Assessing the Well-Being of Child Caregivers in Emergencies

I have proposed research for McGill University’s Ph.D. program, which will examine the well-being of young children serving as caregivers of other household children in situations of crisis. The study will be based upon analysis of breakdowns in normal caretaking practices within the context of crisis. The effects on the young caregiver and the young child being cared for will be then be explored in-depth. The study will combine qualitative and quantitative methods, including focus group discussions, mobility maps and flow diagrams, and semi-structured interviews. Theoretical frameworks for assessing child well-being in this context include risk, resilience, and psychosocial well-being.