Exploring the role of personal advisors in Wales: A co-produced study with care-experienced young people

Overview

Each year a substantial number of young people leave the care system in Wales. These young people face significant challenges during this transition related to housing, education, employment, health and wellbeing. Additionally, they frequently lack support networks typically experienced by their peers. The support they receive during this time is therefore a critical determinant of their future wellbeing.

In Wales leaving care teams are required to appoint a PA to each young person leaving care, to support them during this transition. Despite the importance of this role the practices of PAs are not well understood, and relatively little is known about how the role is perceived and experienced.

The study will ask:

1. What can we learn from the co-production approach to inform future meaningful research with peer researchers?
2. What are young people’s understandings and experiences of the PA role, and what do they think the PA role should do?
3. What are professionals’ and other key stakeholders’ understandings and experiences of PA practice, and what do they view as the enablers and barriers to good practice?

Activities and Methods

Scoping and mapping: Through the synthesis of existing literature and participatory workshops with representatives from PA teams and other stakeholders across Wales, we will build a detailed picture of current PA practice in Wales, and the key enablers and barriers to good practice.

In-depth work: We will conduct exploratory case studies in two local authorities to gain greater insights into the daily routine and role of PAs. A variety of data collection methods will be used including interviews with PAs, a visual mapping exercise of daily practices and processes, observations of practice, and peer researcher led interviews with care leavers.

Co-production work: Five care leavers in Wales will be recruited as peer-researchers. Following the completion of research training they will work as paid researchers on the project, helping to design and deliver the project, and disseminate research findings. Through reflective diaries, personal development plans and regular support sessions throughout, we will gain valuable insights into using a co-production process with care leavers, to help inform future work of this nature.

Findings

The research is ongoing