EPIC invited the participation of children and young people with disabilities who are, or have been in care, with whom they work. The study was structured to ensure appropriate levels of support and accountability, and to allow the meaningful participation of the children and young people. Eight children and young people participated in the research: six in online focus group discussions over three sessions, and two in an online or telephone interview. The research participants are representative of a range of care experience, including foster care, residential care, and aftercare services, and a range of disabilities are represented, including physical disability, intellectual disability, or learning difficulty.

At the start of the research, six of the participants were aged 18 or over, and two participants were under 18. Half of the study participants are female, and half are male. The participants live in different parts of the country, including Tipperary, Dublin, Cork, and Wexford. A qualitative methodology was applied to the research questions, and the focus groups and interviews explored areas of positive practice, challenges, or gaps experienced by the participants