National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
Publication year:
2016
Pagination:
135
Place of publication:
London
Evaluates the impact of Letting the Future In, examining the outcomes for children and young people affected by sexual abuse, the cost-effectiveness of this service and the effectiveness of the support intervention received by the ‘safe carers’. Letting the Future In is a structured guide to therapeutic intervention with children affected by sexual abuse. Children receive up to four therapeutic assessment sessions followed by up to 20 intervention sessions. Carers are offered help with the impact of discovering that their child was sexually abused, and to support their child’s recovery. After assessment, children were randomised to immediate intervention or a six-month waiting list control group before receiving the intervention. All children were reassessed after six months and followed up at twelve months. At six months, the proportion of older children and young people in the intervention group with clinical plus significant difficulty scores remaining in the study had reduced from 73 per cent to 46 per cent. There was no statistically significant change in scores for the waiting list control group, so improvements in the immediate intervention group can be attributed to the intervention. For younger children there was not noticeable impact but improvements in this group may take longer to achieve or to be recognised. The intervention was highly valued by the children and their carers who were interviewed. They were unanimous in thinking that the intervention had resulted in positive changes. They identified improved mood, confidence, and being less withdrawn, a reduction in guilt and self-blame, reduced depression, anxiety and anger, improved sleep patterns and better understanding of appropriate sexual behaviour.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Evaluates the impact of Letting the Future In, examining the outcomes for children and young people affected by sexual abuse, the cost-effectiveness of this service and the effectiveness of the support intervention received by the ‘safe carers’. Letting the Future In is a structured guide to therapeutic intervention with children affected by sexual abuse. Children receive up to four therapeutic assessment sessions followed by up to 20 intervention sessions. Carers are offered help with the impact of discovering that their child was sexually abused, and to support their child’s recovery. After assessment, children were randomised to immediate intervention or a six-month waiting list control group before receiving the intervention. All children were reassessed after six months and followed up at twelve months. At six months, the proportion of older children and young people in the intervention group with clinical plus significant difficulty scores remaining in the study had reduced from 73 per cent to 46 per cent. There was no statistically significant change in scores for the waiting list control group, so improvements in the immediate intervention group can be attributed to the intervention. For younger children there was not noticeable impact but improvements in this group may take longer to achieve or to be recognised. The intervention was highly valued by the children and their carers who were interviewed. They were unanimous in thinking that the intervention had resulted in positive changes. They identified improved mood, confidence, and being less withdrawn, a reduction in guilt and self-blame, reduced depression, anxiety and anger, improved sleep patterns and better understanding of appropriate sexual behaviour.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
performance evaluation, intervention, psychotherapy, child sexual abuse;
British Journal of Social Work, 45(1), 2015, pp.153-176.
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
A measure of self-efficacy was used to assess the development of competence and confidence for participants in a one-year national programme of supervision and support for newly qualified child and family social workers (NQSWs) in England. The study also explored the associations between self-efficacy, demographic variables and role clarity, role conflict, job satisfaction and stress. Method: A longitudinal repeated measures design with three cohorts of NQSWs participating in the programme (2008–12) (N = 2,019); in 2008–09, comparison was made with a ‘contrast group’ of NQSWs (N = 47) in non-participating agencies. Findings: Self-efficacy ratings showed substantial and statistically significant increases between the beginning and end of the programme for all three cohorts. The proportion of ‘confident’ NQSWs increased from a half to three-quarters of respondents. However, interim retrospective ratings indicated overestimation of self-efficacy at baseline. Self-efficacy ratings at the end of the year favoured the programme group versus the contrast group. High self-efficacy was predicted statistically by age, role clarity and intrinsic (but not extrinsic) job satisfaction. It was unexpectedly associated with high role conflict and was not related to stress. Findings supported a developmental process model for the accumulation of professional expertise. Implications: An Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) based on the programme has been established for all NQSWs in England.
(Publisher abstract)
A measure of self-efficacy was used to assess the development of competence and confidence for participants in a one-year national programme of supervision and support for newly qualified child and family social workers (NQSWs) in England. The study also explored the associations between self-efficacy, demographic variables and role clarity, role conflict, job satisfaction and stress. Method: A longitudinal repeated measures design with three cohorts of NQSWs participating in the programme (2008–12) (N = 2,019); in 2008–09, comparison was made with a ‘contrast group’ of NQSWs (N = 47) in non-participating agencies. Findings: Self-efficacy ratings showed substantial and statistically significant increases between the beginning and end of the programme for all three cohorts. The proportion of ‘confident’ NQSWs increased from a half to three-quarters of respondents. However, interim retrospective ratings indicated overestimation of self-efficacy at baseline. Self-efficacy ratings at the end of the year favoured the programme group versus the contrast group. High self-efficacy was predicted statistically by age, role clarity and intrinsic (but not extrinsic) job satisfaction. It was unexpectedly associated with high role conflict and was not related to stress. Findings supported a developmental process model for the accumulation of professional expertise. Implications: An Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) based on the programme has been established for all NQSWs in England.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
newly qualified social workers, childrens social care, family support, supervision, social work education, stress, job satisfaction, self-assessment;
Summary: The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards were introduced in England and Wales to protect the interests of people with learning disabilities, dementia and neurological conditions resident in hospitals and care homes. The Safeguards apply when residents lack capacity to make decisions about their care and treatment in circumstances that may amount to a deprivation of their liberty. Best interests assessors must establish whether a deprivation of liberty has occurred. However, there is no definition in statute; instead, the identification of factors which define a deprivation of liberty is evolving through case law. A factorial survey was used to identify the factors which influenced the professional judgements of 93 best interests assessors (three-quarters social workers) who generated 798 responses to randomly generated vignettes. Findings: Coercive staff behaviour was the strongest statistical predictor of a deprivation of liberty judgement, followed by the resident’s response. Other indicators of staff control, including the use of medication to reduce agitation, restriction of movement and family unhappiness with care were also significant. The resident’s condition, gender/age and the setting were not significant predictors. Best interests assessors were generally confident in their decision making; there were no differences in confidence associated with best interests assessors’ professions. Applications: Reviews of the operation of the Safeguards stress significant complexity in defining a deprivation of liberty. Nevertheless, this study suggests that the factors which best interests assessors take into account are rooted in the fundamental principles of the Safeguards and an informed appreciation of case law. Best interests assessors and local authorities, in their role as supervisory bodies, must keep up to date with developments.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Summary: The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards were introduced in England and Wales to protect the interests of people with learning disabilities, dementia and neurological conditions resident in hospitals and care homes. The Safeguards apply when residents lack capacity to make decisions about their care and treatment in circumstances that may amount to a deprivation of their liberty. Best interests assessors must establish whether a deprivation of liberty has occurred. However, there is no definition in statute; instead, the identification of factors which define a deprivation of liberty is evolving through case law. A factorial survey was used to identify the factors which influenced the professional judgements of 93 best interests assessors (three-quarters social workers) who generated 798 responses to randomly generated vignettes. Findings: Coercive staff behaviour was the strongest statistical predictor of a deprivation of liberty judgement, followed by the resident’s response. Other indicators of staff control, including the use of medication to reduce agitation, restriction of movement and family unhappiness with care were also significant. The resident’s condition, gender/age and the setting were not significant predictors. Best interests assessors were generally confident in their decision making; there were no differences in confidence associated with best interests assessors’ professions. Applications: Reviews of the operation of the Safeguards stress significant complexity in defining a deprivation of liberty. Nevertheless, this study suggests that the factors which best interests assessors take into account are rooted in the fundamental principles of the Safeguards and an informed appreciation of case law. Best interests assessors and local authorities, in their role as supervisory bodies, must keep up to date with developments.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, mental capacity, surveys, social workers, adult abuse, dementia, learning disabilities, legal proceedings, Best Interests Assessors;
Great Britain. Department for Children, Schools and Families
Publication year:
2010
Pagination:
175p.
Place of publication:
London
This study assesses the scope and content of interdisciplinary training programmes commissioned by Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCB), and the participation in courses of professionals and others in contact with and/or working with children. It also aimed to investigate the context for training, specifically, how LSCBs carried out their responsibilities under the statutory guidance and the experiences of training coordinators and trainers. Individual chapters focus on different aspects of training, looking at: Safeguarding children and domestic abuse; Safeguarding disabled children; Parental mental illness and safeguarding children; Outcomes of interagency training for young people with harmful sexual behaviours; Safeguarding children of drug misusing parents; Female genital mutilation and safeguarding children. Each chapter begins with an overview of the literature and the importance of interagency working and training; and then provides provides a brief review of research, including methods used and results and outcomes. The conclusions highlight the policy and practice implications, looks at the cost effective implications and make suggestions for future research into interagency training for safeguarding children.
This study assesses the scope and content of interdisciplinary training programmes commissioned by Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCB), and the participation in courses of professionals and others in contact with and/or working with children. It also aimed to investigate the context for training, specifically, how LSCBs carried out their responsibilities under the statutory guidance and the experiences of training coordinators and trainers. Individual chapters focus on different aspects of training, looking at: Safeguarding children and domestic abuse; Safeguarding disabled children; Parental mental illness and safeguarding children; Outcomes of interagency training for young people with harmful sexual behaviours; Safeguarding children of drug misusing parents; Female genital mutilation and safeguarding children. Each chapter begins with an overview of the literature and the importance of interagency working and training; and then provides provides a brief review of research, including methods used and results and outcomes. The conclusions highlight the policy and practice implications, looks at the cost effective implications and make suggestions for future research into interagency training for safeguarding children.
Subject terms:
interagency cooperation, mental health problems, multidisciplinary training, parents, training, child protection, domestic violence, drug misuse, female genital mutilation;
Social Work Education (The International Journal), 30(2), March 2011, pp.195-206.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
In England, adult mental health services and children's services share responsibility for safeguarding children living with a parent with mental illness and promoting their welfare. In the context of evidence that these services do not work together very effectively, this study (part of a larger study of the organisation, outcomes and costs of interagency training) evaluated the outcomes of training courses in parental mental illness and safeguarding children in 5 Local Safeguarding Children Board areas in England. A self-report questionnaire was developed for the study, to assess knowledge of the impact of parental mental illness on children, self-efficacy, and attitudes towards interagency working. It was used at the start of the first day of training and then at the end of the two-day course. There were 95 participants. The results showed statistically significant increases in self- efficacy and attitudes between the start and end of the courses, but a statistically significant decrease in mean knowledge scores. The authors discuss the study findings and the implications
In England, adult mental health services and children's services share responsibility for safeguarding children living with a parent with mental illness and promoting their welfare. In the context of evidence that these services do not work together very effectively, this study (part of a larger study of the organisation, outcomes and costs of interagency training) evaluated the outcomes of training courses in parental mental illness and safeguarding children in 5 Local Safeguarding Children Board areas in England. A self-report questionnaire was developed for the study, to assess knowledge of the impact of parental mental illness on children, self-efficacy, and attitudes towards interagency working. It was used at the start of the first day of training and then at the end of the two-day course. There were 95 participants. The results showed statistically significant increases in self- efficacy and attitudes between the start and end of the courses, but a statistically significant decrease in mean knowledge scores. The authors discuss the study findings and the implications
Subject terms:
joint working, mental health services, multidisciplinary training, parents, training, attitudes, children, childrens social care, evaluation;
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
Publication year:
2011
Pagination:
38p.
Place of publication:
London
This toolkit, released by the NSPCC, is designed to help Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCB) improve training across health, police, social care and education. The toolkit has been developed at the University of Bristol and involves a set of downloadable questionnaires. It evaluates the outcomes of inter-agency training to safeguard children and young people. It can also be used to help to evaluate training courses, develop evidence-based training and promote good practice in the field. The toolkit includes a downloadable Microsoft Excel spread sheet and instructions on how to enter and interpret the data.
This toolkit, released by the NSPCC, is designed to help Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCB) improve training across health, police, social care and education. The toolkit has been developed at the University of Bristol and involves a set of downloadable questionnaires. It evaluates the outcomes of inter-agency training to safeguard children and young people. It can also be used to help to evaluate training courses, develop evidence-based training and promote good practice in the field. The toolkit includes a downloadable Microsoft Excel spread sheet and instructions on how to enter and interpret the data.
Subject terms:
instruments, interagency cooperation, multidisciplinary services, questionnaires, training materials, child protection, evaluation, Safeguarding Children Boards;
The Newly Qualified Social Worker Programme was established in 2008 as a three year project involving the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) working with employers to deliver a comprehensive programme of support to newly qualified social workers (NQSWs). The programme has been designed to ensure that NQSWs receive consistent, high quality support and that those supervising them are confident in their skills to provide support. It aims to increase the number of people who continue their long-term career within social work with children and families. The evaluation of the programme is monitoring three annual intakes to the programme, and employs longitudinal online surveys of NQSWs, their supervisors and programme coordinators in the participating employer organisations. In addition, the evaluation methods include interviews and focus groups in 10 organisations, in the first year, and detailed organisational case studies in a further four local authorities. This report covers the evaluation of the first year of the programme (2008-9). It covers: participation in the programme; NQSWs experience of the programme; implementation of the programme; and outcomes from the programme such as job satisfaction, self-efficacy, stress, and retention. The report concludes by discussing the programme achievements in relation to its objectives, concluding that, despite many challenges, there is evidence that the objectives are being achieved.
The Newly Qualified Social Worker Programme was established in 2008 as a three year project involving the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) working with employers to deliver a comprehensive programme of support to newly qualified social workers (NQSWs). The programme has been designed to ensure that NQSWs receive consistent, high quality support and that those supervising them are confident in their skills to provide support. It aims to increase the number of people who continue their long-term career within social work with children and families. The evaluation of the programme is monitoring three annual intakes to the programme, and employs longitudinal online surveys of NQSWs, their supervisors and programme coordinators in the participating employer organisations. In addition, the evaluation methods include interviews and focus groups in 10 organisations, in the first year, and detailed organisational case studies in a further four local authorities. This report covers the evaluation of the first year of the programme (2008-9). It covers: participation in the programme; NQSWs experience of the programme; implementation of the programme; and outcomes from the programme such as job satisfaction, self-efficacy, stress, and retention. The report concludes by discussing the programme achievements in relation to its objectives, concluding that, despite many challenges, there is evidence that the objectives are being achieved.
Subject terms:
job satisfaction, longitudinal studies, newly qualified social workers, social workers, stress, staff retention, staff supervision, training;
Journal of Mental Health, 16(4), August 2007, pp.505-520.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
London
Staff training is increasingly validated as the foundation for evidence-based practice (EBP) in the National Health Service, yet (paradoxically) the evidence-base for such training is weak. This study proposes and illustrates how a proper evidence-base might be developed. Two cohorts comprising a total of 36 mental health practitioners from various disciplines participated in a one-year, part-time postgraduate training in psychosocial interventions (PSI). Evaluations of their training programme and of their learning were carried out, using observational and self-report methods. Additionally, outcomes for users (n = 24) who received PSI from the first cohort of trainees were assessed using standardized measures of mental health, quality of life, and users' opinions (gathered with a user-designed questionnaire). These outcomes were compared to those of a comparison group of users (n = 105) receiving standard mental health care elsewhere. The programme was delivered according to specification and was highly regarded by the trainees. Evaluations of their learning indicated that there were significant improvements in their knowledge base and in their use of PSIs following training, with no adverse impacts on their work. This finding was replicated for the second cohort of staff. There was evidence that those users who had received PSI improved more, in terms of social and relationships skills, than would have been expected if they had received standard community mental health care from staff who had not been trained in PSIs. The methods used illustrated the feasibility of assessing a stepwise series of learning outcomes within a comprehensive evaluation. The findings reflected favourably on the programme and contribute to EBP.
Staff training is increasingly validated as the foundation for evidence-based practice (EBP) in the National Health Service, yet (paradoxically) the evidence-base for such training is weak. This study proposes and illustrates how a proper evidence-base might be developed. Two cohorts comprising a total of 36 mental health practitioners from various disciplines participated in a one-year, part-time postgraduate training in psychosocial interventions (PSI). Evaluations of their training programme and of their learning were carried out, using observational and self-report methods. Additionally, outcomes for users (n = 24) who received PSI from the first cohort of trainees were assessed using standardized measures of mental health, quality of life, and users' opinions (gathered with a user-designed questionnaire). These outcomes were compared to those of a comparison group of users (n = 105) receiving standard mental health care elsewhere. The programme was delivered according to specification and was highly regarded by the trainees. Evaluations of their learning indicated that there were significant improvements in their knowledge base and in their use of PSIs following training, with no adverse impacts on their work. This finding was replicated for the second cohort of staff. There was evidence that those users who had received PSI improved more, in terms of social and relationships skills, than would have been expected if they had received standard community mental health care from staff who had not been trained in PSIs. The methods used illustrated the feasibility of assessing a stepwise series of learning outcomes within a comprehensive evaluation. The findings reflected favourably on the programme and contribute to EBP.
Journal of Interprofessional Care, 20(2), March 2006, pp.145-161.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
...according to the Kirkpatrick/Barr etal. framework using a mixed methodology, which employed both quantitative measures and interviews. The students evaluated the programme positively and appreciated its focus on interprofessional learning and partnership with services users, but mean levels of stress increased and almost one quarter dropped out. There was considerable evidence of professional
The authors report a comprehensive, longitudinal evaluation of a two-year, part-time postgraduate programme designed to enable health and social care professionals in England to work together to deliver new community mental health services, including psychosocial interventions (PSIs). The study tracked three successive cohorts of students (N = 111) through their learning. Outcomes were assessed according to the Kirkpatrick/Barr etal. framework using a mixed methodology, which employed both quantitative measures and interviews. The students evaluated the programme positively and appreciated its focus on interprofessional learning and partnership with services users, but mean levels of stress increased and almost one quarter dropped out. There was considerable evidence of professional stereotyping but little evidence of change in these during the programme. Students reported substantial increases in their knowledge and skills in multidisciplinary team working and use of PSIs. Experiences in the implementation of learning varied; in general, students reported significantly greater role conflict compared to a sample of their team colleagues, but there was strong evidence from self-report measures and work-place interviews that the students' use of PSIs had increased. Users with severe mental health problems (N = 72) randomly selected from caseloads of two cohorts of students improved over six months in terms of their social functioning and life satisfaction. Having controlled statistically for differences in baseline score, those in the intervention (programme) group retained a significant advantage in terms of life skills compared to service users in two non-intervention comparison groups (N = 133). Responses on a user-defined measure indicated a high level of satisfaction with students' knowledge, skills and personal qualities. The authors conclude that that there is strong evidence that a well-designed programme of IPE can be effective in helping students to learn new knowledge and skills, and to implement their learning in the workplace. Further, we consider that there is some modest evidence of the benefits of such learning for service users.
Subject terms:
interprofessional relations, longitudinal studies, multidisciplinary training, psychosocial intervention, service users, attitudes, community mental health services, evaluation;
British Journal of Social Work, 34(3), April 2004, pp.313-333.
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
The authors report the experiences of different models of community care of random samples of 262 people with severe and enduring mental health problems living in four districts in the north of England. The districts were characterized in terms of the extent of (1) integration between the health service-led Care Programme Approach (CPA) and social services Care Management, and (2) targeting of services on people with severe mental health problems. The majority of service users felt involved in planning their own care and considered that they had choice in their care and treatment when in the community, but not in hospital. Although all these users were formally subject to the CPA, the proportions of users in the districts believing they had a written care programme ranged between 37 per cent and 60 per cent. Of these, the great majority were very positive about their care programmes and felt that they were being helped to become independent. These results were replicated when 87 per cent of the original sample was re-interviewed six months later. There were significant differences between the four districts and evidence that users preferred an integrated health and social care service. In addition, a higher proportion of users in inclusive districts were satisfied compared to those in targeted districts. Notwithstanding these positive findings, there is still considerable room for improvement in relation to the involvement of family carers and the provision of adequate information about prescribed medication and making formal complaints.
The authors report the experiences of different models of community care of random samples of 262 people with severe and enduring mental health problems living in four districts in the north of England. The districts were characterized in terms of the extent of (1) integration between the health service-led Care Programme Approach (CPA) and social services Care Management, and (2) targeting of services on people with severe mental health problems. The majority of service users felt involved in planning their own care and considered that they had choice in their care and treatment when in the community, but not in hospital. Although all these users were formally subject to the CPA, the proportions of users in the districts believing they had a written care programme ranged between 37 per cent and 60 per cent. Of these, the great majority were very positive about their care programmes and felt that they were being helped to become independent. These results were replicated when 87 per cent of the original sample was re-interviewed six months later. There were significant differences between the four districts and evidence that users preferred an integrated health and social care service. In addition, a higher proportion of users in inclusive districts were satisfied compared to those in targeted districts. Notwithstanding these positive findings, there is still considerable room for improvement in relation to the involvement of family carers and the provision of adequate information about prescribed medication and making formal complaints.
Subject terms:
independence, joint working, medication, severe mental health problems, social work methods, social workers, user views, care management, care planning, community care;