Research Summary

I’m currently completing my Masters in Social Work. Conducting research into Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). I’m interested in seeking the social worker’s perspective on working with clients with FASD’s. My research aim is to identify the strengths, limitations and weaknesses working with persons with FASD in New Zealand. 

Tēna koe,

Who am I?
My name is Kirsty Child. I am a currently undertaking a small research project as part of my Master of Applied Social Work programme in the School of Social Work, Massey University. The aim of this research is to explore the experiences of professionals working in Aotearoa New Zealand whom work with persons with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

The purpose of this letter is to invite you to be part of my research project.

What is this research about?

I want to examine the positives, weakness and limitations experienced by professionals in getting the best outcomes with their mahi when working with tangata with the diagnosis of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Why am I being asked to take part?
I am  inviting you to participate in my research if you meet the following criteria:

• Have experience working with clients with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

What will I be asked to do?
It is anticipated that the interview will take approximately 45 minutes and will be recorded. The precise timing of the interview and the location will be negotiated with you. The interview will be short, simple and semi-structured and no discomfort to participants is anticipated. You may request to see the interview schedule prior to the interview if you wish.

If you agree to take part in my research project, can you please complete the attached consent form and return it to me via email at Kirsty.Child.1@uni.massey.ac.nz before the interview.

If you have any concerns about the process of gathering the interview data, you can contact my supervisor. Contact details are provided at the end of this information sheet.

What will happen to the data?
The interview data will be used for answering my research aim, as described above. If any transcription is needed, I will do this myself, so that the data remains confidential. Data and the consent forms will be safely stored on my password protected computer while the project is being completed and will be destroyed once my research report has been examined.

No names or other identifying details of individuals or organisations will be used in the report or publications.  Findings may also be used in publications arising from the research.

What rights do I have?
You are under no obligation to accept this invitation. If you decide to participate, you have the right to:

• Decline to answer any questions;
• Withdraw from the study up until data is analysed;
• Ask any questions about the study at any time during participation;
• Provide information on the understanding that your name will not be used;
• Be given access to a summary of the project findings when it is concluded;
• Ask for the recorder to be turned off at any time during the interview.

Please do not hesitate to contact either me or my supervisor at any time if you have any questions about the project. Contact details are as follows:

Researcher    
Kirsty Child 
Kirsty.Child.1@uni.massey.ac.nz

Supervisor
Jane Lee
J.Lee6@massey.ac.nz 

This project has been reviewed and approved by the Massey University Human Ethics Ohu Matatika 3, Application OM3 25/75. If you have any concerns about the conduct of this research, please contact the Chairperson, Massey University Human Ethics Ohu Matatika 3, email humanethics3@massey.ac.nz 

Thank you for considering this request.

Yours sincerely,

Kirsty Child