PhD Study : Placement disruption and instability in relation to outcomes for looked after children

Summary

In addition to the essential criteria noted below, the Degree (or equivalent) qualification must be in Psychology or a closely related discipline. We will accept applications from candidates who are about to hold

* a minimum of and Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) Degree in Psychology or closely related discipline (or overseas award deemed equivalent via UK NARIC) .

* An additional Desirable criteria that may be applied is holding, being about to hold, a Master's level qualification in Psychology or a closely related discipline.

*You must provide official, final results of qualifications used to meet the academic requirements before the start of the studentship

There are currently over 3,000 children in care in NI. The International Convention on the Rights of the Child; Article 20.3 (1995) states “when a child is placed out of home, due regard shall be paid to the desirability of continuity in a child’s upbringing”. Placement disruption is associated with negative short and long term outcomes for the child, and being moved multiple times to different placements has been associated with elevated risk of further negative outcomes (Cook, 1994; Penzerro & Lein, 1995; Piliavin, Sosin, Westerfelt, & Matsueda, 1992).

For these already vulnerable children, most of whom have previously been exposed to varying degrees of abuse and neglect to be placed in what is sometimes an insecure and unstable environment, may be argued as inevitable since it is generally accepted that looked after children are at greater risk of negative emotional and mental health outcomes (Meltzer et al. 2003). It has long been accepted that children in care are at increased risk on negative behavioural and psychological outcomes, (Iwaniec, 2006; p6). Indeed, almost half of this vulnerable group have some form of mental health disorder and for those in residential care settings this may be as high as 72% of children (Hunt, L. 2011).

These mental health problems can take the form of internalising psychopathologies such as depression and anxiety, or externalising psychopathologies such as aggression, drug and alcohol problems and criminal behaviours. Social exclusion as a consequence of multiple moves in care environment has also been linked to problems such as unemployment, criminal and antisocial behaviours, and ill-health. Indeed the UK Joint Working Party on Foster Care (1999) state, “looked after children are 4 times more likely to be unemployed and 60 times more likely to be sent to prison”. It has also been noted that approximately one third of female inmates in UK prisons have been in the care system at some point in their childhood. (HM chief inspector of prisons, 1997).

Of particular interest is the number of disruptions in care placements and the potential of associated cumulative effects, the more displacements experienced the more elevated symptomology of negative outcomes. The disruption of multiple placements may impact a child’s ability to trust and form attachment relationships to the adults responsible for their care, (Newton et al. 2000). Given what is known about attachment theory, this disrupted home life may have dire consequences. Indeed, multiple disruption may impact both psychological functioning and physical wellbeing as these changes mean a child repeatedly having to adjust to a new school and make new friends, form new social networks, adapt to a new house with new rules and new carers. (Goodman 2000). Proch and Taber (1985) state this is developmentally disruptive for a child.

This project will explore the relationship between placement type and number of disruptions and behavioural and psychological outcomes using existing longitudinal datasets.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living