research report

Targeted youth support pathfinders evaluation: final report

This report presents the findings from the evaluation of the Targeted Youth Support Pathfinders (TYSPs). The policy was developed by the Department for Children, Schools and Families to ensure that young people in need of support receive a genuinely personalised package of support, at the earliest possible opportunity. The evaluation was designed to capture the impact of the service reforms at the level of infrastructure, professional working practices, individual young people and overall outcomes.

Extended flexible entitlement for three- and four year olds : pathfinder evaluation

Report of an evaluation of the extended flexible entitlement pathfinder which was introduced by the UK Government to maximise developmental benefits for children by providing extended access to free early years provision and to diminish childcare-related obstacles to employment faced by parents by providing more flexible delivery of free childcare provision across the private, voluntary and independent sectors.

Housing and disabled children

In recent years the issue of housing and disabled children has moved up the policy agenda, and there are currently opportunities for change at both the national and local policy level. This round-up provides an overview of what is known about the housing circumstances of disabled children and their families.

Inside out : the case for improving mental healthcare across the criminal justice system

Report describing the obstacles to court diversion schemes for offenders with mental health problems in England and Wales and arguing that early and more structured interventions by the health care and justice systems would improve care and reduce the cost of crime. It identifies examples of good practice in this area in England and Wales and points to the potential of a new model in mental health courts.

Enriching opportunities: unlocking potential: searching for the keys

The Enriched Opportunities Programme is an intervention developed by the ExtraCare Charitable Trust and Bradford Dementia group that aimed to improve the well-being and activity of people with dementia living in long-term care. The programme included five key elements: specialist expertise; individualised assessment and case work; activity and occupation; staff training; management and leadership. This research evaluates the impact of the intervention on residents and tenants and on the staff caring for them.

Understanding the needs of adults (particularly parents) regarding relationship support

Qualitative study that the DCSF commissioned Newcastle University and the Family and Parenting Institute to undertake. Issues identified include enhancing the understanding of how adults form and manage relationships; the relationship support needs of adults in different personal circumstances, and in a variety of relationship types; and to gather evidence which can guide the development of new policy initiatives to support adult couple relationships.

Poverty, inequality and policy since 1997

This research shows what effect policies introduced since 1997 have had on reducing poverty and inequality. It offers a considered assessment of impacts over a decade. The study covers a range of subjects, including public attitudes to poverty and inequality, children and early years, education, health, employment, pensions, and migrants. It measures the extent of progress and also considers future direction and pressures, particularly in the light of recession and an ageing society.