Overcoming the isolating impact of COVID-19 by promoting young people's participation in residential care programmes

Abstract

The devastating international health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is reported on a daily basis in terms of newly acquired infections and mortality rates. What is less visible are the social and emotional implications of the virus, in particular the impact of requirements to remain socially isolated and in some circumstances to self-isolate or self-quarantine for periods of time. Young people living in residential care are already highly vulnerable having been removed from home and placed in group care. They often lack positive mentors and role models and have few healthy peer relationships. In short, young people who are already socially isolated are potentially further disadvantaged by requirements for them to practise social distancing and self-isolation. This paper examines contemporary literature promoting the participation of young people in programmes and organisations. Whilst 'participation' has been a longstanding international requirement for young people in the out of home care system, we argue that it has particular relevance in these times and may offer an opportunity for young people's lived experience to be recognised and valued.

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https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.17868/strath.00084272

Repository URI

https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/84272/