Challenges for researchers when getting access to children and young people and their consent in research. A scoping review

Abstract

This article aims to support researchers in addressing the challenges when seeking access to CYP and their consent to participate in research. Despite the growing consensus about the need to involve children and young people in research, there is a lack of literature on how to increase their participation in welfare research. Researchers have reported that seeking contact with children and young people can be challenging, requiring approval from numerous gatekeepers. This scoping review discusses challenges researchers must address when seeking access to children and young people and getting their consent for research. The article reports on findings from 14 qualitative studies, using thematic analysis to identify common topics. We conclude that the main challenges are a lack of clarity and confidence in researchers’ communications with gatekeepers, children, and young people. To overcome those challenges, researchers should write clear research plans, demonstrate and clarify that they are qualified to work with children and young people and incorporate time for trust-building. However, we also conclude that more evidence from children’s and young people’s perspectives is needed to shed better light on their experiences participating in welfare research and what motivates them to agree to participate.