Foster Care in Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Communities. An Anglo-Irish Comparative Study

About the Project

There are disproportionate numbers of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller children in state care in England, children who are ‘doubly traumatised’ by being fostered out of their culture due to the absence of foster families from these cultures (this would not be the case with other ethnic minorities).

In Ireland, however, there is a history of the ‘Shared Rearing Project ‘and a contemporary Traveller family recruitment project, which has successfully recruited Traveller foster families.

This topic has not been previously researched but builds on a considerable body of research about Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities carried out at the University.

A PhD student would explore and compare demographic factors, fostering legislation and protocols and carry out fieldwork in the England and Ireland with representatives of the Traveller community, Traveller foster carers and social care officers.

The PhD study will provide rich opportunities for breaking new ground in theory, policy and practice.

A project in this area will incur some additional costs that will be met by the student, for fieldwork. The exact costs will depend on the specific project and will be discussed both at interview and kept under review throughout the duration of the project.

Supervisory team

• Director of Studies: Dr Peter Unwin
• Supervisors:Dr Clive Sealey External Advisor: Dr Tam Cane (University of Sussex)
• Research Group: Health Inequalities and Social Inclusion

Application Process

To begin the application process please go to: https://www.worc.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/applying-for-a-phd/.

The Interview

All successful applicants will be offered an interview with the proposed Supervisory Team. You will be contacted by a member of the Doctoral School Team to find a suitable date. Interviews can be conducted in person or over Microsoft Teams.

Funding your PhD

For information about Doctoral Loans please visit: https://www.worc.ac.uk/study/fees-and-finance/doctoral-loans.aspx

During your PhD you can access the Research Conference Support Scheme to support the costs of presenting your research at an external conference.