research report

Housing associations and home adaptations: making it work smoothly

This research and development project aimed to assist housing associations and local authorities to establish fair, efficient and effective arrangements for carrying out home adaptations. The report covers legislation and funding policy on adaptations; barriers to effective partnership, which included uncertainty about the law and guidance, structural factors and poor communications; and setting up an adaptation agreement.

Determining the effectiveness of alcohol screening and brief intervention approach in a young people’s sexual health service

An evaluation of a pilot study delivering Screening and Brief Interventions (SBIs) in a young people's sexual health service has shown positive results through a number of findings. The Place, in Sandyford, Glasgow and Clyde, piloted the scheme using a grant from AERC after a needs assessment showed alcohol was a significant factor for many of those attending the clinic.

Ensuring all disabled children and young people and their families receive services which are sufficiently differentiated to meet their diverse needs

This review sets out to investigate the evidence base for the provision of differentiated services to meet the diverse needs of disabled children and young people and their families. It focuses on children from BME (black and minority ethnic) communities, children with complex needs, children living away from home, and children from refugee and asylum-seeking families as instances of those who face the most challenges to adequate service delivery.

The audit of best value and community planning South Ayrshire council

Report that reflects the picture available at the time the main audit work was conducted between August and October 2008. The Commission is concerned to note the position at South Ayrshire as set out in the Controller of Audit’s report.

The council has made limited progress towards delivering best value and faces severe financial pressures which pose significant risks and which will make it more challenging for the council to make the improvements needed.

Transition to adulthood: inquiry into transition to adulthood for young people with autism

This inquiry sought evidence from a range of stakeholders across England, including parents, people with autism and professionals into transition to adulthood for young people with autism. The report outlines the key findings of the Inquiry and makes recommendations based on the experiences and evidence from all those who took part.

The audit of best value and community planning: Aberdeen city council progress report

When the Accounts Commission published its findings on the Best Value audit on Aberdeen City Council in May 2008 following a public hearing, it requested a further report from the Controller of Audit in 12 months’ time. In this progress report, the Commission is encouraged by the prompt and decisive action taken by the council, and taking into account the timescale, commends the council on its progress across a range of activity.

Staying safe survey 2009: young people and parents’ attitudes around accidents, bullying and safety

Research report commissioned by the DCSF to measure and track parents' and children's awareness, attitudes and reported behaviour across the various safety issues covered within the Staying Safe Action Plan and the Byron Review; inform further campaign development and priorities; and provide quantatative data for the DCSF to adequately measure progress of the collective communications efforts.

Tackling antisocial behaviour in Scotland: An action framework for social housing practitioners and governing bodies

Tackling antisocial behaviour is a key activity for housing organisations across the UK. This ‘action framework’ focuses specifically on Scottish policy and practice. It uses a systematic process approach towards tackling antisocial behaviour organised in seven photocopiable core tasks. Designed to develop staff awareness, and strategic planning and monitoring, it can also form the basis of in-house training programmes.