Yung Adults who Grew up in Informal Kinship Care

This research is being conducted as part of Jade Donghy’s Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. The study explores the experiences of young adults who grew up in informal kinship care, meaning they lived full-time with relatives or close family friends without formal involvement from social services or legal arrangements.

The aim of the study is to better understand what this experience was like in childhood, how it is understood in early adulthood, and which relationships or forms of support made a difference. The research focuses on amplifying lived experiences and informing how professionals and services can better support children and families in similar situations.

Who they are looking for:

• Participants that are aged 18–30
• Have grown up in the UK
• English speakers
• Have lived in informal kinship care (with relatives or close family friends) for at least two years during childhood (this does not need to have been a continuous amount of time)

Expected commitment from participants:

• One interview that would last up to one and a half hours
• This can be online or in person at HertfordshireUniversity
• There is flexibility regarding participants’ availability, including daytime, evening, and weekend hours, to support accessibility and accommodate different schedules

Closing date to apply: ongoing deadline, until the number of participants for the study is reached

Easy-read versions of all study materials are available for participants who may benefit from them, and additional adjustments can be discussed to support individual access needs.