The Kids Say Project: Supporting Children to Talk about their Experiences and to Engage in Decision-making

“Surviving not thriving”: experiences of health among young people with a lived experience in out-of-home care

“…This extended to following-up and/ or offering ongoing support for a young person experiencing specific concerns. Previous research has reported carers often do not notice, are unaware, and/or cannot identify YP's health needs (Grace et al, 2018), and these statements are consistent with the current findings. Subsequently, it is clear that carers need additional training and education to be able to understand, identify, recognize and respond empathically to YP's health concerns, whilst also managing the competing priorities of the OoHC context (i.e., crises and system requirements, such as paperwork).…”

“…Furthermore, this study acknowledges that YP are experts in their own lives and should be recognized as agents who are capable of contributing to decisions that affect them (Grace et al, 2018). The adoption of a qualitative design enabled an in-depth exploration of YP's health-related experiences, concerns, questions, and preferences.…”

Experiences of Finnish care leavers of their involvement in the aftercare services for child welfare clients

“…They also wished that the support would be more comprehensive, coordinated and multiprofessional. In line with previous studies, the young people emphasised the role of mental and immaterial support alongside assistance with financial coping and management of practical matters (Grace et al, 2018;Köhler et al, 2015). Aftercare services globally have implemented various programmes aiming to enhance the support available for young people.…”

“…Children and young people placed in out-of-home care form a vulnerable group, and their involvement is challenged by unstable and unsafe life situations (Grace et al, 2018;Köhler et al, 2015).…”

“…Children and young people are less likely to get a sense of involvement in short and frequently changing placements compared to long-term, permanent placements because the relationships which comprise the former remain essentially superficial (Burgund & Zegarac, 2016;Withington et al, 2017). Children and young people with an opportunity to genuinely affect their life course and become involved in the child welfare process and related decision making have experienced an improvement in their self-esteem, sense of dignity and mental health (Grace et al, 2018;Withington et al, 2017). Involvement positively affects young people's life satisfaction, school performance, employment and social relationships (Hollingworth, 2012;Sala Roca et al, 2009;Southwell & Fraser, 2010).…”