Suchergebnisse

These are uncertain and difficult times for those both delivering and those receiving social work and social care services. After nearly a decade of 'austerity' there has been a significant reduction in the size and scope of the welfare state (Johnstone, 2016). Furthermore there is no sign that this process abating with the sector facing a period of further uncertainty and contraction (Crewe, 2016). Against this backdrop there has been a period of Government driven 'reform' which has seen significant changes to the sector in both adults and children's services. This reform process has affected many professional roles but there has been particular scrutiny, and, at times intensive, debate about the role and nature of social work in contemporary care services (Featherstone et al, 2014). This short paper considers these changes from the perspective of Making Research Count, a national university based research dissemination project that has attempted to support the development of knowledge informed practice throughout this period.

The Children Act 1989 sought to be evidence based in that its development reflected a growing body of research in the field of child care. This article explores the dynamic relationship between research, policy and practice in child welfare in the UK over the subsequent 21 years. It looks at the implications for the workforce and professional expertise, with a particular focus on social work. Initially, the implementation of the Act was closely associated with social services but provision has become more integrated and multidisciplinary. This has led to a far‐reaching debate about the roles and tasks of social work and its efficacy in safeguarding and promoting children's welfare. Social work can make a broad contribution to child welfare but to realise this both the role of social work and the knowledge base on which it is based must not be defined in a narrow or prescriptive way.

English
In recent years UK governments have increasingly promoted attempts to move towards evidence-based models of care. Within this context there has been a growing interest by policy makers and practitioners in the integration and application of the findings of research to practice, and the subsequent development of initiatives to promote research mindedness among care staff. This article looks at the experience of one of the largest and most longstanding of these projects – Making Research Count. It considers both the successes and challenges the project has faced, and considers these in the wider context of the debate about what is the most effective model of research dissemination in the care sector.

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to describe a collaboration between independent researchers and an English local authority to develop a framework for understanding and measuring outcomes in children centres.Design/methodology/approach– The project was based on developing a system for collecting quantitative and qualitative data that would reflect the multi-dimensional services delivered by children centres. This was called the Early Intervention Performance Outcomes Framework. It utilised the concept of interim outcomes and in so doing the aim was to create a system that would provide evidence for the difference these services could make to children and their families' lives. It was also important for the system to enhance and not detract from service capacity in a period of austerity.Findings– The paper reports on the project when it had generated its first year of data. The paper describes the overall success of the project, the on-going challenges it faces and provides some examples of how interim outcomes represented "steps along the way" for children and families.Originality/value– The innovative collaboration described in this paper provides a positive example of how research methods can enhance both service design and delivery. It will be of interest to both those who work and manage children's services and those engaged in research.

AbstractLongitudinal costly evaluations will always be important in order to understand the factors that impact on child, family and community well‐being over the long and medium term. However, in a policy era that accords major importance to the achievement of outcomes, e.g. payment by results, 'outcome theology' can pose threats to service access and professional morale in family support. It is essential therefore, to ascertain the short‐term outcomes of services in order to capture the trajectory of progress by families under stress. This paper critiques the concept of 'the outcome'. It traces the development of this trend in policy and describes an alternative but complementary approach, which is based on capturing interim outcomes in family support services.

ABSTRACTChildren's services are currently undergoing their biggest changes in a generation. The government is seeking to create a more coherent, seamless configuration of services, with a view to securing improved outcomes for all children. However, there is a current crisis in the recruitment and retention of a range of child welfare professionals, including children's social workers, which must be addressed in order for this ambitious agenda to be achieved. This paper discusses the findings of a series of focus group discussions with social workers undertaking the London Post Qualifying Child Care Award in response to the Children's Workforce Strategyconsultation process. These findings are then analysed within the context of the wider literature on social work practice and workforce development. It is argued that central to the debate on how to sustain a competent and stable social work workforce should be consideration of the consequences of initiatives to audit and assess performance; the promotion of relationship‐based social work; and the wider role of social work in preventative and protective services for children.

The book addresses the complexities and dilemmas faced by practitioners involved in mental health care, and enable the reader to reflect on their understanding. Case studies covering psychodynamic theory, cognitive behavioural therapy, systemic family therapy, attachment therapy and therapeutic group-work are also included.

Action for Children commissioned a research team at King's College London to evaluate the impact of Action for Children Children's Centres on outcomes for vulnerable children. The study took place during 2010-11. Within the wider context of early intervention to meet wider family support needs, the study also addressed key topics including health, inter-agency collaboration; access to services; and the role of outreach. The study period coincided with robust public and political debate around the allocation of public spending, alongside an extensive review of services and outcomes for children and young people, through five parallel reviews.1 Proposed developments in the configuration of community health services for children and their families, put a spotlight on the existing and potential contribution of Children's Centres to undertake the co-ordination of services, as well as have a positive impact on child outcomes, alongside supporting workforce recruitment and retention; and the enhancement of inter-agency collaboration.

'Promoting children's wellbeing' examines the wide-ranging and growing number of policies and practices which are intended to contribute to children's wellbeing. Topics include the development of children's identities, the value of play in the lives of contemporary children, the promotion of children's health, risk and staying safe, and family law. The contributors draw upon research and practice to analyse and examine the policies, services and practice skills needed for collaborative, effective and equitable work with children. It will be important reading for students, practitioners and academics working in a wide range of children's services across the UK