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computer assisted self interviewing (CASI) with vulnerable children
Alun MorganFaculty of Health & Social CareThe Open University
Murray DaviesThe Viewpoint Organisation
SSRG annual workshop 2006
objectives for workshop
1. to present a method of data collection, used for consulting and facilitating participation with young people.
2. to explore how this method can be further developed and applied, to improve service delivery.
programme for workshop
1. what is CASI and audio-CASI?
2. using audio-CASI for ‘sensitive’ data collection
3. audio-CASI application: ‘viewpoint interactive’
4. participation: principles, methods, issues
5. The Open University: audio-CASI & vulnerable children research project
6. discussion
what is audio-CASI: technical descriptionaudio-CASI: questionnaire delivered on a computer.interviewee wears headphones – questions and responses ‘spoken’ by computer, has on-screen assistants – poor literacy not really a disadvantage.can have individual ‘profiles’ included, so computer appears to ‘know’ the interviewee personally.questions can be multiple-choice or free text.subject retains the ‘locus of control’ in interview.data is collected electronically, can be completed on stand-alone computer, or on-line.can include time-limited ‘breaks’ for computer games.
using audio-CASI for ‘sensitive’ data collection
audio-CASI can have a substantial effect on the willingness of people to report stigmatizing or embarrassing information – used in many applications world-wide: e.g. surveys on drugs, sexual behaviour, lifestyle choices.
computers are familiar to YP, give illusion of neutrality, and are universally available.
YP like the methodology – (research subjects running to data collection instrument!).
quantitative and qualitative data, available immediately, for analysis & for feedback.
audio-CASI application: ‘viewpoint interactive’designed with children in mind – also online option.used in one-third of local authorities (England & Wales).
used in: LAC & CP reviews, core assessments service quality monitoring Youth Justice (substance misuse monitoring) education: bullying surveys, self-esteem surveys children with disabilities service planning participation – e.g. YP statistics to Elected Members.
enables difficult things to be said more safely, to be heard more effectively, and to be acted upon more accurately.
participation
audio-CASI is useful for consultation – but can it also contribute to participation?
participation: principlesparticipation: “the process of sharing decisions which affect one’s life, and the community in which one lives” (Willow, 2002)”.listening, valuing, respecting rights.promoting achievement, development, learning.promoting processes for complaints, inspection.YP sharing decisions – to highest level possible.providing feedback, on difference made.many government initiatives: principles incorporated in: HRAct (1988); Ed’Act (2002); H& Soc Care Act (2001); Children Acts (1989, 2004); Leaving Care Act (2000), etc.
participation: methods
models: from, consultation (can be tokenistic?), to peer education and peer-research.
youth work, in YP’s community/cultural context.
photography, drama, music, dance, video, groupwork, youth forums.
involvement in individual assessments/reviews.
Youth Parliament (annual sitting, 1st was 2001).
focus groups, inspections, surveys, audio-CASI.
joint training with staff.
YP training/interviewing for staff appointments.
participation: issuesfear of power/control issues in giving info’.YP may distrust motives of adults.poor experiences of tokenistic participation, with ‘favourites’, has negative impact on self-esteem of vulnerable YP.staff often feel poorly trained in participation practice, and in assessing Gillick competence.staff, agencies & gov – set unrealistic timescales.“how it’s done” (process), is important to YP.being involved in research is important to YP.not often linked with outcomes (SCIE 2004).significant management and organisational culture change required, to sustain participation.
CASI & vulnerable children:
research project
The Open University pilot-study of children’s services in: Hertfordshire, and Newcastle
examining impact of the application of audio-CASI in facilitating participation.
using audio-CASI and focus groups, to collect data from young people and from managers.
CASI & vulnerable children research project:
Hertfordshirededicated Participation Team – relationship with child is central to participation relationship. use audio-CASI with 300 LAC p year – 75% take up rate. LAC – offered to every YP, reviews 1x p year and a important transitions.dedicated participation assistants – taking laptops to YP – in association with Independent reviewing team.Children’s Fund projects use audio-CASI for up to 1,900 per year.planned use for Ofsted inspections: up to 5,000 to 10,000, YP p.a.participation methods include Focus groups, drama workshops, Independent Reviewing & complaints systems, annual workshops, inspections to residential units, life story work, audio-CASI.
other plans to use audio-CASI with: YP, 4-6 yr olds. Parents & Carers Child Protection reviews Family Network meetings Common Assessment system
Data fed in directly to service planning cycle
CASI & vulnerable children research project:
Newcastleaudio-CASI initiative led by Children’s Standards Manager.
used with almost 100% of looked after YP, before every statutory review – to bring view of YP to their review. (440 LAC, in Newcastle).
have 2 full-time participation assistants – collecting data on laptops – crucial to process.
meta-data from audio-CASI not yet integrated fully into service planning.
have some one-off participation events, but limited coordination of participation activity.
plans to appoint a participation manager 2006.
clear view that audio-CASI has made a substantial difference to YP in their feeling involved in the process of their care.
discussion
1. what mechanisms and methods are used in your organisation, for service user participation?
2. would an audio-CASI approach be a feasible and useful additional method for you, if you are not using it already?
3. how is the data collected currently, from consultation and participation, used by managers to improve services in your organisation?
end
Alun MorganFaculty of Health & Social CareThe Open [email protected]
Murray DaviesThe Viewpoint [email protected]
software demo: www.vpt.org.uk
