Julie Cahill

Supervisors: Dr Eavan Brady and Professor Robbie Gilligan

Email

Nationality: Irish

Working Title of PhD: A study of the social connections of young adults with experience of relative foster care in Ireland.

Description of Research:
The research will be based on a qualitative study with young adults who have experience of relative foster care in Ireland.  The aim is to explore the social connections as described by the young adults themselves and the meaning of these connections in their early adult lives.  The research is interested in the perception of the young adults about the influence of relative care on their social connections.   
This study aims to contribute to the significant qualitative research gap identified in Ireland and internationally in relation to the voice of young adults with lived experience of relative (kinship) foster care experience; increasing the understanding of the role and influence of social connections in their young adult lives and any implications that this might hold for further research gaps, practice or policy in this area.