Amazon voucher and all travels costs will be reimbursed.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/WM/0247
Date of REC Opinion
2 Nov 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion