Carers experiences of children with learning disabilities in care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The experiences of parents and carers of children with learning disabilities who are accommodated in residential care settings; an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) study
IRAS ID
365382
Contact name
Laura Hughes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Glasgow
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
Children with learning disabilities (CwLD) experience complex challenges including elevated mental and physical health needs, behaviours that challenge, and vulnerability to adverse life events. These difficulties often place significant strain on families and services and can result in children being voluntarily placed in long-term residential care under Section 25 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. Despite this, limited research has explored the lived experiences of parents and carers of CwLD in such care settings, particularly within Scotland.
This study aims to explore the experiences of parents and carers of CwLD who have experience of a child in long-term voluntary residential care. It seeks to understand how they navigated the pathway into care, their interactions with services, and their ongoing roles as parents or carers in this environment. Findings will provide valuable insights into the needs and perspectives of families navigating long-term residential care for CwLD. This knowledge will inform clinical practice, service delivery, and policy development. Results will be shared with stakeholders and submitted in partial fulfilment of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Glasgow.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/PR/0102
Date of REC Opinion
4 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion