Family and Carers
This study focuses on what people with learning disabilities think about parenting and thoughts about having children in the future. This study will create a space for people with learning disabilities, family members and care professionals to share their views.
Purpose and aims of the research
This research aims to explore what young people with learning disabilities think about the possible opportunities and barriers towards parenthood, and to further understand how family and care support networks can influence the views of young people. It aims to explore how young people with learning disabilities could be supported to reflect on parenthood and make active and informed choices in the future.
Inclusion criteria and what’s involved?
I will be speaking directly with young people with learning disabilities, I also want to speak with family members and care professionals. Family members and care professionals must be aged 18 and over and should have a close relationship with someone with a learning disability.
If you want to take part, you will be interviewed once for around 1 hour. The interview will take place by phone or by video call – you can choose which is best for you. Just to help me remember what has been said the interviews will be recorded, but no one else will listen to them. Names and any other identifiable information will be changed to respect confidentiality and anonymity.
Talking about learning disability and parenting opportunities can be sensitive and emotive topics, so please only talk about things you feel comfortable sharing. If you decide to take part but then change your mind, that is ok. You can withdraw from the research at any time and your answers will not be used.
Here are links to some organisations that might be able to help if you want to learn more about the topics:
For more information on this, please read the Information Sheet and Consent Form.
If you want to take part, or if you have any questions please email Katrina on parenthoodstudy@newcastle.ac.uk
