research report

Rest assured? A study of unpaid carers' experiences of short breaks

This report describes the findings of research carried out between August and December 2011 into the experiences of unpaid carers in accessing and using short breaks (respite care). The study explored, from the carers’ perspective the benefits of short breaks (provided by formal services and family and friends), good practice in planning and provision, deficits and areas for improvement. Research findings are based on 1210 responses to a Scotland-wide survey distributed through carer organisations, four focus groups involving 36 carers and 13 interviews.

"Why are they going to listen to me?" Young people's perspective on the complaints system in the youth justice system and secure estate

Report that outlines views on the complaints process in the youth justice system, from the perspectives and capturing the experiences of children in that system.

It builds on the previous work of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner and User Voice in this field.

"It takes a lot of courage": children and young people's experiences of complaints procedures in services for mental health and sexual health including those provided by GPs

Report that combines data from primary and secondary sources to produce compelling evidence about children and young people’s experiences of complaints systems, with particular reference to sexual health and mental health services, including those delivered by GPs.

A good practice overview of fostering and adoption activity

Study that provides information on existing models of practice that would be useful to other councils considering adopting a similar approach in their own fostering or adoption services.

The study focuses on three key areas:
• the benefits and challenges of approaches
• how models of working might be refined in the future
• any actual or future impacts expected through the new models of working

In the eye of the storm: Britain's forgotten children and families

Research report for Action for Children, The Children's Society and NSPCC.

The research set out to:
• measure the number of families with children in Britain who are most vulnerable to adverse economic conditions, using a number of different definitions of ‘vulnerability’; and
• estimate how these families will be affected over the next few years by the changes to tax and benefits, cuts to public services and the on-going effects of the post-2008 economic downturn.

A fair budget: a discussion paper exploring the role of the RAS in the development of self-directed support

Discussion paper that describes a way forward for developing Resource Allocation Systems (RAS) in Scotland as an essential component of a sustainable system of self-directed support. It argues that, rather than fixate on one model or system, there needs to be a period of genuine innovation and exploration in partnership with disabled people and families.

An examination of parity principles in welfare and wider social policy

Paper that explores the operation of the parity principle in Northern Ireland (NI), drawing on experiences of Scotland. Issues considered include the background to the ‘parity principle’ in NI and other examples where it has been identified as an issue, an exploration of the range of arguments articulated as to the implications of breaking parity with GB, how the implications vary depending on the specific policy areas in question, and the likely outcomes of breaking parity in relation to measures included in the Welfare Reform Bill (Northern Ireland) 2012.