My Kin, My Care - a VOYPIC survey of children and young people in care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
My Kin, My Care - a VOYPIC survey of the views and experiences of children and young people aged 8 - 18 living with extended family and friends in kinship care in Northern Ireland
IRAS ID
362990
Contact name
Alicia Toal
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
VOYPIC (Voice of Young People in Care)
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
My Kin, My Care is an online survey that aims to gather and analyse the views and experiences of children and young people aged 8 - 18 living in kinship care in Northern Ireland. The survey will be managed by Voice of Young People in Care (VOYPIC) and has the support of the Department of Health (DoH) and the Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCT). Its purpose is to inform the development of social work services for children and young people.
At 31 March 2024, there were 3,999 children and young people living in the care of HSCTs in Northern Ireland. This was the highest number recorded since 1995 and 50% of those children were living in kinship care placements, i.e. living with extended family or friends.
The number of children and young people being placed by HSCTs in the care of extended family or friends has increased steadily in the last 10 years and this survey will, for the first time, focus on them to gather their views on life in kinship care.
Young people have a right under Article 12 of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to express their views freely in all matters affecting them. Children and young people in care, however, are acknowledged as a vulnerable group for whom advocacy and engagement services are especially important to promote this right. VOYPIC's survey is a key element in promoting this right.
There will be three age appropriate questionnaires: 8 - 15 years; 16 - 18 years; and for 17 - 18 year olds who have left their kinship home. Each has circa 30 questions on of "Where you live", "People and Relationships" "Support and Opportunities". Questions have multiple choice answers with a notepad for optional additional text. It will run in the winter of 2025 for approximately 8 weeks.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
25/NI/0141
Date of REC Opinion
20 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion