An Examination of How Residential Homes for Children and Young People manage sexual diversity

This research is looking into how it might feel for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth to be living in residential child care in Scotland. A literature review will consider the breadth of writing in this area in relation to residential child care, and public services more generally, for young people, both nationally and internationally. It is proposed to interview, through questionnaire and/or focus groups, staff, basic grade and management, presently working in a small sample of residential children's homes, a group of young people who used to be 'looked after,' but are no longer in public care, and a sample group of children's and young people's advocates, employed by Who Cares? Scotland. Interest will be taken in communication between staff, staff and young people, between young people themselves, around LGBT issues. Interest will also be taken in imagery used of LGBT lifestyles within residential units and finally in the ease in which LGBT staff could be open about their sexuality in the residential child care environment.