ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the qualitative study undertaken specifically for this book, which involved in-depth interviews with 13 young people regarding their experiences of mentoring while in care. The wider context of the child welfare and protection system in Ireland is described, followed by an overview of the Foróige Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Mentoring programme from which research participants were drawn. The importance of inclusive research with children is highlighted and the rationale for the focus on young people as a way of giving this group greater voice is explained. Following this, the qualitative narrative methodology used in the study, ethical issues arising and data analysis are discussed. The chapter concludes with a profile of the research participants, who range in age from 14 to 24 years and have been ‘matched’ with mentors for between one year and five years or more. The chapter ends with key messages.
