early intervention

Paper that aims to articulate the variety of models for children’s services delivery that exist internationally and places these in the context of current UK policy and practice. The key sections present outlines of the different policy and service provision approaches to children’s services in the UK and the top performing OECD countries. This latter group comprises the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), and the Netherlands. Brief reference is made to other countries, where appropriate.

First report of the Early Action Task Force.

In the context of increased debate about early interventions in the UK, the Local Government Association (LGA) commissioned the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) to produce guidance on what constitutes a good business case for early interventions and how it should be assessed.

The guidance will be of use to local authorities (LAs) and their partners in their decision making and planning on early interventions.

Based on extensive research, consultation and original analysis, this report adds new dimensions to the case for early intervention.

It shines a light on the disproportionate vulnerability of babies to abuse and neglect; and it provides the first estimates of the numbers of babies affected by parental problems of substance misuse, mental illness and domestic abuse.

The purpose of this review was to examine the available research evidence on criminal justice interventions in Scotland in terms of "effectiveness", (measured by rates of reconviction/reoffending, and reductions in drug use) and costs. The review also recognises the current policy emphasis on "recovery", which requires a wider acknowledgement of the possible mechanisms for measuring "success" and a wider vision for the process of recovery itself. It was undertaken between August and November 2010.

Evaluation of Sistema Scotland's Big Noise Children‟s Orchestra in the Raploch Estate based in Stirling in 2008. It is an early intervention programme that uses music and participation in an orchestra to foster confidence, teamwork, pride and aspiration in the children.

The Scottish Government commissioned GEN to conduct an evaluation of the process and outcomes achieved by Big Noise. In particular, the study team sought to identify what specific features of Big Noise contribute to the outcomes for children and their families.

The evidence from this study presents a compelling case for local authorities and their partners to develop and implement intensive family intervention with families with multiple and complex needs. Whilst funding for the Pathfinders formally ended in 2010, four fifths of the Family Pathfinder and Young Carer Pathfinders are being sustained in some form. The current government is supporting national and local activity to turn around the lives of families with multiple problems.

York Consulting was commissioned by Action for Children to undertake research to articulate how Action for Children professionals develop effective relationships with vulnerable parents and how this makes a difference for children and young people. The focus of the research was to develop a skills framework that would define the key aspects of effective professional relationships and the competencies required to achieve them.

Briefing that shows that schools which succeed in engaging children and improving behaviour for the long term respond to their pupils’ needs by offering an authoritative approach to discipline which addresses the underlying causes of bad behaviour, which often lie in problems at home.

Report that clearly shows how stepping in the first time a child runs away can lead to substantial financial savings for a number of agencies – and society as a whole. It calls on central government to take the lead and set out an action plan that focuses on raising awareness, improving support, improving statutory responses and ensuring clear systems of accountability and performance management, and improving police responses.