Child protection during COVID-19: A systematic meta-synthesis of empirical studies exploring perspectives of young people and caregivers

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic affected child protection services (CPS) and the lives of those involved in different ways. This review analyzes research methodologies and service users' perspectives on COVID-19's impact on CPS in literature, published between January 1st, 2020, and October 17th, 2023.

Method

First, a systematic literature search identified relevant studies, which were analyzed for data collection methods, participants, and main topics. Second, a meta-synthesis was conducted on studies featuring in-depth interviews with young people and/or caregivers.

Results

Of the 240 articles pre-selected for study method analysis (κ = 0.84), the most common data collection methods were surveys (53.7 %), interviews (21.3 %), and mixed methods (13.9 %). Surveys primarily targeted caregivers, while interview and mixed method studies mostly involved child protection professionals. Overall, service users were rarely asked about their perspectives on CPS. The meta-synthesis included 19 studies conducting in-depth interviews with service users, revealing that their experiences of COVID-19 were primarily crisis-stricken. COVID-19 and countermeasures were perceived as particularly challenging in areas of life where individuals lacked coping strategies, resources, and adequate support. A key challenge reported by service users was remote schooling, which disrupted daily routines, increased stress, and negatively affected overall well-being.

Conclusion

Research on CPS during COVID-19 often overlooked service users' perspectives, especially young people. Including these perspectives is essential for developing informed and responsive recommendations for CPS. Future research during health emergencies should therefore ensure that people's lived experiences and perspectives on CPS are researched with appropriate and diverse methods to identify newly emerging challenges and needs within CPS.