“I got into a very dark place”: addressing the needs of young people leaving care during the Covid-19 pandemic
Journal of Children's Services
ISSN: 1746-6660
Article publication date: 24 August 2021
Issue publication date: 26 November 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.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors extend their thanks to VOYPIC for funding and supporting the research reported.
Citation
Kelly, B., Walsh, C., Pinkerton, J. and Toal, A. (2021), "“I got into a very dark place”: addressing the needs of young people leaving care during the Covid-19 pandemic", Journal of Children's Services, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 332-345. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCS-05-2021-0022
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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