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Care-experienced young people’s reflections on their relationship to and use of alcohol: A qualitative exploration

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Hayley AldersonORCiD, Dr Ruth McGovernORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

© The Author(s) 2023.Evidence suggests that looked after children and care leavers start to use alcohol earlier than their peers and at higher levels. Much of this epidemiological research focuses upon a pathological vulnerability within the young people concerned, but qualitative research which elicits their experiences with alcohol enables a more nuanced understanding. This article explores the experiences and reflections of young people in care regarding their exposure to and use of alcohol. Twenty qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people who were members of Children in Care Councils (CiCCs) across the North East of England, and a socio-ecological model was used to guide data analysis. The findings suggest that experience prior to being in care, such as witnessing the detrimental effects of alcohol misuse and transitions within the care system, can both precipitate and deter an individual’s use, particularly when entering and living in residential care. The study highlights how a mixture of social and contextual factors influence young people in care’s perceptions and use of alcohol.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Alderson H, Lingam R, Brown R, McGovern R

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Adoption and Fostering

Year: 2023

Volume: 47

Issue: 1

Pages: 6-21

Print publication date: 01/03/2023

Online publication date: 24/03/2023

Acceptance date: 02/04/2022

Date deposited: 11/04/2023

ISSN (print): 0308-5759

ISSN (electronic): 1740-469X

Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.1177/03085759231154269

DOI: 10.1177/03085759231154269


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
Alcohol Change UK

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