early intervention

The role of Children's Centres in early intervention

Report that shows how children's centres have steadily grown in number and reach since their original purpose as highly targeted forms of intervention in 1997. Since 2010 there has been a pressure from government for them to re-focus their attention.

This research shows that under the new model of funding, expenditure on Children's Centres has fallen since 2010 by an estimated 28%.

Early intervention: decision-making in local authority children's services

Action for Children commissioned the Social Care Institute for Excellence to undertake a study of local authority decision-making in respect of long-term decision making and early intervention services. In particular, the study sought to gain a better understanding of the factors that facilitate and hinder delivery of improved outcomes for children and families over the longer-term, working on the basis that long-term planning and early intervention are inextricably linked.

SCIE report 65: early intervention: decision-making in local authority children’s services

This is a study of local authority decision-making in respect to long-term decision making and early intervention services. The study seeks to gain a better understanding of the factors that facilitate and hinder delivery of improved outcomes for children and families over the longer-term. This report synthesises the data gathered from: a literature review; 30 telephone interviews with senior officers and members in local authorities in England; and feedback from 49 subject matter experts attending five regional events.

The effectiveness of interventions to address health inequalities in the early years: a review of relevant literature

Review prepared to summarise the relevant evidence base and advise policy colleagues of the known effectiveness of specific early years health interventions.

The review covers the following areas: pregnancy at a young age; maternal and foetal health during pregnancy; maternal and child nutrition and physical and mental health; child development and early education; parenting in the early years; vulnerable groups and longer term impacts.

Early intervention and prevention with children and families: getting the most from team around the family systems

In recent years, significant national attention has been devoted to the more systematic identification and application of effective evidence-based services for families with additional needs.

Whilst recognising the importance of effective services, this briefing paper argues that having effective local systems to identify families who would benefit from additional support and to coordinate support from a range of agencies is at least as important.