The relationship between a trusted adult and adolescent outcomes: a protocol of a scoping review

Jan Pringle,John McAteer,Ross Whitehead,Dona Milne,Eileen Scott

doi:10.1186/s13643-018-0873-8

Jan Pringle, John McAteer + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-018-0873-8

Copy DOI

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough documentation of harm towards children and young people has existed for centuries, it was not until the 1960s that it became a specific focus for health professionals. Since that time, the importance of protective social networks has become better understood. The concept of trusted adults has come into sharper focus, with children being encouraged to develop networks of dependable adults to turn to for support in times of need. While many child protection processes highlight risks to younger children, there has been less emphasis on older children. The role of trusted adults may be particularly important during adolescence, due to burgeoning independence, developing sexuality, relationship formation, and associated vulnerabilities. While important choices relating to health and education are made during this period, there is little formal evidence relating to the impact of trusted adults on such outcomes. This review therefore aims to focus on the role and influence of trusted adults for adolescents.MethodsThis study is a scoping review. A broad range of databases will be searched, including MEDLINE, ERIC, Education s, Web of Science, ASSIA, Sociological s, and PsycINFO. Predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria will be used, with a focus on outcomes relating to health and education. Two reviewers will blind screen papers independently at all screening stages, with conflicts being resolved by a third reviewer. Quantitative and qualitative studies, as well as unpublished (grey) literature/reports, will be included. We will use the World Health Organization’s ‘second decade’ definition of adolescence. We aim to collate and map evidence in a broad overview and produce meta-analyses of homogenous data. Where this is not possible, a narrative summary will be produced.DiscussionThere appears to be sparse knowledge regarding the role of trusted adults for adolescents. Potential benefits to health and wellbeing may impact on educational attainment, and vice versa. These areas are of particular relevance during the second decade, when decisions that affect future direction, achievement, and wellbeing are being made. The increased understanding of the role of trusted adults provided by this review may help to inform practice and policy and lead to potential benefits for the health and education of adolescents.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD 42017076739

Highlights

Documentation of harm towards children and young people has existed for centuries, it was not until the 1960s that it became a specific focus for health professionals
Background documentation of harm towards children and young people has existed for centuries, and received greater attention through authors such as Charles Dickens in the Victorian era, it was not the 1960s that it became a specific focus for health professionals, as marked by the publication of certain seminal work [1]
In relation to young people, the report indicated the importance of social networks as having a protective effect and advised that children might be taught to tell an adult about any concerns or issues they might have relating to their safety

Summary

Introduction

Documentation of harm towards children and young people has existed for centuries, it was not until the 1960s that it became a specific focus for health professionals. In relation to young people, the report indicated the importance of social networks as having a protective effect and advised that children might be taught to tell an adult about any concerns or issues they might have relating to their safety The concept of such a trusted adult within child or adolescent health and wellbeing has come into sharper focus over more recent years. The NCMEC involves 25 participating countries worldwide, including the UK, with an expanded remit covering many aspects of child safety and abuse prevention, including highlighting the role of a trusted adult within the lives of children and young adults [3] The need for this type of figure within the lives of children has come to be further understood as a result of child abuse scenarios, where it has become evident that such support may have prevented or limited the length or scope of harm [4]

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion