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"I got into a very dark place": addressing the needs of young people leaving care during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Source :
- Journal of Children's Services; 2021, Vol. 16 Issue 4, p332-345, 14p
- Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Purpose: This paper aims to report on the findings of a qualitative study that explored the views and experiences of young people leaving care during the first phase of the Covid-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach was adopted involving semi-structured interviews with 24 care leavers 18–25 years old from across the region. Interviews were conducted remotely online or by telephone and explored young people's lived experiences during the pandemic including their views on the formal support services and how best to provide ongoing for support care leavers during the pandemic. Findings: Study findings highlight how known adversities for care leavers are exacerbated during the pandemic, having a detrimental impact, particularly on their emotional well-being. The response of the state as a corporate parent in mitigating the impact of the pandemic was found to be inadequate; with a need for much clearer communication, transparent and prompt decision-making and targeted specialist mental health services. The account given by the young people also highlighted the importance of participation and relationship-based practice to build on the young people's resilience in the context of high levels of social isolation and limited access to informal support systems. Originality/value: This research, based on the views of care experienced young people themselves, is the first study in Northern Ireland to report on the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on care leaving. As such it makes a contribution to this emerging international field of study and, given the persistence of the pandemic, provides empirical findings and a social justice perspective of ongoing relevance to policy and practice with young people leaving care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- PSYCHOLOGICAL resilience
QUALITATIVE research
PROFESSIONAL practice
MENTAL health services
SOCIAL justice
INTERVIEWING
PATIENT care
DECISION making
EXPERIENCE
RESEARCH methodology
TELEPHONES
COMMUNICATION
MEDICAL needs assessment
SOCIAL support
COVID-19 pandemic
WELL-being
PATIENT participation
SOCIAL isolation
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17466660
- Volume :
- 16
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Children's Services
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 153761244
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1108/JCS-05-2021-0022