CHILD WELLBEING IN THE CONTEXT OF PARENTAL DETENTION
Participant Information Statement – Caseworkers
Please contact Dr Michelle Peterie by calling 0466 091 446 or by emailing michelle.peterie@sydney.edu.au if you need this document translated into a different language
(1) What is this study about?
The University of Sydney and the Australian Human Rights Commission are conducting a study about the impacts of parental immigration detention on children. We want to understand how immigration detention affects the children of detained parents, and what can be done to improve outcomes.
You have been invited to take part in this study because you support families with experience of Australian immigration detention. This Participant Information Statement tells you about the study so that you can decide if you want to participate. Please read this information and ask any questions you have.
Participation in this study is voluntary. You do not have to take part.
This Parental Information Statement is yours to keep.
(2) Who is running the study?
The study is being carried out by the following University of Sydney researchers, in partnership with the Australian Human Rights Commission:
Dr Michelle Peterie, The University of Sydney
Dr Laura Vidal, The University of Sydney
Ms Isabella Kristo, The University of Sydney
Professor Alex Broom, The University of Sydney
This study is being paid for through an Australian Research Council (ARC) grant. The ARC is an independent body that funds research in Australia.
(3) What will the study involve?
We would like to interview you about your experiences supporting children and families impacted by parental immigration detention. We will not press you to talk about anything you don’t want to, or ask you to disclose any identifying information about the children or families you support.
With your permission, we will audio record your interview, so that we have an accurate record of your answers. The researchers will talk with you before your interviews to organise a time and place for your interview that is convenient for you. Zoom interviews are available if preferred.
You can request a language interpreter for your interview if you need one. Please let the researchers know if this is required.
(4) How much of my time will the study take?
Your interview will take up to one hour.
(5) Who can take part in the study?
If you support children who have (or have previously had) a parent held in Australian immigration detention, you are eligible to participate in the study.
Separate (exclusively face-to-face) interviews are also being undertaken with children and their parents/guardians.
(6) Do I have to be in the study? Can I withdraw from the study once it starts?
You do not have to take part in this study. There will be no negative consequences if you decide not to be involved. You can stop your interview or withdraw from the study at any time.
Your decision about whether to participate in this research will not impact your current or future relationship with the researchers, The University of Sydney, the Australian Human Rights Commission, or the organisation that employs you. If you choose to be involved, your interview will be completely confidential. Your answers will only be seen by the University researchers named above, and neither you nor your organisation will be identified in any study findings.
(7) Are there any risks or costs associated with being in the study?
We hope that your interview will be a positive experience and provide you with a valuable opportunity to talk about and reflect on your work. It is possible that your interview may trigger some emotions. We will not push you to answer any questions you don’t want to. If you become upset during your interview, we will ask you if you would like to stop or pause your interview.
If you feel distressed and need to speak with a counsellor, free support is available by calling Lifeline (free call) on 13 11 14.
(8) Are there any benefits associated with being in the study?
As part of this study, we are speaking with many families and their supporters in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. We will use the information we gather to understand how immigration detention impacts children. Findings will be used to advocate for better and fairer immigration policies and practices in Australia. We will also use this information to help supporting organisations to improve services.
We cannot promise that you or the families you support will get any benefit from taking part in the study, but we will give you a $30 gift voucher after your interviews to say thank you.
(9) What will happen to information that is collected during the study?
We may use quotes from your interviews when we publish our study findings. We will not include your name or any information that could identify you, your organisation or the families you support. Key publications from the study are likely to include an Australian Human Rights Commission report, academic publications such as journal articles and book chapters, and resources for children and families impacted by immigration detention.
We will store your information safely and not disclose your identity, except as required by law. We will keep your information in perpetuity, so that it is available if you decide to participate in a follow-up study in the future. You can request that we delete your information at any time by contacting Michelle via phone (0466 091 446) or email (michelle.peterie@sydney.edu.au).
(10) Can I tell other people about the study?
Yes, you can tell other people about the study.
(11) How do I get involved, and what do I do if I would like further information about the study?
If you would like to be involved in this research – or if you would like more information now or at any point during the study – please contact Dr Michelle Peterie. You can reach Michelle by calling 0466 091 446 or by emailing michelle.peterie@sydney.edu.au.
(12) Will I be told the results of the study?
You can tell us whether you want to receive information about the study findings on your consent form. If you tick ‘yes’, we will send a short summary after the study is finished.
(13) What if I have a complaint or any concerns about the study?
Research involving humans in Australia is reviewed by an independent group of people called a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). The ethical aspects of this study have been approved by the HREC of The University of Sydney (approval number 2023/475). As part of this process, we have agreed to carry out the study according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). This statement has been developed to protect people who agree to take part in research studies.
If you are concerned about the way this study is being conducted or if you wish to make a complaint to someone independent from the study, please contact the University using the details outlined below.
Telephone: +61 2 8627 8176
Email: human.ethics@sydney.edu.au
This information sheet is for you to keep