Category Archives: Research

Friends, pets, and social workers: who is important in young people’s lives and why

We are social beings, and relationships are crucial. We need other people to help and support us in different ways throughout our lives, from birth to old age: to take care of us and give us affection when we are … Continue reading

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RESILIENCE: A blurry concept

Despite experiencing early adversities, some young people in care go on to live happy and ‘successful’ lives. The question many have been trying to understand is what makes some young people do considerably better than others, when they all experienced … Continue reading

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Stressing out about foster carer stress

All of us who are parents are familiar with the stresses that can be involved in raising children.  Imagine then how difficult this would be if these ‘normal’ stresses were exacerbated by the impact of early childhood trauma.  That’s the … Continue reading

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Childhood adversity and the dilemmas of measurement

There is a growing body of evidence showing the impact of multiple childhood adversities on later outcomes, particularly in relation to mental health. Adverse childhood experiences are described as coming from a situational context, such as living in poverty or … Continue reading

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Positive family relationships make disabled young people feel good (just as their non-disabled peers)

This is a post by Grace Kelly. Grace is a Research Fellow in the Centre for Evidence and Social Innovation (CESI).  “Disabled children are over-represented in looked after children populations and it is estimated that between 10 and 25% of … Continue reading

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Health and wellbeing of care experienced young people – a crucial concern of this study

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” (World Health Organization) Social inequality is associated with poor health for certain vulnerable social groups. Children in care are one … Continue reading

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What does formal education mean for care experienced young people?

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself” (John Dewey) In Northern Ireland, in 2013/2014, 73% of looked after children attained at least one GCSE/GNVQ at grades A* to G; compared to nearly 100% of the general school … Continue reading

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