Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the BEACON Study?

The BEACON Study is a research project that looks at the health and well-being of children in Newfoundland and Labrador. The study focuses on children and youth who are considered “at risk,” including those in alternate (out-of-home) care and those with medical or developmental challenges or mental health conditions. It also examines how social factors affect their overall well-being, such as access to healthy food, education, housing, and health care. The goal is to understand their needs, inform decision-makers about the challenges these children and youth face, and improve the services they receive.

2. What are “children at risk”?

“Children at risk” refers to challenges that could affect their health or development. This includes children in alternate (out-of-home) care, those with medical conditions that need special care, or those with developmental or mental health issues.

3. What is the source of the data, and how is it being used?

The data for the BEACON Study comes from different health and social databases, including birth records, medical history, and other health services. It is used to study the health and needs of children in the province to help improve services and support for them in the future.

4. Who is funding the BEACON Study?

The BEACON Study is funded through grants from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the Max Bell Foundation. Other specific funding sources will be updated as they become available.

5. Is my child enrolled in the study?

Children are automatically included in the BEACON Study if they were born in Newfoundland and Labrador between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2022. The study uses health and birth data to include all children in this time frame without names or identifying information.

6. What should I know about this study as a parent/guardian?

As a parent or guardian, it is essential to know that this study is designed to help understand and improve services for children who are at risk. All information is kept private and used only for research purposes. It will not include any information allowing your child to be identified.

7. Will the study share data publicly?

No. All data collected in the BEACON Study is securely stored and used solely for research purposes. Any published results will be presented in a way that protects individual privacy and confidentiality.

8. How can I stay updated on the study’s progress?

We will share updates through this website, as well as through study partners’ newsletters and social media.

9. How long will the study occur?

The study will take place over 10 years. Researchers will follow the progress of children born between 2013 and 2022, collecting data and reviewing their health, education, and other essential factors every couple of years throughout this time.

10. How does this study benefit children and youth in Newfoundland and Labrador?

The study will help determine what children at risk in Newfoundland and Labrador need to stay healthy and grow. The results will help inform the public, families, leaders and decision-makers so that future health care, education, and other services are better for children.

11. Can my child participate in the study?

The BEACON Study is a population-based research project using existing health and demographic data. Individual participation is not required at this stage. However, we encourage public engagement through initiatives like the PPPAC (Patient and Public Partner Advisory Council) and Kids Logo Contest.

12. How can community organizations get involved?

The BEACON study welcomes collaboration with community groups, healthcare providers, and policymakers. If you wish to partner with the research team, please get in touch with Bev Morgan at bevmorgan@mun.ca.

13. How is information kept private?

All information is kept confidential and used solely for research purposes. The data is anonymized and de-identified, which means a child’s identity is not connected to any of the information used in the study, ensuring that personal details remain private. The study follows strict privacy guidelines; only authorized researchers can access the data.

14. Who should I contact if I have questions about this research?

If you have any specific questions about the research, you can contact the BEACON study research team at bevmorgan@mun.ca. You can also contact the Health Research Ethics Authority (HREA) at info@hrea.ca, overseeing the study to ensure everything is done reasonably and safely.