Statistics from national homeless charities identify increasing numbers of children and young people experiencing homelessness and unstable housing. This population face an increased risk of poor mental health, lower academic achievement and poor school attendance.
Project focus
This is a research study, hoping to gain insight into the role of Educational Psychologists in providing support to children, young people and families experiencing homelessness and unstable housing, and how this can be developed through exploring the facilitators and barriers to support.
The terms ‘homelessness’ and ‘unstable housing’ refer to children and young people who are living in temporary accommodation either alone or with their family, those who move in with relatives due to issues within the family home, and those considered to be in substandard housing (lacking fundamental utilities or unsuitable for the needs of the family). This is therefore an umbrella term which can encompass a variety of different experiences.
How you can participate
Please considering completing this online survey. The survey should take approximately 25 minutes to complete.
Participation is voluntary. You can withdraw from the survey at any time before submitting your responses, without giving a reason, and your responses will be discarded.
If you express an interest in this area and would like to participate in a follow-up interview, you will be asked to share your email address within the online survey. You may be contacted on the email you provide and further information about the interview will be given
Researcher
Bethany Rivers (Trainee Educational and Child Psychologist at University of Birmingham).
Supervisor: Kieran Sangha (Tutor on Applied Educational and Child Psychology Doctorate at University of Birmingham).
Please contact Bethany or my thesis supervisor Kieran for further information or if you have any concerns.
Ethical approval has been granted by University of Birmingham ethics committee.
Research questions
- What are Educational Psychologists’ perceptions of their role in supporting children and young people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing?
- What do Educational Psychologists’ view as important factors impacting their ability to understand the needs of and provide support to children and young people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing?
- What is the nature of Educational Psychologist involvement in supporting children and young people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing within their professional practice?
- What do Educational Psychologists’ view as facilitators and barriers to supporting children and young people experiencing homelessness or unstable housing?
