Coronavirus (COVID-19) - experiences of vulnerable children, young people, and parents: research
This report presents findings from qualitative research conducted with a range of children, young people and parents in vulnerable or seldom heard groups, carried out to explore their lived experiences during and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Methods
Nine third sector organisations with a thematic interest in specific vulnerable groups conducted research with 247 participants between 25 January and 20 April 2021. Data collection took place in a range of locations across Scotland, including urban and rural areas. The research included children (those aged new-born to 11 years), young people (aged 12 years and over), and their parents. Participants were recruited by stakeholders from the children, young people and families they work with based on convenience sampling.
Data collection took different forms according to the preferences and capabilities of interviewed people. The main methods were focus groups (17 in total) and individual interviews (99) and drama led play sessions (6). Some research was also conducted via text conversations (2) and non instructed advocacy (2).
The tables below set out details of methods and number of participants in the different elements of this research.
| Organisation | Method | Number and ages of CYP | Number of parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enable | 1 focus group, 4 individual interviews | 23 young people aged 15 - 25 | - |
| Partners in Advocacy | 2 focus groups, 20 individual interviews, 2 individual text conversations, 2 non-instructed advocacy: Participants with very complex needs were supported by their advocacy worker in expressing their views via observations and 1-to-1 conversations | 7 children aged 6 - 11; 21 young people aged 12 - 18 |
- |
| Parent Network Scotland | 1 focus group | 13 parents |
| Organisation | Method | Number and ages of CYP | Number of parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish Woman's Aid | 35 individual interviews | 12 children aged 8 - 11; 14 young people aged 13 - 24 |
9 parents |
| Shakti Woman's Aid | 25 individual interviews | 3 children aged 11; 13 young people aged 12 - 17 |
9 parents |
| Organisation | Method | Number and ages of CYP | Number of parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottish Refugee Council | 2 focus groups | 17 young people aged 12 - 16 | - |
| Lickety Spit | 1 focus group with parents, 2 individual interviews with parents, 6 drama-led play sessions over 3 sessions | 22 children aged 5 - 11 | 20 parents |
| Parent Network Scotland | 1 focus group | 10 parents |
| Organisation | Method | Number and ages of CYP | Number of parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Article 12 | 2 individual interviews over 2 sessions | 2 young people aged 13 and 16 | - |
| Organisation | Method | Number and ages of CYP | Number of parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Network Scotland | 1 focus group | 8 parents with children aged between 3 weeks and 3 |
| Organisation | Method | Number and ages of CYP | Number of parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Network Scotland | 1 focus group | 10 parents |
| Organisation | Method | Number and ages of CYP | Number of parents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Start | 7 focus groups, 9 individual interviews | 34 parents with children under 1. Some parents also had other children aged up to 12 years |
Data collection was informed by a topic guide, which provided a loose structure. Questions were tailored to the experiences and living circumstances of different vulnerable groups, and focus groups and interviews remained open to topics and issues raised by participants throughout data collection. Participants were asked about the following general topics, as well as issues specific to the group:
- Education closures
- Digital access and skills
- Housing, space, and family
- Mental and physical health of children and young people
- Mental and physical health of parents
- Covid-19 mitigation measures
The next sections outline key findings across all vulnerable groups. Subsequently, findings specific to vulnerable groups are presented. By highlighting the lived experiences of different vulnerable groups, the report seeks to illustrate their particular life situations, experiences, challenges, and needs throughout the pandemic. Findings on the experiences of parents with physical and/or mental illness are integrated into key findings across all groups, as they had very similar experiences.
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