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Profiling the population of disabled children and young people in out-of-home care in Northern Ireland
- Authors:
- KELLY Berni, DOWLING Sandra, WINTER Karen
- Publishers:
- Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland. Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 99
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This report presents an analysis of the profile of the population of disabled looked after children (LAC) and young people in NI across two distinct groups: 323 disabled fully LAC (living away from home on a full time basis) and 164 disabled children and young people looked after due to short breaks. It is the second phase of a wider study on the characteristics and experiences of disabled children and young people looked after in Northern Ireland. The report examines the demographic characteristics of the population; family background; looked after experience, such as reason for entry to care and placement type; safeguarding; education; access to mental health services and transitional support. It finds that the total of 323 disabled fully LAC represents 11.2% of the total LAC population, showing that disabled children and young people continue to be overrepresented in the LAC population (7% of the general child population in NI being disabled). Those who are fully LAC will have come into care because they cannot remain in their birth family home, often due to child protection concerns. Short break LAC are engaged with short breaks for family support reasons as well as a social and developmental opportunities for the child (although there are safeguarding issues for some). (Edited publisher abstract)
Disabled children and young people who are looked after: a literature review
- Authors:
- DOWLING Sandra, KELLY Berni, WINTER Karen
- Publisher:
- Queens University Belfast
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 137
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This review aims to report on the research literature that addresses the range of issues affecting disabled children and young people who are looked after. The review is based on 58 empirical and theoretical papers and a further 72 papers which provided contextual background. It covers the following areas: numbers of disabled children and young people who are looked after and the challenges of measuring prevalence in this heterogeneous group; their characteristics; pathways to disabled children and young people becoming looked after; placement types and permanency; issues faced by disabled young people on leaving care; and the perspectives of parents and disabled children and young people. Literature relating to international perspectives is incorporated, where available, throughout these thematic sections. The review of literature has highlighted particular gaps in knowledge and priority issues for future research and policy developments. In particular it draws attention to the need for a single accepted definition of disability in relation to looked after children and for regular, quality assured recording to be implemented; to the need for additional practical and emotional support, including increased short break provision, which may enable families whose children are ‘on the edge’ of care to remain within their family home; to the need for policy changes that enhance the parental status of foster parents to strengthen the sense of permanency that can be achieved in fostering arrangements; to the need for policy guidance on person-centred transition planning for disabled care leaver; and to the need to improve the inclusion of disabled children and young people who are looked after in consultation on matters which affect them. (Edited publisher abstract)