preventive practice

Preventing loneliness and social isolation in older people (IRISS Insights, No 25)

Prevention has been identified as a key aspect of Scottish public service reform. In response to the findings of the Christie Commission (2011), the Scottish Government has called for a 'decisive shift towards prevention'.

This Insight looks specifically at the prevention of isolation and loneliness amongst older people, with a particular focus on what practitioners in the fields of health and social care should bear in mind when working to tackle this important and growing issue.

Ending the other care crisis: making the case for investment in preventative care and support for disabled adults

Document that argues that in the Spending Review in June the Government must invest at least £1.2 billion to address the funding gap facing disabled adults.

It draws on compelling new research from Deloitte which shows that an investment in preventative social care delivers returns for national and local government, the NHS, individuals and carers. It also ensures a modernised care system that promotes independence and prevents people having to enter crisis point to get this vital support.

Innovations in prevention

Paper that starts by introducing prevention, outlining the current spending on preventative measures, the benefits of these, and also potential limitations. The second section of the paper outlines the stages involved in developing a preventative strategy. These are introduced sequentially, but care should be taken not to interpret them as a fixed chronology. The author argues that there is no blueprint available for developing and implementing a successful preventative strategy.

The evaluation of the Family Nurse Partnership Programme in Scotland: phase 1 report - intake and early pregnancy

The Family Nurse Partnershhip (FNP) is a preventative programme for first time teenage mothers and their babies. FNP is being tested in Scotland for the first time.

A first interim evaluation report and focuses on the intake and early pregnancy phases of the programmes implementation.

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.

Public attitudes to youth crime: report on focus group research

Paper that reports the findings of a series of focus groups set up to explore public attitudes to youth crime.

The topics included the respondents‟ views of:
- the extent of crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the local community and the perceived causes of these
- restorative justice
- volunteering and the role of the community in preventing crime and in supporting youth justice.

Under one roof

Paper that explores how social housing providers can face up to the dual challenges of increased demand and fewer resources by doing what they do best – providing early, low level supports inan integrated fashion, to ensure resources go further and to generate greater cost savings for the NHS, social care and criminal justice systems.