EP Reach-Out webinar – The EP role in addressing inadequate housing with Dr Paige Garbett

This session explores the educational psychologist’s role in supporting children, young people, and their families with housing. It aims to discuss our relevance and remit to support and work within the area of housing, drawing on community psychology and social justice initiatives to explore how EPs may work and influence practice in the housing sector. The first part of the seminar will talk through the national context of housing, pre-existing literature before a walk through of the housing structures within the local area I work as an EP. It will go onto discuss relevant legislation relating to addressing children living in inadequate housing situations, responsibilities of multi-agency teams and explores the literature surrounding inadequate housing and child development. The session aims to discuss and reflect on:

– EPs current practice – identifying perceived barriers to this line of work as well as perceived benefits,

– Identifying the relevant psychological theory and how this may impact on our formulations of children’s experienced/presenting needs

– Identifying and discussing potential avenues of support around housing needs for the children and families we may work with.

The session will also explore suggestions for further research, policy development and the feasibility of incorporating this work into practice within educational psychology services as well as the education sector as a whole.