Ethical issues in research with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children

This paper offers reflections on some of the ethical and methodological issues involved in doing research with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Drawing upon a Scottish Refugee Council funded research project with unaccompanied minors and service providers, I highlight some of the complications involved in conducting ethical research with unaccompanied children. Focusing upon issues of ethical approval and research design, access and obtaining informed consent, privacy and confidentiality and finally dissemination, I demonstrate the ways in which conducting ethical research is often context dependant and varies according to the particular situation, needs and experiences of the children involved.