research and evaluation

Support and Services for Parents: A Review of the Literature in Engaging and Supporting Parents

Literature review published by the Scottish Government which draws together existing knowledge on assessing and evaluating parenting interventions. In conducting the literature review, the research team was interested in re-examining the historical policy context to locate the rationale for the introduction of Parenting Orders and the apparent under use of the provisions and the evidence of risk and protective factors and the interrelated issues of antisocial behaviour and child care, alongside effective approaches to family service provision.

Evaluation of intensive family support projects in Scotland

This report examines the establishment, operation and impacts of intensive family intervention projects operating in Scotland. The research was initiated mainly to evaluate the three ‘Breaking the Cycle’ (BtC) schemes funded by the Scottish Government as a two-year pilot programme running from 2006/07-2008/09. In addition to the BtC projects (in Falkirk, Perth and Kinross and South Lanarkshire) the research also encompassed the Dundee Families Project (set up in 1996) and the Aberdeen Families Project (established in 2005).

Support and Services for Parents in Scotland: Insight 41

Research report published by the research group in the Scottish Government Education Analytical Services Division, which provides an overview of strategic approaches to parenting support at local level, looking at strategic development within Community Health Partnerships and Local Authorities. It was published in conjunction with two other documents: Support and Services for Parents: A Review of Practice Development in Scotland and Support and Services for Parents: A Review of the Literature in Engaging and Supporting Parents.

Well? What do you think? (2008): the fourth national Scottish survey of public attitudes to mental wellbeing and mental health problems

The overall aims of the research were to examine the views and experiences of a representative sample of the adult Scottish population (reflecting age, gender, income, location, race and ethnic diversity) in relation to a spectrum of mental health-related issues; and to compare findings with other relevant survey data.

Are 'poor' pensioners 'deprived'?

The objective of this project was to describe and explain the relationship between age and living standards in later life: exploring how sensitive this relationship is to the questions being asked; and the extent to which the experience of individuals changes as they grow older.

The report is based on analysis of deprivation questions from the Poverty and Social Exclusion survey and the British Household Panel Survey.

Growing up in Scotland (GUS): food and activity summary report

The Growing Up in Scotland study (GUS) is an important longitudinal research project aimed at tracking the lives of a cohort of Scottish children from the early years, through childhood and beyond.

The study is funded by the Scottish Government and carried out by the Scottish Centre for Social Research (ScotCen). Its principal aim is to provide information to support policy-making, but it is also intended to be a broader resource that can be drawn on by academics, voluntary sector organisations and other interested parties.

Children and domestic violence in rural areas : Executive summary

The Countryside Agency commissioned Save the Children to manage this research, which took place in 2002. It aims to explore the nature and extent of domestic violence support provision for children and young people living in rural areas in England, to identify examples of good practice, and to highlight implications for policy, practice and improvements in the provision of domestic violence services. It responds to an identifiable research and policy vacuum relating to domestic violence services for children and young people living in rural areas.

Professionalism, partnership and joined-up thinking : a research review of front-line working with children and families

This review directly addresses the practical implications of multiprofessional and multiagency working on the front line. It draws messages from a diffuse range of literature spanning organisational theories, research and practice to offer guidance to practitioners, team leaders and educators. While relating the evidence to historical, theoretical and current policy contexts, it retains a primary interest in the day-to-day experience of professionals in social care, education, health and other areas, and in trying to improve the outcomes for vulnerable children and families.

Programmes to promote employment for disabled people: lessons from the United States

Report that reviews evaluation findings from the US experience in providing return-to-work supports for people with disabilities and discusses the implications for similar efforts in the UK.

It provides lessons for developing and evaluating future UK employment initiatives, especially for people with severe psychiatric conditions and long-term disability claimants.