Disabled Children and Young People in Out-of-Home Care; Summary Report

Abstract

The summary begins with an overview of the service context for the study and the statutory data return on the general population of children and young people in care at the time of the study (HSBC, 2013). A summary of key policies and the findings of the literature review are then presented. This is followed by an outline of the methodological approach, including definitions of disability and children in out-of-home care as operationalised in this research study. An overview of the profile of disabled children and young people in out-of-home care in NI is then presented, divided into two distinct groups within this population: those who are fully looked after (in full-time care of the state) and those who are looked after due to short break usage. For both groups, profile information is provided on: reasons for care entry; prevalence of types of disability; family background; legal status; placement type and change; contact with family; use of short breaks; education; safeguarding and risk; additional needs; and access to support services. Following the profile overview, the report provides a summary of the findings of the case study stage of the study which highlights the views and perspectives of disabled children and young people in out-of-home care and the perspectives of their birth parents, carers and social workers. The report then concludes with recommendations for future research, policy and practice.