What lies beneath: Vulnerable children’s experience of loss

Introduction: Loss is a pervasive and potent experience in the lives of many vulnerable children. Previous research has found that children who are more disadvantaged in our society are likely to experience multiple losses, and to be at an increased risk of negative outcomes as a consequence of such losses.

Objectives: This presentation aims to provide a voice to vulnerable children, by reflecting upon some of the key learnings gained from a diverse range of qualitative and participatory research studies completed with vulnerable children, young people and their families at the Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University. Approach: By including children's perspectives and experiences, the presentation will challenge and build upon our current conceptualisations of loss and what we know about how children experience loss.

Practice Implications: Thus, the presentation will challenge professionals from across service sectors to provide responses to children that are informed by children's unique perspectives and experiences.

Conclusions: The implications for future research will also be explored and it is hoped that researchers and practitioners will leave the presentation with renewed feelings of curiosity and hope in which to approach their work with children and their families.