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Role theory and family values: a conceptual framework for family and social work reciprocation
- Authors:
- RAPAPROT Joan, BAIANI Poirier
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 32(3), 2016/17, pp.169-182.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
This article has two main parts. The first focuses on the theoretical and sociopolitical context surrounding the legal category of the nearest relative in England under the Mental Health Act 1983. It provides a brief overview of a study of the role’s functioning and the theoretical development of Reciprocal Role Valorization. The second concentrates on the Family Group Conference, its innovative developments in the New Brunswick, Canada and how the theory arising out of the nearest relative study relates to the province’s initiative. The importance of specialist postqualifying professional development and professional maturity to enable social workers to unlock family potential is also argued in the context of increasing interest in strengths based social work. (Edited publisher abstract)
Factors that influence decision making by 8-12 year olds in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS): a systematic review
- Authors:
- COX Annette, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 31(3), 2016, pp.195-209.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
There is significant legal guidance and case law available to support clinicians in assessing whether young people aged over 13 years are able to make informed decisions about their own healthcare; however when working with children aged 8-12 years, the guidance is unclear. In order to assess whether 8-12 year olds are able to make decisions in their own healthcare, we first need to understand the factors that influence this process. A systematic literature review of five electronic databases (PsycINFO, EBSCO, Science Direct, Science Full Text, Web of Science All Databases) was conducted. The search identified 12 studies and one piece of government guidance. The studies were identified from a variety of health and social research journals. The six factors that were identified were: 1) consent, competence and capacity, 2) best interests, 3) communication, 4) risks and conflicts, 5) legal frameworks, and, 6) parental role. The review concludes that it is possible for some children 8-12 years of age to make decisions regarding their own healthcare. The necessary conditions are that age specific language is used through a variety of mediums which will include risks, benefits and options for the proposed interventions. Clinicians need to be skilled in the assessment of the child’s ability to make decisions and be effective communicators with a commitment to children’s involvement. Further research in both these areas is needed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Tackling child neglect: key developments in Wales
- Authors:
- PITHOUSE Andy, CROWLEY Anne
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 32(1), 2016, pp.25-37.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
This paper on child neglect policy and practice issues in Wales comprises three elements. First it introduces the topic in the context of current family support services that seek to offer early intervention to tackle, inter alia, child neglect and other not unconnected harms and adversities in childhood. Secondly, it sets out key findings from a Welsh Government commissioned study into developing a multi-partner strategy for reducing child neglect across Wales. Thirdly, it concludes with a summary of critical ingredients that are likely to configure the development of a national response to neglect in Wales. Together these elements provide a snapshot of recent progress made in service development and strategic planning. (Edited publisher abstract)
Who cares wins? Carers’ experiences of assessment since the introduction of the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004
- Authors:
- STOCK Christine, LAMBERT Susan
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 28(3), 2011, pp.173-184.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
This research investigated the views of carers who had received a carer’s assessment after the introduction of the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004. This was introduced to ensure that carer’s desires to take part in paid employment, education, training and leisure opportunities were taken into consideration. Interviews with 6 carers were undertaken to uncover their lived experiences. Data analysis revealed 6 themes: finding out about entitlement to an assessment; gaining recognition as a carer; partnership working with service professionals; carers’ awareness of support availability; desired outcomes; and carers’ unmet needs in relation to education, work and leisure. Finding indicated that while some carers’ were knowledgeable about available support, others were totally unaware – affecting their ability to access help in order to cope with their roles. The opportunity to discuss their individual roles was welcomed by carers, who wanted to be treated in a holistic way by practitioners. The authors concluded that solutions offered to carers should be individually tailored rather than ‘off the shelf’ responses.
History and hindrance: the impact of change and churn on integrating health and social care
- Author:
- JONES Ray
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 28(3), 2011, pp.199-206.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
Over the last 40 years progressive UK governments have sought to close the divide between health and social care services. This divide has existed since the 1940s when the welfare state was first being developed. Since the 1970s, various mechanisms have been introduced to get these services working better together. Since the late 1990s, there have been moves to integrate the services organisationally, but in 2010, this still remains a largely unachieved ambition for all political parties. This article suggests that existing government-demanded NHS and local government reorganisations have been major hurdles to this integration. They have disrupted local commitment to bring health and social care services together. The author concludes that centrally-imposed organisational change have undermined local health and social care integration, and this failing must be addressed.
Fear, confusion and participation: Incapacity Benefit claimants and (compulsory) Work Focused Interviews
- Author:
- GRANT Aimee
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 28(3), 2011, pp.161-171.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
Welfare reform was always high on the agenda during the New Labour government. In 2002, the long-term sick and disabled were also subject to conditions if they were to claim Incapacity Benefit (IB). This paper highlights 21 IB claimants’ experiences of attending compulsory Work Focused Interviews (WFIs). It reports on findings from a research study which involved observation of WFIs and the conduct of interviews with IB claimants. The findings demonstrate that levels of fear regarding compulsory attendance a interviews where high, often exacerbated by earlier negative experiences in claiming benefits. The paper goes on the describe claimants experiences of participating in Work Focused Activity, before outlining attempts the claimants had made to move into work. It concludes with a discussion on the implications for policy with respect to the increased conditionality introduced by Employment and Support Allowance, and the changes proposed by the new Coalition Government.
An integrated inspectorate – a time and a place. Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales: a case study
- Author:
- PICKFORD Rob
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 27(3), 2009, pp.199-204.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
This paper is concerned with the role and the place of inspection and regulation in securing improvement, and how inspectorates can contribute more widely to the improvement agenda. It examines how one inspectorate has tackled the creation of an integrated inspectorate. Since 2002, there had been 2 inspectorates in Wales for social services and social care, but, in April 2007, these inspectorates were integrated and Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) was born. The key driver for the new arrangements was to create an integrated view of social services and social care. The aim was not simply an integrated inspectorate but, rather, an integrated approach to the way in which inspection contributed to the delivery of services that met the policy agenda of Wales. The new model, called the ‘circle of care’, provides the single inspectorate with an overview of social services and care from commissioning through contracting to assessment and care management, to provision and into leadership and management. The immediate effect was to dissolves the boundary between the traditional activities of regulation and inspection. The article describes how the integrated CSSIW has played a major part in changing the relationship between the inspectorate, the inspected bodies, and the nature of inspection.
Working together in adult safeguarding: findings from a survey of local authorities in England and Wales
- Authors:
- HUSSEIN Shereen, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 27(3), 2009, pp.163-176.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
At a time of policy review of adult safeguarding in England and Wales, this article provides an in-depth analysis of perceptions and dynamics of multi-agency working in adult protection and explores whether perceptions of its strengths and challenges vary in relation to the composition and decision-making processes of Adult Protection Committees (APCs). The findings are drawn from a survey of local authorities that took place during 2004-2005 as part of a wider study. Fully completed questionnaires were received from 123 local authorities. The findings look at how perceptions of local authority representatives differ according to how the APCs in their areas are constituted, how they are led, which agencies are members of the committees, and the dynamics of the decision-making processes. Analysis of the results enabled aspects of multi-agency working to be scrutinised. Three key points emerged: working with the NHS is not simply a matter of crossing health and social care divides; broad membership seems to help with developing local strategy; and sharing information and expertise become significantly more of a problem when the private sector is involved. The results highlight the complexities of multi-agency working, the areas of tension for those with responsibilities for implementing it at local levels, and the challenges arising from the compositions of APCs.
“Something we don’t normally do”: a qualitative study of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the secure estate
- Authors:
- DUBBERLEY Sarah, PARRY Odette
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 27(3), 2009, pp.151-162.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
This paper draws on a recent qualitative study of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) in the secure estate, to examine participant perceptions of the scheme and their anticipations of ways in which it may assist young people upon release. The sample was 7 secure estate establishments in England and Wales, which were visited before and after the delivery of the DofE components. The study used focus groups with a sample of young people in the secure estate engaged in the DofE, and semi-structured interviews with a sample of secure estate staff delivering the Award. In exploring participant perceptions, the paper focuses on the way in which programme participation provided young people with new experiences, arguing that it offers them some insight into alternative ways of existence, other than crime. At the same time, the programme was perceived by young people as instrumental to accessing this existence and hence a possible route to realise their ambitions. Young people were acutely aware of having discredited identities as a function of their offending, and the Award was understood as a way of repairing this damage and easing entry into mainstream society. Moreover, the skills and experiences imparted by the DoE were perceived as appropriate and useful for acquisition of social skills necessary to make this transition.
I'll (not) see you in court: family dispute resolution in North Wales
- Authors:
- WARREN Emily, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Research Policy and Planning, 26(3), 2008, pp.143-155.
- Publisher:
- Social Services Research Group
This paper draws on a qualitative evaluation of the CAFCASS Cymru's Family Dispute Resolution Pilot Programme (FDRP) in North Wales. The FDRP was developed as a child centred intervention aimed at resolving disputes involving children, without recourse to courts. The evaluation comprised postal questionnaires for parents and qualitative interviews with a sample of parents, children and professionals engaging with the programme. Overall, both professionals and families were very positive about the programme. However, some parents also found it a) difficult to relinquish their attachment to personal grievances with the other parent and b) less empowerment. While the programme was founded on the principle of agreement, for many of the interviewees issues of enforcement were important. Both professionals and parents highlighted issues which have resource implications for an already resource heavy service.