This Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funded research project titled: Exploring the Barriers and Facilitators for Effective Child Welfare Intervention for Asian- Canadian Children and Families: Perspectives of Service Users and Service Providers is led by Dr. Barbara Lee, Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) School of Social Work in collaboration with MOSAIC and Community Family Services of Ontario (CFSO) with support from the research advisory and team members.
This research project will take place in Toronto and Vancouver, the two Canadian cities with the most visible minority populations (Statistics Canada, 2016). In-depth interviews with Asian-Canadian families will be utilized to understand their experiences and insights as service users. Focus groups with community social service providers will illuminate the existing efforts and challenges in supporting Asian-Canadians involved or at risk of involvement in the child welfare system.
Research during Covid-19
Research activities will continue to be primarily online (e.g., emails and Zoom), however, in-person research is an option as covid-19 restrictions are beginning to lift. The COVID-19 pandemic has been isolating for individuals and communities, particularly those within the Asian community due to increases in anti-Asian racism. The research may be a welcomed opportunity to talk about your challenges and successes during this time.
If you are interested in in-person research activities, health and safety precautions will be followed according to the University of British Columbia behavioural guidance for resuming in-person research after Covid-19 restrictions and this project’s Safe Research Plan. Some precautions include: participant and researcher will complete a covid-19 self-assessment screening questionnaire 24 hours prior to meeting and again at the start of the meeting to ensure no one has covid-19 symptoms, mask and sanitizers will be provided to researchers and participants, maintain social distance, and other public health recommendations.
