briefing paper

Evidence on effectiveness of behavioural interventions to help parents manage sleep problems in young disabled children: a rapid review

This rapid review was undertaken to examine the effectiveness of behavioural interventions for sleep problems in young disabled children (up to age eight years), specifically interventions that can be carried out by parents in the home. Nineteen studies were identified, four were RCTs and 15 were before and after studies, most of which had less than 10 participants. Three of the four RCTs had been conducted in a UK setting.

How can we make the housing market more stable for vulnerable households?

In July 2009, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation established a taskforce to address the root causes of instability in the UK housing market. Whether in a boom or a downturn, the shortage of affordable housing hits the most vulnerable households first and worst. These Viewpoints – commissioned as part of the programme and aimed at stimulating debate – provide two different perspectives on the kinds of reforms needed to provide long-term, secure housing for those least able to afford it.

'Voice of the Child' Under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 : Giving Due Regard for Children's Views in All Matters that Affect Them : Volume 1

The Children (Scotland) Act 1995 brings together aspects of family, child care and adoption law that affect children. The Act seeks to incorporate the 3 key principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) – i.e. non- discrimination; a child’s welfare as a primary consideration; and listening to children’s views, into Scottish legislation and practice.

Working together to provide age-appropriate environments and services for mental health patients aged under 18

The new section 131A of the Mental Health Act is due to come into force in April 2010. This amendment will ensure that patients aged under 18 are treated in an environment in hospital which is suitable having regard to their age, with the purpose of preventing the inappropriate admission of children and young people to adult psychiatric wards. This briefing highlights how commissioners can work together to meet the new duty on age-appropriate accommodation in a timely manner.