NCJ Number
220136
Journal
Child and Youth Services Volume: 29 Issue: 1/2 Dated: 2007 Pages: 103-127
Date Published
2007
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This article outlines the research design including the nature of the research strategy, tools, respondents, and theoretical and methodological concerns in an Irish child and youth care qualitative study.
Abstract
This research took place during a time when Ireland was beginning to emerge from a history of covert neglect towards vulnerable populations of at-risk children and youth, one where the very survival of the Youth Encounter Projects could not be guaranteed. The context of this research was that of the Youth Encounter Projects, established in the late 1970s in Ireland to cater to at-risk children and youth. Direct in-depth interviews and participation with the 17 youth interviewees (from the St. Augustine School) in their various educational and leisure environments led to a greater understanding. The research comprised documentary research of the project’s records and data from 1977-2006. The analytical method utilized is based on “framework analysis” which is a method of analyzing qualitative data through content analysis. Content analysis involves summarizing and classifying data. To develop a framework for analysis, two transcripts were selected in order to provide an overall range and view of the dataset. The aim was to construct a framework in which key issues and concepts could be examined and referenced. This article laid an “audit trail” in terms of an application of a relational model. The methodology was outlined and the ethical issues considered. Figures, notes, and references