This study aims to better understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people who have been or are currently in residential care, an area that is not well understood.

As part of this research, we will interview 20 young people (aged 16-25) who identify as LGBTQ+ and have experience of being in residential care. While we have some understanding of LGBTQ+ young people’s lives, there are significant gaps in our understanding, particularly about their social care experiences. This project will be the first in the UK to gather experiences of LGBTQ+ young people that have lived in residential social care. Using online semi-structured interviews, this study will explore their experiences of extra-familial care and whether LGBTQ+ young people in residential care have particular needs.

This study will also involve a scoping review of literature to provide a robust evaluation of knowledge about LGBTQ+ young people in care, along with establishing an advisory group to include young advisors, key stakeholder groups and academics. Findings from this study will address a key gap in the knowledge base, which can support the development of interventions. This study will also inform the second part of the project, an evaluation of a training course seeking to improve social workers practice with LGBTQ+ young people.

The study length for the first part of this project is 12 weeks (August – September 2021), with the final report due to be published in June 2022.

Further information about the project, these studies, and the research team can be found here: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/social-policy/departments/social-work-social-care/research/gender-and-sexualities/young-people-in-social-care.aspx