With a deep commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding in the field, I specialize in applying child-focused concepts, frameworks, and methods to research involving children and adolescents. My work is grounded in inclusive and participatory methodologies, ensuring that the voices, perspectives and solutions of young
participants are central to the research process.
I am particularly skilled in employing indigenous research methodologies, which respect and integrate the cultural contexts and traditions of indigenous communities,
especially youth.
In my research, I utilize innovative qualitative tools designed to engage children and youth effectively. These tools are tailored to capture the unique experiences and insights of young participants, making the research process both meaningful and impactful. By leveraging these methodologies, I aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the issues affecting children and adolescents, ultimately informing policies and practices
that support their well-being and development.
Explore the website to learn more about my research projects, publications, and contributions to the field. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of
children and youth.
Child Rights
‘Doing family’ in adversity
This paper presents findings from a qualitative study that explored children’s and families’ experiences of alternative care in Thailand. The study used arts-based methods to engage 160 children living in a range of care settings. This included government and NGO run residential care settings (RCS), children’s villages, Buddhist temples, migrant learning centres and foster care homes. Interviews were also conducted with twenty parents/guardians who had placed their children in care. Findings show that despite the alternative care system presenting significant challenges, the participants revealed how they strived to preserve their family connections, and how they are ‘doing family’ in adversity.
Children’s experiences of alternative care in mainland Southeast Asia
This scoping review focuses on available research articles that directly, or indirectly, engage with children to explore their experiences of living in Residential Care Settings (RCSs) in the region. A comprehensive search of four digital academic libraries was conducted, and 23 articles were included in the review. Most of the studies identified were on residential care settings in Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia, with no studies identified from Myanmar or Vietnam. The review found that the 23 available studies had used a variety of qualitative research methods to document children’s experiences of care. However, findings reveal that adult research informants were often used to report their perceptions of the children’s experiences. As a result, in some countries like Thailand, there is currently an absence of studies that have engaged directly with children. The review highlights clear research gaps, for example, no studies were found that explored the historical context, purpose, or culture of the residential care settings. Accordingly, this review argues that it is important for further research to address these gaps, as this missing empirical evidence could contribute to improving alternative care for children and potentially support the growing movement towards family-based care in the region.
Sharing Their Narratives
The overall aims of this research project were to explore the experiences of the children, parents and families involved in alternative care in Thailand. Despite the challenges of Covid-19 we were able to undertake this research project that reached a significant number of children (n.160) living in alternative care and their parents and families (n.20). The children we engaged with lived in a range of different care settings from Migrant Learning Centres, Buddhist temples, Government Children’s Homes and NGO centres. In total, we accessed 13 different care providers across four different regional locations: Central (Bangkok and Chonburi), North (Tak and Chiang Mai), North East (Nong Khai), South (Ja Na and Hat Yai). This research project was underpinned by a child rights perspective with the premise that lessons learned directly from the participants are important for policy and practice. We hold the view that any reform of national care systems needs to be underpinned by learning from the children, the very people who are at the centre of the practice. We hope that the child participant’s voices and their views come across in this report -in both narrative and art forms- and that government and non-government policy actors and practitioners can take these narratives and lived realities and bring about improvement for the children who are growing up in alternative care.
English
Thai
Is the deinstitutionalisation of alternative care
a ‘wicked problem’?
This study examined de-institutionalisation in Thailand. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a total of 27 child welfare practitioners and policy actors to explore their perceptions of Thai alternative care provision. Findings show that participants perceive de-institutionalisation as a complex policy challenge. Some felt that the institutions were necessary in order to meet demand, while others felt that cultural barriers prevent a shift to family-based approaches, such as foster care. However, data suggest that it would be difficult to characterise de-institutionalisation as a ‘wicked policy problem’ as participants were hopeful for change, citing increased family strengthening policies alongside efforts to implement foster care.
A Child’s First Right
Indigenous peoples – collectively and as individuals – draw their identity and form their world-view from specific historical and cultural contexts that include their own beliefs, values, social organization, language, customs and practices. This rich cultural heritage is carried over from generation and generation – notwithstanding the erosions from external influences and pressures on their lives and their livelihoods. And yet, around the world – in both developed and developing countries - indigenous peoples, especially children and young people, are among the most marginalized groups in society, and their rights – including those to survival and development, to the highest standards of health, to education that respects their cultural identity, to protection from violence, abuse and exploitation and to participation in decision-making that is relevant to their lives – are often seriously compromised and, in many cases, systematically violated and denied.
Breaking Through the Clouds:
During the past ten years, the borders between China, Myanmar and Thailand have witnessed the largest flow of migrants in decades. People are moving in unprecedented numbers between these borders for tourism, trade, business, refuge, employment and other opportunities. Those from Myanmar make up the largest proportion of this mobile population. Few statistics on migrants are available which include figures that take into account individuals without documentation or those overstaying their travel permits. Based on reliable estimates, the numbers involve millions of people.
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