A retrospective exploration of care experiences shaping the mental health trajectories of children and young people in Care: Part 1 – The system

Adults who have spent time in care are at greater risk of mental health difficulties than their peers in the general population. However, understanding the unique influence care experience has on mental health outcomes remains a challenge. This paper reports findings from a qualitative study that aimed to identify aspects of care experience with the potential to influence mental health trajectories. Semi-structured, retrospective interviews were conducted with 10 care-experienced adults (ages 18–34; six female, four male) from across the United Kingdom. The interview schedule was informed by the domain of Parenting Capacity, outlined in the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (Department of Health, 2000), and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. Two overarching themes were identified: The Experience and The System. Given the richness and complexity of the data, these are discussed in two papers. This paper focuses on The System. Within this theme, six sub-themes were identified: Total Control, Conditional Care, Culture of Fear, Uncertainty, Instability, and Institutionalisation. The findings highlight the need for a shift towards a more relationship-focused approach to care that recognises the mental health implications of care-specific structures and takes active steps to reduce the risks.