IngentaConnect Resilience: a study of risk and protective factors from the persp...

Author: JACKIE DEARDEN¹

Source: Support for Learning, Volume 19, Number 4, November 2004 , pp. 187-193(7)

Abstract:

As part of a review of services in one local authority, young people aged 13–19 with experience of local authority care were asked to provide their views of what makes a difference to them. As Jackie Dearden makes clear in this article, young people consistently reported on themes collated from previous research into resilience and identified factors which were most and least helpful. The compelling personal accounts draw attention to what services could do to increase protective factors which include interest of carers, access to facilities, taking bullying seriously, a clear sense of a positive future and adults who listen. Additionally, positive change occurred most often after significant changes in circumstances, especially transition phases, providing turning points for some young people. Such personal stories present a powerful perspective that would be hard for service providers to ignore. This raises the question of how local authorities are routinely consulting with vulnerable young people.

Keywords: resilience; public care; looked after; young people's views/voice

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.0268-2141.2004.00346.x

Affiliations: 1: Jackie Dearden is employed part time as a senior educational psychologist (social services) with Nottingham City Community Educational Psychology Service. She is actively involved in developing multi-agency support for children and young people in public care. She also works independently and with colleagues in New Directions in Behaviour Support and Inclusive Solutions as a trainer, consultant and researcher/writer. She is in her final year of study towards a doctorate in applied psychology (educational) at Nottingham University.

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Resilience: a study of risk and protective factors from the perspective of young people with experience of local authority care