Summative Assignment: DISSERTATION

In 10,000 words the dissertation is an extended piece of written work based on your empirical study. The dissertation assesses knowledge and understanding of theoretical perspectives, formulation of questions and research ability including an appreciation of methodology, capacity for critical and independent thought reflecting subject-specific knowledge, ability to construct a sustained argument and use other key skills associated with producing written work.

The exact structuring of your dissertation (and the weight you give to each section) is a matter for you and your tutor to discuss and will be covered in teaching input during the module. However, a typical dissertation includes the following sections/ chapters:

• ►  Title Page
• ►  Acknowledgements
• ►  Abstract
• ►  Introduction
• ►  Literature Review
• ►  Methodology
• ►  Findings
• ►  Discussion
• ►  Conclusions/ recommendations
• ►  Appendices
• ►  References

You should provide an abstract of no more than 150 words summarising the study. The Abstract, Appendices and Reference list do NOT count towards the 10,000 word limit.

The usual 10% +/- word count applies to both the proposal and full dissertation.

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From experience, please remember to state your research question/s towards the beginning of your dissertation itself, rather than proceeding on the basis that the reader can assume these from the overall title of your dissertation. A clearly expressed aim and research question/s are imperative components early on in the dissertation.

In the section of your dissertation where you critically review the existing literature on your chosen topic, you should explicitly state your literature search strategy. In other words, the reader needs to get a sense of how you searched for and located the literature you are referring to. So, for example, if you have searched bibliographic databases using a range of specific search terms, you should list both the terms and the databases used.

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What do markers look for in the dissertation?

Please note that the assessment of your dissertation concerns the whole exercise (i.e. the whole dissertation), not its results. So, for example, you will not lose marks if you only managed to recruit half the number of participants envisaged, so long as your methods of recruitment were appropriate, you discussed the possible reasons for the shortfall and suggested how you might do it better another time. Dissertations are marked on the following core criteria, with specific regard to the questions in each section:

Relevance, clarity and value base of the research question/ study

1. Has the writer explained why this particular topic was chosen?
   2. Has its relevance for the practice and policy of social work and social care been explained?
   3. Is the aim of the study clearly stated?
   4. Is the project grounded in core social work values, including responding to issues of inequality and discrimination?

Study underpinned by a review of relevant theory and research

5. Is the literature review clearly focused on the aim of the study? Has a coherent search strategy been used and is this explained?
   6. Does the literature review identify and examine a relevant theoretical framework(s)? 7. Does the literature review include relevant empirical research published in the last 5 years?
6. Are the strengths and limitations of key studies on this topic critically evaluated?
   9. Is the literature review organised in a systematic way?
   10. Is there a clear progression of an argument leading to a rationale for the study and specific research questions or hypotheses?

Validity of the method(s) used: research design, sampling, data analysis, ethical considerations

11. Are the research questions or hypotheses adequately addressed by the research design? 12. Are the methods (quantitative and/or qualitative) valid and reliable?
    13. Is the sample selection justified?
    14. Is there a clear account of how the data were collected?
12. Are the methods used to analyse the data appropriate and are they properly explained? 16. Does the dissertation identify ethical issues?
    17. Were steps taken to ensure that the research was ethically sound?

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Findings

18. Are the results been presented logically in relation to the research questions or hypotheses?
    19. Are the results clearly presented? Are any tables, figures and quotations used as part of the results appropriate?
    20. Have the data (qualitative and quantitative) been analysed correctly and accurately using recognised procedures?

Discussion

21. Are the results and analysis discussed in relation to the original question?
    22. Are they considered in relation to the theory and research presented in the literature review?
    23. Is the discussion reflective and self-critical, admitting its limitations?
    24. Have the findings been discussed in the light of core social work values, including responding to issues of inequality and discrimination?
    25. Have the findings been related to the social work and social care practice and policy? 26. Is there attention to the dissemination of any findings relevant to agency policy and practice?

Referencing and presentation

Please refer to the guidelines in the Programme Handbook.
27. Have the guidelines on referencing been followed accurately and correctly?
28. Is there an accurate word count given?
29. Is the dissertation clearly written in accurate English?
30. Are the punctuation and grammar correct?
31. Is it legible and well laid out, with a list of contents and page numbers and clearly identified chapter and sections?
32. Is there a clearly written abstract which summarises the study, including its key findings and their implications?

Please also see Appendix F which shows you the mark sheet which will be used to assess your dissertation proposal.

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4. SHORT READING LIST

The key text recommended for purchase is:

Bryman, A. (2015) Social Research Methods (5th Edition) Oxford University Press

There are also multiple copies of this and previous editions in the Reserve and main sections of the Main Library.

Relevant textbooks you may find useful:

Aveyard, H., Payne, S. and Preston, N. (2016) A Postgraduate’s Guide To Doing A Literature Review In Health and Social Care. Open University Press

Bell, J. (2014) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide For First-Researchers. Open University Press.

Carey, M. (2012) Qualitative Research Skills for Social Work: Theory and Practice. Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group

Davis, M. and Hughes, N. (2014) Doing a Successful Research Project: Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods. Palgrave

Denscombe, M. (2014) The Good Research Guide: For Small Scale Social Research Projects (5th Edition) Open University Press: McGraw-Hill Education

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Greener, I (2011) Designing Social Research: A Guide for the Bewildered. Sage Publications Ltd.

Hardwick, L., Smith, R. and Worsley, A. (Eds) Innovations in Social Work Research. Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Mason, J, (2002) Qualitative Researching. Sage Publications Ltd.: London. (NB New edition due Nov 2017)

May, T. (2011) Social Research: Issues, Methods and Research (4th Edition). Open University Press.

Please see the more extensive reading list for each session/topic posted on DUO.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX F:                      DISSERTATION MARKSHEET (rubric)

STUDENT NUMBER:              

TITLE OF ESSAY / PROJECT:  DISSERTATION

1. Please indicate a grade (EX, VG, G, P, F) for each of the six assessment criteria
2. Add written comments from the 2^nd marker. If appropriate
3. Indicate your agreed mark
4. Please sign, date and return your comment sheets to the administrator by the agreed deadline date.

 

					40 – 49	39 below
Relevance, clarity and AOP value base of the research question(s)	EX	VG	G	P	F	F

 

					40 – 49	39 below
Study underpinned by a clearly organised review of relevant theory and recent research, including a clearly explained search strategy.	EX	VG	G	P	F	F

 

					40 – 49	39 below
Validity/feasibility of the methods proposed: i) research design; ii) sampling; iii) data collection; iv) data analysis; v) ethical considerations.	EX	VG	G	P	F	F

 

					40 – 49	39 below
Findings: clear identification of results and appropriate presentation of data.	EX	VG	G	P	F	F

 

					40 – 49	39 below
Analysis and discussion of links between: i) finding and research questions; ii) findings and learning for social work/policy. Use of reflection to include limitations of the study	EX	VG	G	P	F	F

 

					40 – 49	39 below
Referencing and presentation including structure of the dissertation.	EX	VG	G	P	F	F

 

 

 

Dissertation Proposal scored 48% to pass 58% is needed

 

 

Title of research

 

Exploring the effectiveness of a self-directed support group with mindfulness practice for birth parents affected by child protection proceedings.

 

 

 

Research questions:

 

1. What are the benefits of a self- directed support and mindfulness group for birth parents who have experienced the loss of a child through child protection proceedings?

 

 

2. Does the self-directed group have therapeutic value for its members?

 

 

3. What has sustained self- directed mindfulness group work in this organisation over many years?

 

 

 

Terminology:

 

Oxford dictionary defines self-directed as – of an emotion, statement, or activity ‘directed at one’s self,’ of an activity under one’s own control,

‘this gives learners guidance in their self-directed learning’.

Oxford Social work dictionary defines group work as an approach working with service users and their problems that can be directed by itself which is facilitated outside professionals or social worker. (John & Vicky, 2016, p. 233)

 

Fleming and Ward (2013) states that self-directed group discussion/meeting is “no less than ‘true empowerment in action’. In such group the self-directed groupwork model is revisited and refined for current and future groupwork practice, in which we continued to draw heavily on the generosity of groupworkers and group members to tell us their stories and share their wisdom about groupwork.”  (Fleming & Ward, 2013, p. 57)

 

Mindfulness – ‘Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally. This kind of attention nurtures greater awareness, clarity, and acceptance of present moment reality’. (Kabat-Zinn, 1994, p. 4)

Emotional wellbeing is to be looked after more after an unwelcomed change in life. Self-directed group and mindfulness practice go hand in hand when it comes to a group of people who has similar pain but different experience due to the way child protection proceeding is designed in this country.

 

Literature Review:

The latest statistics for Children in Care in United Kingdom for 2018 is 72,590. On 31 March 2018, the number of children looked after by local authorities in England increased, up 4% to 75,420 from 72,590 in 2017, continuing increases seen in recent years ( Department of Education, 2018)

Grief is not the only emotion birth parents experience when they get separated and later has to cope with the adoption of their child. Some of the other emotions commonly felt by birth parents are guilt, anger, sadness, depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem (Brodzinsky & Smith, 2014), confusion, fear, self- loathing, and jealousy. Adopting the open adoption method by the United Kingdom will support these parents in their emotional wellbeing and helps them to live a fuller life without guilt.

However, since these parents are less fortunate for open adoption as the child protection proceeding is primarily interventionist in nature, the self-directed group and mindfulness practice facilitated to them by the agency will help them empower their emotional wellbeing, reduce their mental health problems caused by the loss of their child. The adoption process followed by the United Kingdom is narrow as well as close ended, because once the process is over birth parents are left by themselves.

Once the proceedings are finished the birth parents goes to depression, anxiety, which affects their normal life. Moreover, most birth parents have been seen craving to get their child back, they see themselves as wretched of the earth and there is a loss of reality. These birth parents need other external agency to help them to understand what had happened to them and help them to live with the new reality. This is how self-directed group and mindfulness can help them to realise and understand the real reality, make them more objective and grounded.

Thus, the agency supporting the birthparents should be non-judgemental and mindful about their situation of life as this is the most critical phase of their new life which is difficult for them to cope with.

The self-directed group and mindfulness for the birthparents who has no support to move on in this matter is an icebreaker practice to have control in their life. This practice is hardly used by agencies for the birth parents. I have seen this practice for the first time in my university placement at the agency as a consequence of mindfulness practice and how these birthparents flourish.

 

 

 

Policy and Legislation framework

Legislation and policies followed and taken into account by the agency and expected to be followed by student social worker while conducting the self-directed groups.

 

The nature of adoption in the United Kingdom has changed through decades, but the main stream of birth parent’s anonymity is strongly and silently followed. Sadly, it has not grown in a positive aspect even though child’s best interest is a paramount. No child would like to eliminate their birth parents. Some exceptional safeguarding issues can be strictly looked by law. (Keating, 2012)

The legislation for my research topic is The Adoption and Children Act 2002 followed with Fostering Regulations 2011 in the UK. It provides the regulations for all Fostering Services, including those of the independent sector, as well as those of a Local Authority. Limited support for birth parents and other separated parents has been structurally placed by local authority but the trust is stretched and destroyed between those services and the parents during the process of child proceedings. The parents no longer feel supported or empathised by the system that they are much more comfortable in independent sectors. Independent sectors are non-judgemental and very welcoming to birthparents.

 

 

Theoretical Framework

I shall apply theories that are co-related between self-directed groups and social work. As per my reading these three theories can be applied to understand the parent’s perspectives, their life experiences and their present wellbeing.

Communication theory is the main seed for this research as communication is the foundation of bonding any relationship. Use of language and active listening skills will wrap parents with trust and help them open up their thoughts and feelings.

 

Crisis theory can be applied by recognising a birth parent in the group who is unable to cope with any discussion that has started or going on. I will slowly take up the group focus on me and change the subject of discussion or call for a tea break.  In such crisis parents should not be left alone. I should be handled and addressed properly.

 

Theory of unresolved loss will help me to understand the grievous situation of the birth parents and their ambiguous loss where physical absence and psychological presence of the child prevails in their life. (Boss, 2007, pp. 105-110)

 

 

Methodology

 

Qualitative Method – Under this method I will use Case study and narrative, where case study will give us insight of the agency, observation of the participants, and individual interviews. During individual interviews I shall ask their opinion about the self-directed group and what makes them attend this session without failing. How they feel after the group discussion and mindfulness practice and if it helps them throughout their week.

Narrative will shape up the stories of individuals which will throw us some light on their past experience of their life.

Focus group- I will explore parents’ ideas, themes by using map and putting down on the chart during one session. In this way I will be able to find out how effective and important the group session is for these parents and also know about changes they want to bring in the session.

 

 

 

 

 

Data Collection

 

I will be facilitating the self-directed group and mindfulness once a week with my supervisor where I get to be a part of the birthparents group, listen to their discussion and observe their reactions. Individual interviews will be included in this research for their personal journey before and after self-directed group followed with mindfulness in my main interest, I shall make notes with the parents’ permission and review it with them. I will maintain confidentiality at all time. I will organise a focus group with self-directed session themes and include the parents in taking turns and writing about their feelings being a part of it on a chart. A photograph of this chart will be included in my research, where readers can visualise and feel the birth parents’ different stages of life.

 

 

Data Analysis

 

I will use open coding method once I have collected all my data. At the end of every session I will transcribe and analyse the data, doing this will keep me upgraded for next session. The data will not be formatted in any way, for my role as a new researcher is to bring up the participants voice on the combined practice of self-directed group and mindfulness.

 

 

Sample and sources of data

 

Birth parents who are separated from their child/children by child protection proceeding and who has been taking the facility of this self-directed group and mindfulness once a week at my placement are my participants. My supervisor will explain to the group about this research and interested parents will be my participants or sample. The sample size will be four to six parents both male and female. These parents are vulnerable, sensitive and has experience of ambiguous loss.

 

 

Timescale

 

 

 

 

 

	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June
Lectures on Research
Discussion with Agency
Begin formulating research question
Discussions with Academic Supervisor
Submit Research Proposal and Ethical Approval
Literature Review
Methodology
Sample Selection
Conduct Research Sessions
Data Analysis and Transcription
Write Dissertation
Final proof-reading, binding, submission of dissertation.

 

 

Benefits and Outcomes of this research

Successful completion of this research will through some light on the following:

1.Empowerment of birthparents to focus on the present life without overwhelming them with the grievous past.

2.Educate professionals and other agencies in support services about the birth parents’ grief and their coping mechanism.

3. Accepting the practice of self-directed group and mindfulness and incorporating it in as a part of the therapy will help these birth parents see positivity in their life.
4. As a second-year student of Master of Social Work I will successful complete the course.

 

Department of Education, 2018. [Online]
Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/756432/looked_after_children_statistics_guide.pdf

Boss, P., 2007. Ambiguous Loss Theory: Challenges for Scholars and Practitioners. New Council on Family Relation, 56(2), pp. 105-110.

Brodzinsky, D. &. S. S. L., 2014. Post-placement adjustment and the needs of birthmothers who place an infant for adoption.. Adoption Quarterly, pp. 165-184.

Fleming, J. & Ward, D., 2013. https://journals.whitingbirch.net/index.php/GPWK/article/viewFile/764/823. Facilitation and groupwork tasks in self-directed groupwork, p. 57.

John, H. & White, V., n.d. Oxford dictionary of Social Work and Social Care. In: s.l.:s.n., p. 233.

Keating, D. J. 2., 2012. Adoption in England and Wales – the twentieth century. [Online]
Available at: http://www.historyandpolicy.org/docs/dfe-jenny-keating.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethics form:

 

 

 

 

Research Ethics and Risk Assessment Form

Section A: Introductory Information

A.1. Name of researcher(s):
A.2. Email Address(es) of researcher(s):
A.3. Project Title:	Exploring the effectiveness of a self-directed support group with mindfulness practice for birth parents affected by child protection proceedings.
A.4. Project Funder (where appropriate):	NA
A.5. When do you intend to start data collection?	December 2018
A.6. When will the project finish?	June 2019
A.7. For students only:               Student ID: Degree, year and module: Supervisor:	MSW 2nd year
A.8. Brief summary of the research questions:   I    Main Research Questions 1.    What are the benefits of a self-directed support and mindfulness group for birth parents who have experienced the loss of a child through child proceedings?   2. Does the self-directed group have therapeutic value for its members? 3.  3. What has sustained self-directed mindfulness group work in this organisation over many years?
A.9. What data collection method/s are you intending you use, and why? Qualitative Method – Under this method I will consider individual interviews first and focus group second. During individual interview I shall ask service users about their experiences of the self-directed group and what sustains their engagement, how they feel after group discussions and what mindfulness practice contributes in their lives. However, I will prepare a questionnaire to make it less time consuming and ask the questions to the participants. I will use a Dictaphone to record every data and encode it when I am putting it down in the system. In focus groups will explore parents’ ideas, themes together by using mind map and putting it down on the chart during one session. In this way I will be able to find out how effective and important the group session is for these parents and also know about changes they want to bring in the session if any. I will not use Dictaphone in focus group for it will be difficult to understand who said what therefore, writing in front of the group on the chart and taking picture of it, will be my preferred way of collecting data. I shall be actively involved with the group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION B: ETHICS CHECKLIST

While all subsequent sections of this form should be completed for all studies, this checklist is designed to identify those areas where more detailed information should be given.  Please note: It is better to identify an area where ethical or safety issues may arise and then explain how these will be dealt with, than to ignore potential risks to participants and/or the researchers.

	Yes	No
a). Does the study involve participants who are potentially vulnerable[i]?
b). Will it be necessary for participants to take part in the study without their knowledge/consent (e.g. covert observation of people in non-public places)?
c). Could the study cause harm, discomfort, stress, anxiety or any other negative consequence beyond the risks encountered in normal life?
d) Does the research address a potentially sensitive topic[ii]?
e) Will financial inducements (other than reasonable expenses and compensation for time) be offered to participants?
f). Are steps being taken to protect anonymity and confidentiality?
g). Are there potential risks to the researchers’ health, safety and wellbeing in conducting this research beyond those experienced in the researchers’ everyday life?

 

 

 

SECTION C: Methods and Data Collection

C.1. Who will be your research participants? This research will involve 4  to 6 (participants) birth parents (both male and female) from the agency. The parents have been through the child protection proceedings.

C.2. How will you recruit your participants and how will they be selected or sampled? Parents who participate in the self-directed and mindfulness group at the agency this research I will involve parents who are willing to take part in my research. All the group members will be informed about my research through the professional who is involved with the parents since the beginning. Parents participating in the group has some mental health problems such as – depression, anxiety, low moods etc and learning disability. I will recognise their needs, get more involved to make the interview and focus group compatible to their individual needs.

C.3. How will you explain the research to the participants and gain their consent?  (If consent will not be obtained, please explain why.)   The Agency hosts the self-directed group followed by a mindfulness session facilitated by a member of staff.  A second member of staff, the manager of the agency will be the first point of contact for participants regarding my research. Both colleagues will explain the purpose of the research and its process to potential participants. I will provide my colleagues with the information to be shared. I will also prepare a leaflet to help participants’ understanding and to be able to recall when thinking about the research later. An information meeting will be arranged to explain the research in more detail to participants who would like to discuss further. During the information meeting I will explain the aims and objectives of my research, with support from my colleagues who have known the participants for many years and have a trusting relationship with them. The information meeting will give me and parents an opportunity to explore and understand any needs-related issues that may require particular skills in conducting the research.  This will be particularly important as the group includes parents with learning difficulties, communication issues and literacy difficulties. I will identify ways to ensure that participants fully understand what this research is about and be able to give informed consent to participate. Participants will be asked to sign or provide verbal consent to participate.  If verbal consent is given, either this will be audio recorded (with the participant’s permission) or one of my colleagues will confirm in writing that verbal consent has been given.

C.4. What procedures are in place to ensure the anonymity and confidentiality of your participants and their responses? The participants will be anonymised. They will be given a consent form to sign which will give me a permission to interview them and also invite them for the focus group session.

C.5. Are there any circumstances in which there would be a limit or exclusion to the anonymity/confidentiality offered to participants?  If so, please explain further. Yes. Confidentiality will be maintained unless there is a reason to believe that somebody might be at risk of serious harm. If this happens the agency’s following relevant policies and procedures will be followed: confidentiality, safeguarding children and safeguarding vulnerable adults. The participants will be advised about confidentiality before the research takes place.

 

C.6. You must attach a participant information sheet or summary explanation that will be given to potential participants in your research.

Within this, have you explained (in a way that is accessible to the participants):	Yes	No
a). What the research is about?
b). Why the participants have been chosen to take part and what they will be asked to do?
c). Any potential benefits and/or risks involved in their participation?
d) What levels of anonymity and confidentiality will apply to the information that they share, and if there are any exceptions to these?
e). What the data will be used for?
f). How the data will be stored securely?
g). How they can withdraw from the project?
h). Who the researchers are, and how they can be contacted?

SECTION D: Potential Risks to Participants

You should think carefully about the risks that participating in your research poses to participants. Be aware that some subjects can be sensitive for participants even if they are not dealing explicitly with a ‘sensitive’ topic. Please complete this section as fully as possible and continue on additional pages if necessary.

What risks to participants may arise from participating in your research?	How likely is it that these risks will actually happen?	How much harm would be caused if this risk did occur?	What measures are you putting in place to ensure this does not happen (or that if it does, the impact on participants is reduced)?
Discomfort, anger, anxiety for the research is related to the very sensitive topic of their life story – birth parents could become upset and distressed talking about their scenarios.	Very likely	High risk	I shall follow the agency’s safeguarding vulnerable adults’ policies. I will follow the Social workers Code of Practice and my research will be value based. I will assure emotional support is available to the participant at every stage of the research. The agency agreed for the familiar member of staff being present during the research session (not necessary in the session but close by in the building and available if required). I will have information about further support available for the participants which will be given if needed (e.g. crisis team, Samaritans) I will keep open questions during interviews, staying focused on the self-directed group discussion to minimise any potential risk. However, by policy, participant can withdraw anytime in the process just by letting me know that they are no longer interested, or they do not want to be a participant in my research. No further explanation will be needed.

SECTION E: POTENTIAL Risks to Researchers

You should think carefully about any hazards or risks to you as a researcher that will be present because of you conducting this research. Please complete this section as fully as possible and continue on additional pages if necessary.  Please include an assessment of any health conditions, injuries, allergies or intolerances that may present a risk to you taking part in the proposed research activities (including any related medication used to control these), or any reasonable adjustments that may be required where a disability might otherwise prevent you from participating fully within the research.

1.Where will the research be conducted/what will be the research site?

The research will take place in my 2^nd years placement the agency office at

What hazards or risks to you as a researcher may arise from conducting this research?	How likely is it that these risks will actually happen?	How much harm would be caused if this risk did happen?	What measures are being put in place to ensure this does not happen (or that if it does, the impact on researchers is reduced)?
Health and safety of the venue, fire exit point.	low	high	Fire safety Procedure is in place at the venue. Health and safety policies and procedures in place. Familiarising myself with agency policies and to introduce the fire exit points before starting any session with parents. At the event of the health and safety risk occurring I will follow the agency’s policies and procedures.
Risk of verbal aggression	Low	medium	Follow the agency protocol (for example: stay calm, use of de-escalation techniques, reminding the person of ground rules, always having another member of staff with me asking for further help).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Participant Consent Form

Topic: Exploring the effectiveness of a self-directed support group with mindfulness practice for birth parents affected by child protection proceedings.

I have understood what this research is about. All my questions have been answered to my satisfaction. I understand I am free to ask question at any time.

I know that:

1. My participation is entirely voluntary.
2. I am free to withdraw from this research at any time.

3.This research involves asking a series of questions, in that event if I feel uncomfortable about answering any question then I may ask to stop or may withdraw without any disadvantage to myself.

4.The raw data that is used in this study will be kept in secure storage and after the completion of this research it will be destroyed.

 

Participant signature: ………………………                                      Researcher’s signature: ………………….

 

Date: ………………………………………….                                       Date: ……………………………………….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27/03/2019

 

 

 

Participant Information Sheet

 

 

Research Title: Exploring the effectiveness of a self-directed support group with mindfulness practice for birth parents affected by child protection proceedings.

 

What is the research about?

My name is … and I am in my final year of the Master’s in Social Work Course at… University. I will be researching on the effects of a self-directed support group with mindfulness for birth parents who experience trauma and unending grief following the removal and loss of their children from their care. My research will explore the emotional feelings of parents both before and after their participation in the group session. In particular I am interested to explore how the group setting supports the parents in this process of change. Having attended the support group for a number of weeks I am personally touched by the parents who have experienced ambiguous loss and would therefore like to explore the benefits of this support system for them. The research will be used in my dissertation.

 

Why have I chosen you?

You have been chosen because you are a birth parent and have experience of Child Care Proceedings and you are a part of the self-directed support and mindfulness at the agency. You have been a regular participant at the group and have some experience of the support and mindfulness sessions. This group may have influenced your life in one way or the other. If you are a part of my research project, I would like to talk to you about the feelings you experience before and after the group. Your involvement in my research might help me to find new ways of helping people who experience similar feelings or help to enrich the existing group at the agency.

 

What are the benefits and risks of doing this research?

The self-directed group works as a form of talking therapy and the option to practice mindfulness at the end of the session helps the parents to take care of their mental wellbeing. Dialogue within the group is important as it promotes an understanding that ‘individuals are not intelligent on their own, that it’s only by reasoning together that they are able to uncover the truth for themselves’ (The power of Dialogue, Scott London 2019). The self-directed group at the agency provides a safe and perhaps only opportunity for parents to reflect and talk about their personal and private experiences. Parents are learning from their own life experiences when they speak to others within the group.  Stereotypical points of view are challenged as parents appear to make changes for example, addressing issues of mistrust, making positive connections outside of the group. As a result, ideas are born, perspectives change, and community bonding is strengthened. Expressing feelings about a sensitive experience of any kind is not easy, as it could cause distress trained staff at the agency would be available to offer support if required.

 

How will the interviews be used?

I will use the information I receive from you during our interview for my research paper.

I will take care to write about your experience and your views exactly in the way you express them to me in the interview. I can provide you with a copy of your interview if you would like me to share it with you.

 

How will I make sure your information and interviews are private?

I will store information in my laptop with is operated only by me. It has a password protected lock system. To ensure that I keep your information safe when writing I will use a different name to protect your identity.

During the interview and focus group, if you share any information about safety issues for yourself or anyone else, then I have to break our agreement for confidentiality and report the matter to the CEO of the agency.

I will use an audio recorder during the interview and will keep it safe in my password protected laptop. When the research is completed the interviews will be removed and deleted from my personal laptop.

 

 

What if you don’t want to continue doing the research?

Please remember you do have choice, if you decide that you do not want to continue in this research then you can withdraw at any time without having to tell me why asked.

If you would like me to use /not use the information that I have collected from you then please let me know personally or by telling the CEO of the agency

 

How can I contact the researcher?

If you have any questions or concerns about the research, I can be contacted by e-mail at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research topic: Exploring the effectiveness of a self-directed support group with mindfulness practice for birth parents affected by child protection proceedings.

 

Interview Guide

Thank you for being a part of my research Interview. The interview will be held at the agency and travel cost will be reimbursed. All information given by you will be kept confidential. The raw data that is used in this study will be kept in secure storage and after the completion of this research it will be destroyed.

I have developed a good professional relationship with the parents who has been taking part in this self-directed group and mindfulness practice every week at the agency. They are my participants. They find me warm and welcoming which boosts my confidence in having an effective communication with them and explore my research. I will work with my supervisor to refine my questions.

1. What does this group mean to you?
2. How does being in this group helps you in your life?
3. What changes have you seen in yourself after being a part of this self-directed group and mindfulness?
4. Do you like the mindfulness practice that ends the group discussion?
5. How do you feel about other people’s life experiences shared in the group?
6. How does the group impact in your daily life?
7. Do you prepare yourself to come to the group?
8. How do you feel once you have spoken about any issue in the group?

These are the sample questions I may use to ask but it’s a free space interview where the participant can give me information about the impact of self-directed group and mindfulness practice in their life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Focus Group Topic Guide

 

 

Welcome and thank you for taking part in this focus group. You have been asked to participate as your point of view is essential.

Introduction: This focus group discussion is designed to understand your current thoughts and feelings about the self-directed group that has been going on here at the agency every Wednesday afternoon followed with mindfulness. This focus group discussion will take no more than two hours. It is a part of my research.

Anonymity: I assure you that your comments will be anonymous. The transcribed notes of the focus group will contain no information that would allow individuals to link to specific statements. You should try to respond and comment as accurately and truthfully as possible. The other focus group participants and I would appreciate it if you would refrain from discussing the comments of other group members outside the focus group. If there are any questions or discussions that you do not wish to answer or participate in, you do not have to do so; however please try to participate as much as possible.

Ground rules: The most important rule is that only one person speaks at a time. There are no right or wrong answers. You do not have to speak in any particular order. Please feel free to talk about anything in the group but be respectful of each other in the room. There are many of you in the group, and it is essential that I obtain the views of each of you. You do not have to agree with the views of other people in the group.

Does anyone have any questions? OK, let’s begin

We know each other here at the agency but let us introduce ourselves again to each other.

Introductory question: I am going to give you a couple of minutes to think about your experience of being a part of this self-directed group.

First, what do you like about this group? Let us sit around the table and write, or draw, our ideas in the big chart.

After that activity is complete:

Is there anything you would like to change about the group?  Let’s add those things to the chart.

After that activity is complete:

Of all the things we have discussed today, what do you think are the most critical issues? Let’s highlight them on the chart

Concluding question:  Is there anything else you’d like to say about the group?

Thank you for participating. It has been a very fruitful discussion. Your contributions are significant.  I will let you know the results of the study after I have prepared the poster. I hope you have found the discussion interesting. If there is anything you are unhappy with or wish to complain about, please speak to my academic tutor Helen Charnley or any professional from the agency.

 

SECTION F: Other Approvals

	Yes, document attached	Yes, documents to follow	No
a). Does the research require ethical approval from the NHS or a Social Services Authority? If so, please attach a copy of the draft form that you intend to submit, together with any accompanying documentation.
b). Might the proposed research meet the definition of a clinical trial[iii]?  (If yes, a copy of this form must be sent to the University’s Insurance Officer, Tel. 0191 334 9266, for approval, and evidence of approval must be attached before the project can start).
c). Does the research involve working data, staff or offenders connected with the National Offender Management Service?  If so, please see the guidance at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/national-offender-management-service/about/research and submit a copy of your proposed application to the NOMS Integrated Application System with your form.
d). Does the project involve activities that may take place within Colleges of Durham University, including recruitment of participants via associated networks (e.g. social media)?  (If so, approval from the Head of the College/s concerned will be required after departmental approval has been granted – see guidance notes for further details)
e). Will you be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (criminal records) check to undertake the research?
f) I confirm that travel approval has or will be sought via the online approval system at http://apps.dur.ac.uk/travel.forms for all trips during this research which meet the following criteria: For Students travelling away from the University, this applies where travel is not to their home and involves an overnight stay. For Staff travelling away from the University, this applies only when travelling to an overseas destination.	Yes		No

 

SECTION G: Submission Checklist and Signatures

When submitting your ethics application, you should also submit supporting documentation as follows:

Supporting Documents	Included (tick)
Fully Completed Research Ethics and Risk Assessment Form	yes
Interview Guide (if using interviews)	yes
Focus Group Topic Guide (if using focus groups)	yes
Questionnaire (if using questionnaires)
Participant Information Sheet or Equivalent	yes
Consent Form (if appropriate)	yes
For students only: Written/email confirmation from all agencies involved that they agree to participate, also stating whether they require a DBS check.  If confirmation is not yet available, please attach a copy of the letter that you propose to send to request this; proof of organisational consent must be forwarded to your Programme Secretary before any data is collected.	yes

Please indicate the reason if any documents cannot be included at this stage:

(Please note that any ethics applications submitted without sufficient supporting documentation will not be able to be assessed.)

 

PART F: Outcome of the Application

Reject The application is incomplete and/or cannot be assessed in its current format. Please complete the application fully.
Revise and Resubmit The application cannot be approved in its current format. Please revise the application as per the comments below. Please complete the application fully.
Approved, with Set Date for Review The application is approved and you may begin data collection.   A date for further review of the project as it develops has been set to take place on: __________________________   The anticipated nominated reviewer will be:__________________________
Approved The application is approved and you may begin data collection.

 

 

 

 

 

[i] Potentially vulnerable groups can include, for example: children and young people; those with a learning disability or cognitive impairment; those unable to give informed consent or individuals in a dependent or unequal relationship.

[ii] Sensitive topics can include participants’ sexual behaviour, their illegal or political behaviour, their experience of violence, their abuse or exploitation, their mental health, or their gender or ethnic status. Elite Interviews may also fall into this category.

[iii] Clinical Trials: Research may meet the definition of a clinical trial if it involves studying the effects on participants of drugs, devices, diets, behavioural strategies such as exercise or counselling, or other ‘clinical’ procedures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISSERTATION MARKSHEET (Ruberic)

STUDENT NUMBER:                       

TITLE OF ESSAY / PROJECT:         DISSERTATION

1. Please indicate a grade (EX, VG, G, P, F) for each of the six assessment criteria
2. Add written comments from the 2^nd If appropriate
3. Indicate your agreed mark
4. Please sign, date and return your comment sheets to the administrator by the agreed deadline date.

 

					40 – 49	39 below
Relevance, clarity and AOP value base of the research question(s)	EX	VG	G	P	F	F

 

					40 – 49	39 below
Study underpinned by a clearly organised review of relevant theory and recent research, including a clearly explained search strategy.	EX	VG	G	P	F	F

 

					40 – 49	39 below
Validity/feasibility of the methods proposed: i) research design; ii) sampling; iii) data collection; iv) data analysis; v) ethical considerations.	EX	VG	G	P	F	F

 

					40 – 49	39 below
Findings: clear identification of results and appropriate presentation of data.	EX	VG	G	P	F	F

 

					40 – 49	39 below
Analysis and discussion of links between: i) finding and research questions; ii) findings and learning for social work/policy. Use of reflection to include limitations of the study	EX	VG	G	P	F	F

 

					40 – 49	39 below
Referencing and presentation including structure of the dissertation.	EX	VG	G	P	F	F