research report

Human rights: improving public service delivery

This report, created by the Audit Commission, looks at how the Human Rights Act can help to improve public services, as it seeks to ensure the delivery of quality services that meet the needs of individual service users.

The report highlights that not only has the Act increased public service providers’ awareness of the rights of the individual, but it has also meant an increased risk of legal challenge by service users.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons: report on HMP Edinburgh: unannounced full inspection 12-21 January 2009

Edinburgh Prison is almost entirely new. With the exception of one hall built 11 years ago the whole prison has been rebuilt in the last five years. Different stages of this rebuilding have been welcomed in previous inspection reports; at each stage, however, the difficulties of managing a prison while massive rebuilding work was taking place on the same site were observed.

Review of methadone in drug treatment: prescribing information and practice

The former First Minister, Jack McConnell, announced a review of the place of methadone in drug treatment programmes on 6 March 2006 following the death of 2 year old Derek Doran. This review was conducted at the same time as the wider inter-departmental programme of work being undertaken across the Executive on children in drug abusing households.

There is increasing public, political and media interest in the use of methadone in drug treatment and in the perceived public risk posed by ‘leakage’ into the wider community, particularly in relation to children.

Supporting families and carers of drug users : a review

This review examines the impact of drug use upon families and carers and identifies their needs. It examines and describes the range of provision and methods of addressing the needs of families and carers. It gives particular attention to the development of family support groups. It also offers information about resources available to agencies, service providers and family support groups.

Enhancing adoptive parenting: a randomised controlled trial of adoption support (Adoption research initiative briefing)

Report of a study which tested the cost-effectiveness of two programmes intended to support adopters who were parenting a child recently placed from care, and exhibiting emotional or behavioural difficulties, and conducted a qualitative analysis of the intervention process.

Support and Services for Parents in Scotland: Insight 41

Research report published by the research group in the Scottish Government Education Analytical Services Division, which provides an overview of strategic approaches to parenting support at local level, looking at strategic development within Community Health Partnerships and Local Authorities. It was published in conjunction with two other documents: Support and Services for Parents: A Review of Practice Development in Scotland and Support and Services for Parents: A Review of the Literature in Engaging and Supporting Parents.