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| THE SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH PROGRAMME |
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| Community Care |
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| Research into community care focuses on the provision of services which enable older people and those with disabilities or mental health problems, to remain in their own homes, should they wish to do so. Current research covers services for all these groups. |
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| RESEARCH IN PROGRESS |
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Older People's Perceptions of their Needs and the Availability of Support at Home
A study of the need for help and support at home felt among people aged 75 and older living in selected urban areas. The research explores the experiences of this group in seeking help and compares this with information from care providers about the availability of help. It is being undertaken by Charlotte MacDonald as part of the core funded programme of research supported by SWSG at the Social Work Research Centre at Stirling University. The study will be completed in 1998. |
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Perceptions of Need and the Availability of Support at Home: A Parallel Study of South Asian Elderly People
This study will complement the work being undertaken by Charlotte MacDonald (above). It will focus on South Asian elderly people in 2 urban areas in Scotland. Comparisons will be drawn between the findings for this group, and the older population in general. The research is being undertaken by Alison Bowes and Naira Dar, Stirling University. The study ends in 1999. |
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Hospital Discharge for People with a Mental Illness
The aim of the study is to identify factors which inhibit or facilitate effective discharge for people who have been in-patients in acute psychiatric wards. The study will examine the discharge process and the impact of different patterns of activity around this process on outcomes for the individual. Chief Scientist Office contributes to the funding of the research which has been commissioned from Alison Petch, Nuffield Centre for Community Care Studies, Glasgow University. The study ends in 2000. |
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The Quality of Care in Residential Care and Nursing Homes for Older People
This study will review and develop methods for assessing quality of care as it contributes to quality of life for older people in residential and nursing homes in Scotland. This will include a review of recent literature and current inspection methods used by local authorities and health boards. The main output of the study will be a valid and reliable instrument which can be used for assessing quality of care in homes for older people. The research is jointly funded with Chief Scientist Office and is being undertaken by Isobel MacPherson and Sheena Donald, University of Aberdeen. It will be completed in 2000. |
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Domiciliary Care Research Programme: Stage 2
Stage 1 of this programme of research examined the range and availability of domiciliary care services in Scotland (see below). Stage 2 of the programme will investigate the extent to which domiciliary care services for very dependent elderly people (including those with dementia) present a viable alternative to residential care. The research is jointly funded with Chief Scientist Office and has been commissioned from Alison Petch, Nuffield Centre for Community Care Studies, Glasgow University. It will be completed in 2000. |
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| FORTHCOMING AND RECENTLY PUBLISHED RESEARCH REPORTS |
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'Delivering Community Care' Alison Petch, Juliet Cheetham, Roger Fuller, Charlotte MacDonald, Fiona Myers, with Angela Hallam and Martin Knapp, Social Work Research Centre, University of Stirling
This report is of a programme of research which focused on 3 aspects which are key to the successful implementation of community care: - screening, assessment and case finding;
- models of care management;
- efficiency and effectiveness of different service mixes in identifying needs.
Chief Scientist Office contributed to the funding of this programme.
Published by the Stationery Office, 1996, £21. Quote ISBN 011 4958270. |
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' Pathways to Welfare for Pakistani Elderly People' Alison Bowes and Naira Dar, University of Stirling
This exploratory research involved interviews with Pakistani elderly people. It identifies the patterns of welfare and mutual care which they currently experience and examines their views about services available to them.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1996, £5. Quote ISBN 07480 56777. |
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' The Range and Availability of Domiciliary Care Services in Scotland' Lisa Curtice, Fiona Fraser and Tracy Leca, Nuffield Centre for Community Care Studies in collaboration with The Scottish Office Central Research Unit
This study represents Stage 1 of a 2 stage programme of research which examines domiciliary services provided within people's own homes. The report provides a profile of domiciliary care agencies in Scotland including information about the balance of care provision between different sectors and features of the care provided in each.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1997, £6. Quote ISBN 07480 64915. |
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'Dedicated Resources: Dedicated Responses' Bernadette Laffey and Alison Petch, Nuffield Centre for Community Care Studies, Glasgow University
The Mental Illness Specific Grant (MISG), introduced in 1991, enables local authorities to set up projects for people with mental health problems who are in the community. This research evaluated the impact of the grant. The report describes the development of projects set up with MISG funding and assesses their impact on both project users and their carers
Published by Central Research Unit, 1997, £6. Quote ISBN 0 748 66025 9. |
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'Hospital Discharge for Frail Older People' Patricia Taraborrelli, Fiona Wood, Andrew Pithouse, Michael Bloor, Odette Parry, University of Wales, Cardiff
This report is of a review of the literature relating to the discharge of frail elderly people (including people with dementia) from acute, geriatric assessment and psychogeriatric wards. The study included an examination of a sample of hospital discharge policies and procedures.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1998, £5. Quote ISBN 0 7480 7547 X. |
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' Challenging and Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour in People with Learning Disabilities' Louise Brown, Research Consultant
This report is of a review of literature relating to challenging and sexually inappropriate behaviour in people with learning disabilities. The study included a review of the context and availability of policy and guidance documents prepared by local authorities, health services and other agencies in Scotland who provide services to this user group.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1998, £5. Quote ISBN 07480 77014. |
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'Evaluation of the Keep Warm This Winter Campaign' Beckie Sawyer and Simon Anderson, System 3
This report presents the findings of an evaluation of the 'Keep Warm This Winter' Campaign in 1997/98. The research assessed the effectiveness of the Campaign in reaching and meeting the needs of its target groups.
Forthcoming in the CRU series. |
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| Families, Young People and Children |
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| Research on families, young people and children covers a wide range of topics, including the care and protection of children, studies of fostering, parenting and family support and the evaluation of initiatives for children and young people who offend. A major focus of interest is the evaluation of the impact of the Children (Scotland) Act, 1995 (see page 15). |
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| RESEARCH IN PROGRESS |
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Evaluation of Barnardos' Freagarrach Project for Persistent Young Offenders
The research will assess the impact and effectiveness of the project, aid the development of policy and good practice in this area and inform the development of work with persistent young offenders. The evaluation is being carried out by David Smith of the University of Lancaster and will be completed in the year 2000. The study is jointly funded with the Criminology and Law Research Group. |
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Evaluation of the Apex Scotland Cueten Persistent Young Offenders Project
The research addresses the question of whether an intervention which focuses on young people's training and employment opportunities can offer a viable and effective means of reducing offending behaviour. The evaluation is being undertaken by David Smith of the University of Lancaster and will be completed in 1999. The study is jointly funded with the Criminology and Law Research Group. |
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Evaluation of CAPS (Community Alternative to Secure Accommodation)
The research will evaluate the implementation and operation of a fostering scheme being run by NCH Action for Children Scotland in terms of its effectiveness, outcomes for the young people involved and the nature of the fostering task with this group. The evaluation will contribute to the development of policy and practice in respect of secure accommodation. The study, which is being conducted over 3 years by Malcolm Hill of Glasgow University and John Triseliotis of Strathclyde University, will report in 2000. |
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| FORTHCOMING AND RECENTLY PUBLISHED REPORTS |
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' A Chance to Change: Working with Young People Who Have Sexually Abused Others' Maureen Buist and Roger Fuller, University of Stirling
An evaluative study of a project which has developed an innovative model of practice aimed at reducing the abusive behaviour of adolescents who sexually abuse others. The report describes the development of the practice model and identifies lessons for policy, practice and research. The study was jointly funded with Barnardos.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1997, £5. Quote ISBN 0 7480 5968 7. |
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'Fostering Good Relations: Interim Report of a Study of Foster Care and Foster Carers in Scotland' John Triseliotis, University of Strathclyde, Moira Borland and Malcolm Hill, University of Glasgow
Report of a postal survey of foster carers undertaken as part of a major study of foster care in Scotland. Information was collected from almost 50% of foster carers in Scotland and a sample of former foster carers. The report outlines their characteristics, circumstances, experience of fostering and views of the fostering service. It raises a range of issues about recruitment and retention which have been followed up with fostering agencies and are reported in the final report.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1998, £6. ISBN 7480 7498 8. |
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' Deciding in Children's Interests. The Evaluation of Children's Hearings in Scotland. Volume 1' Christine Hallett and Cathy Murray et al, University of Stirling
Report of a study examining decision making by reporters and children's hearings, links between the hearings and criminal justice systems and children and families' experience of the children's hearings. The study was commissioned by The Scottish Office Home Department as part of the children's hearings research programme designed to evaluate the operation of the Children's Hearings system.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1998, £6. Quote ISBN 07480 77235. |
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'The International Context The Evaluation of Children's Hearings in Scotland. Volume 2' Christine Hallett and Neal Hazel, University of Stirling
A review of international research literature on trends in juvenile justice and child care and protection systems. This report provides a comparative dimension to the decision making study published as Volume 1 of the children's hearings research programme.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1998, £5. Quote ISBN 07480 77022. |
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'Evaluation of the Bridges One Door Initiative' Susan Hunter, Bill Whyte and John Hart, University of Edinburgh
The Bridges One Door Initiative is a demonstration project which has developed a model of joint working among partner agencies on youth homelessness. The report presents the results of an evaluation of the effectiveness of the project in providing a crisis and support service and longer term assistance for homeless, or potentially homeless, young people. The study was jointly funded by the Bridges Project, SWSG and The Scottish Office Development Department.
Publication: Forthcoming in the CRU series. |
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'Education and Care. A Review of Research, Policy and Practice' Moira Borland, Charlotte Pearson, Malcolm Hill, Kay Tisdall, Irene Bloomfield, University of Glasgow
The report is of a review of the research literature on issues about the education of children and young people looked after away from home. The study was jointly funded with The Scottish Office Education and Industry Department (SOEID).
Publication: Forthcoming in the SCRE Research Review Series. |
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'The Introduction of Looking After Children in Scotland: Evaluation of a Pilot in Scottish Local Authorities' Suzanne Wheelaghan, Malcolm Hill, Moira Borland, Lydia Lambert and John Triseliotis, University of Glasgow
Report of the evaluation of a pilot of the use of Looking After Children materials by Scottish local authorities. The study was commissioned to assess the suitability of the materials adapted for use by Scottish local authorities and to identify the factors which may facilitate or inhibit their successful implementation.
Publication: Forthcoming in the CRU series. |
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'Supporting Parenting in Scotland: A Mapping Exercise' Sheila Henderson, Reid-Howie Associates
Report of a study which identified the range of services and initiatives to support, develop and promote parenting in Scotland. The study involved the establishment of a database of all identified schemes or initiatives, from different sectors and a description of the range and geographical distribution of services.
Publication: Forthcoming in the CRU series. |
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' Fostering Good Relations: A Study of Foster Care and Foster Carers in Scotland' John Triseliotis, University of Strathclyde, Moira Borland and Malcolm Hill, University of Glasgow
Final report of a major study which examines issues of demand and supply of foster carers from the perspectives of carers and of fostering agencies. It examines the characteristics and circumstances of foster carers as well as issues of retention and withdrawal from foster caring.
Publication: Forthcoming in the CRU series. |
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'Children in the Hearings System. The Evaluation of Children's Hearings in Scotland. Volume 3' Lorraine Waterhouse, Bill Whyte and Janice McGhee University of Edinburgh
Report of a longitudinal study of a cohort of children and young people referred to the children's hearings in 1995. The report describes the characteristics and circumstances of the cohort, their pattern of involvement with the children's hearings over time and outcomes. Reporters were surveyed over 3 years about the cohort sample and official statistics on referrals to children's hearings and criminal records were analysed. The views and experience of a small sample of parents and young people in the cohort are also reported.
Publication: Forthcoming in the CRU series. |
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| Social Work and Criminal Justice |
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| Research on social work and criminal justice includes topics such as the evaluation of social work and related services which support diversion from criminal justice; community-based court disposals and the throughcare of offenders. |
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| RESEARCH IN PROGRESS |
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Understanding Offending Among Young Men
A study of factors affecting young men's decisions to resist, persist or desist offending. The research will look at the implications of findings for social work strategies to prevent or reduce offending. It is being undertaken by Gill McIvor and Janet Jamieson as part of the core funded programme of research supported by SWSG at the Social Work Research Centre at Stirling University. The study will be completed in 1999. |
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Understanding Offending Among Young Women
A study of factors affecting young women's decisions to resist, persist or desist offending. The research will look at the implications of findings for social work strategies to prevent or reduce offending. It is being undertaken by Gill McIvor and Cathy Murray at the Social Work Research Centre at Stirling University. The study is jointly funded with the Criminology and Law Research Group and will be completed in 1999. |
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An Evaluation of an 'Open Doors' Programme for Mentally Disordered Offenders
This study will evaluate a programme for the throughcare of mentally disordered offenders within a Scottish prison and on their release to the community. The study is being conducted by Lindsay Thompson of the University of Edinburgh. It is jointly funded with the Criminology and Law Research Group and will report in 1999. |
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Diversion from Prosecution to Social Work and Other Service Agencies - Evaluation of the 100% Funded Pilot Programmes
This study will assess whether the pilot programmes providing diversion from prosecution to social work and other services offer an efficient and effective addition to the range of criminal justice social work services. The study is being conducted by Gill McIvor and Monica Barry at the Social Work Research Centre, Stirling University. It is jointly funded with the Criminology and Law Research Group and will be completed in 1999. |
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Taking Account of Victims' Views: Literature Review
A review of international literature which examines the use of victim focused information at various stages in the criminal justice process. The review will consider different approaches to allowing victims to have an opportunity to be heard. The study is being undertaken by Andrew Sanders of the University of Bristol. It will be completed in 1998. |
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| FORTHCOMING AND RECENTLY PUBLISHED RESEARCH REPORTS |
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' Service Provision to Women Experiencing Domestic Violence in Scotland' Sheila Henderson, Reid-Howie Associates
The report presents the findings from a national survey of providers of services for victims of domestic violence. The study included interviews with both service providers' and women who had sought support. The study was jointly funded with the Criminology and Law Research Group.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1998 £10. Quote ISBN 07480 71040. |
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'Review of the Literature on Community Services for Mentally Disordered Offenders' Lesley McAra and Nichola Georghiou, Central Research Unit.
This literature review was undertaken as part of a wider Scottish Office review of services for mentally disordered offenders. The report examines published and unpublished literature including studies on diversion from prosecution; probation; aftercare; and guardianship.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1998, £5. Quote ISBN 07480 73310. |
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' Evaluation of Victim/Witness Support Schemes' David Smith, Lancaster University
The report is of an evaluation of the nature, scope and effectiveness of 3 witness support schemes run by Victim Support Scotland. It considers the cost-effectiveness of the schemes and includes an examination of the demand for services. The study was jointly funded with the Criminology and Law Research Group.
Publication: Forthcoming in the CRU Series. |
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'Review of Classification Systems for Sex Offenders' George Mair, Liverpool John Moores University and Dawn Fisher, Research Consultant
This review compares different systems which have been developed by researchers for classifying sex offenders. It assesses the usefulness of the systems and their capacity to be tested on different populations of sex offenders. The study was jointly funded with the Home Office.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1998, £5. Quote ISBN 0 7480 7545 3. |
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'Evaluation of Bail Supervision Services' Jeremy Hardin, the MVA Consultancy
A report of the effectiveness of pilot bail supervision services in 2 Scottish sheriff courts. The research examined how services were targeted and included case studies of bailees on the schemes and views of criminal justice and social work staff. The study was jointly funded with the Criminology and Law Research Group.
Publication: Forthcoming in the CRU Series. |
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| SOCIAL WORK AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERIES |
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| The Social Work and Criminal Justice Series of Reports presents the results of the first 2 phases of a programme of research to evaluate the implementation of government policy to have National Objectives and Standards for Social Work Services in the Criminal Justice System and to provide 100% of the funding to the local authorities responsible for these services. The Criminology and Law Research Group contribute to funding this programme. |
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' Social Work and Criminal Justice Volume 1: The Impact of Policy' Fiona Paterson and Jacqueline Tombs, Central Research Unit
This report discusses the themes arising from the impact of the policy and presents summaries of the results from the individual studies on the programme.
Published by the Stationery Office, 1998, £10. Quote ISBN 0 11 495870 X. |
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' Social Work and Criminal Justice Volume 2: Early Arrangements' Lesley McAra, Central Research Unit
A study of the responses of key criminal justice decision-makers to the policy.
Published by the Stationery Office, 1998, £13. Quote ISBN 0 11 495871 8. |
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' Social Work and Criminal Justice Volume 3: The National and Local Context' Louise Brown and Liz Levy, Central Research Unit and Gill McIvor, Stirling University
This report presents findings about the strategic and organisational issues arising from policy implementation.
Published by the Stationery Office, 1998, £13. Quote ISBN 0 11 4 95872 6. |
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' Social Work and Criminal Justice Volume 4: Sentencer Decision-Making' Louise Brown and Liz Levy, Central Research Unit
This study examined sentencer decision-making and the impact of social work by interviewing sheriffs and social workers, and analysing social enquiry reports .
Published by the Stationery Office, 1998, £13. Quote ISBN 0 11 495873 4. |
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' Social Work and Criminal Justice Volume 5: Parole Board Decision-Making' Lesley McAra, Edinburgh University
This study examined Parole Board decision-making and the impact of social work by observation of Parole Board meetings and analysis of social work documents considered at the meetings and interviews with Parole Board members, prison and community social workers.
Published by the Stationery Office, 1998, £13. Quote ISBN 0 11 495874 2. |
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' Social Work and Criminal Justice Volume 6: Probation' Gill McIvor and Monica Barry, University of Stirling
This study looked at the impact of the policy on probation practice, including views of probationers and supervising social workers in 3 areas of Scotland.
Published by the Stationery Office, 1998, £13. Quote ISBN 0 11 495875 0. |
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' Social Work and Criminal Justice Volume 7: Community Based Throughcare' Gill McIvor and Monica Barry, University of Stirling
This study looked at the impact of the policy on throughcare, including views of ex-prisoners and both prison and community social workers in 3 areas of Scotland.
Published by the Stationery Office, 1998, £13. Quote ISBN 0 11 495876 9. |
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| Social Work Education and Organisation |
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| Research in this area includes studies of issues surrounding the effectiveness of social work education, as well as projects which cover wider aspects of the staffing and organisation of social work departments. |
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| FORTHCOMING AND RECENTLY PUBLISHED RESEARCH REPORTS |
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'Readiness to Practise: The Scottish Dimension' John Triseliotis, University of Edinburgh and Peter Marsh, University of Sheffield
A report of the Scottish findings of a study which examined the tasks expected of newly qualified social workers and compared their readiness to practise following qualification with the CQSW and the new DipSW. The UK study was jointly funded with the Department of Health. A separate publication of the UK study 'Ready to Practise? Social Workers and Probation Officers, their Training and First Year in Work' by Peter Marsh and John Triseliotis, is available from Avebury.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1996, £5. Quote ISBN 0 7480 56785. |
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'A Workforce in Transition' Dorothy Buglass, Susan Balloch, Toby Andrew, Barbara Davey, Linda Dolan, Mike Fisher, Jay Ginn, John MacLean and Jan Pahl, National Institute for Social Work (NISW)
A report of a study which examined: the structure and dynamics of the social care workforce; views of key sections of the workforce on job satisfaction, stress and the ways in which these are influenced by organisational and individual factors; and assessed developments in employment based training. The research was undertaken in 2 Scottish Social Work Departments and complements similar research undertaken by NISW in England and Northern Ireland. The UK research was collaboratively funded with the Department of Health.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1998, £6. Quote ISBN 0 7480 7525 9. |
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' Measuring Competence in Physical Restraint Skills' Lorna Bell, University of Stirling and Cameron Stark, Ayrshire & Arran Health Board
This report provides an account of a study which involved the design and test of an instrument to measure competence in physical restraint techniques by social work students and social workers.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1998, £5. Quote ISBN 0 7480 7332 9. |
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' Transfer of Learning' Viviene Cree and Cathlin Macaulay, University of Edinburgh
A report of a study which investigated the concept of transfer of learning in professional education. The study explored how transfer of learning is understood, which factors appear to facilitate or inhibit learning transfer and how transfer of learning is assessed and evidenced. The study was jointly funded with the Central Council for the Education and Training in Social Work.
Published by Central Research Unit, 1998, £6. Quote ISBN 0 7480 6956 9. |
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| Substance Misuse |
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| FORTHCOMING AND RECENTLY PUBLISHED RESEARCH REPORTS |
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'A Guide to the Development of Services for Alcohol and Drug Misusers' Rowdy Yates, Scottish Drugs Training Project, University of Stirling.
A source document for local authorities on the development of services for substance misusers which brings together the findings of recent research, a review of policy and information on current practice from interviews with social work and other professionals involved in service provision for this group.
Published by The Scottish Office, 1997, £3. Quote ISBN 07480 5847 8. |
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| Volunteering and the Voluntary Sector |
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| RESEARCH IN PROGRESS |
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The Monitoring of Charitable Income After the Introduction of the National Lottery
SWSG is funding the Scottish element of this Home Office study which is being carried out by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. The study involves analysis of the accounts of several thousand charities in the UK. Accounts are being analysed for the 3 years prior to the introduction of the National Lottery, for the year of its introduction and for the 2 subsequent years. The study is jointly funded with the Home Office and the Northern Ireland Office. It will report in 1998. |
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| FORTHCOMING AND RECENTLY PUBLISHED RESEARCH REPORTS |
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' The Role of Volunteer Co-ordinators, Joyce Lishman and Fiona Wardell, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen
A report of research which explored volunteer co-ordinators' views about their role through a survey which collected information about stability and change in the supply of volunteers, their selection, training, management, and use.
Publication: Forthcoming in the CRU series. |
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| Other Publications |
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Research Highlights
SWSG underwrites the costs of producing a series of publications reviewing research in important topic areas for social work services. The latest reviews have featured social work with people with dementia; social work with people with mental health problems; social care and housing; addictions and drug use; disability. Topics planned for future reviews include risk assessment in social care and social work; effective ways of working with children and families; and the changing role of social services.
The reviews are published by and available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers Ltd. |
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| SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH PRIORITIES 1996-1999 |
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| INTRODUCTION |
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| SWSG has identified topics for which priority will be given in the funding of research over the period 1996-1999. Research is required to contribute to the development of the knowledge which informs social work policy and practice; to evaluate central government policies relating to social work services; and to look at the efficiency and effectiveness with which resources for social work services are deployed. |
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| Research topics listed here have been grouped under broad subject headings and are not arranged in order of priority. Wherever appropriate, commissioned research will examine user views and carer participation in the planning and implementation of services. Questions related to value for money being achieved by particular procedures or initiatives will also be explored. Disability, gender, race and culture are not separately identified as topics. As a matter of principle, whenever research is being considered, thought will be given to whether it would be apposite to include any specific requirement for these to be addressed. |
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| PROGRESS |
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| SWSG has now commissioned research on over half (15) of the priorities identified. Studies in progress or published are described earlier in this bulletin. The nature and extent of the studies commissioned for topics 1, 2, 8, 18, 19 means that it is unlikely that further research will be funded on these topics during the remaining life of this priorities list. |
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| Over the period 1998 to 1999 there will be particular interest in commissioning work on the Children (Scotland) Act Priorities and on those topics highlighted on the Social Work Priorities list. The timing of work being funded is subject to the availability of resources. Please turn to page 18 of the Bulletin for more information if you have not already contacted us and you wish to be considered for inclusion on tender lists. |
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| RESEARCH PRIORITIES 1996-1999 |
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| CARE IN THE COMMUNITY |
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| Quality of Social and Health Care |
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| 1. Research is required on the outcomes of community care, particularly for elderly people, people with dementia or other mental health problems. There is a need for an examination of the quality of needs assessment practice from screening through to outcomes. The implications of this for those wishing to access or who are currently using services should be explored. |
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| 2. Research on the quality of care in residential and nursing homes is required. Methods for assessing and approaches to securing quality of care should be explored. The ways in which the interests and views of residents are identified and responded to should be studied. |
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| 3. There is interest in a study of the effectiveness of arrangements for providing community care for children leaving hospital with permanent physical disability. |
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| 4. An evaluation of the arrangements for enabling people with disability to purchase their own care. Research should examine the impact of the new arrangements on users and carers and the cost effectiveness of the arrangements. |
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| Carers |
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| 5. The Carers' (Recognition and Services) Act 1995 which came into force in April 1996, introduced a requirement for local authorities to assess people who provide 'regular and substantial care' for adults. Studies are required which examine arrangements for this assessment. There is particular interest in research on the accessibility of assessment to carers, including young people and people from minority ethnic communities. Studies should include consideration of the links between community care and other social work services. |
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| People with Learning Disabilities |
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| 6. Research is required on the long term outcomes for people with learning disabilities discharged from long stay care. Studies should examine the accessibility of social and health care provision to this group. |
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| 7. There is interest in studies of the costs and quality of care for people with learning disabilities living in community homes. This will include an examination of different approaches to costing care. |
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| 8. Research is required on policy and practice responses to challenging and sexually inappropriate behaviour amongst people with learning disabilities. |
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| FAMILIES, YOUNG PEOPLE AND CHILDREN |
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| The Children (Scotland) Act 1995 |
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| 9. A programme of research is required to examine the impact of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and a full outline is issued separately. This programme is being supported primarily by the Social Work Services Group and Civil Law research budgets of The Scottish Office Home Department. The programme has been designed to examine the 3 main themes which underpin the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (the welfare of the child; legal interventions; and children's views). Studies commissioned on the programme will examine the operation of the Act in relation to these themes and consider the ways in which its underlying principles are reflected in social work services and practice. |
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| 10. SWSG is particularly interested in studies of services to children provided under the Act by local authorities, in particular, services to children in need, including those affected by disability. There is interest in research on children being looked after, the measures taken to promote links between these children and their families and after care arrangements. Research is also required on the impact of changes to the children's hearings and to child protection measures resulting from the introduction of the Act. |
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| Parenting |
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| 11. There is interest in research on the effectiveness of family support, parenting programmes or interventions, (whether local authority, voluntary sector or community led) in prevention or reduction of child abuse. |
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| Residential Care |
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| 12. A study is required which examines the effectiveness of different forms of residential care and evaluates the place of secure care in this continuum. There is particular interest in the differences between placement in residential schools and placement in community homes with attendance at mainstream schools. |
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| Children and Young People who Offend |
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| 13. There is interest in evaluations of initiatives designed to prevent or reduce offending behaviour amongst children and young people. There is particular interest in early interventions, understandings of risk, social work practice, including approaches to supervision. |
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| SOCIAL WORK AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE |
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| Specialist Categories of Offender |
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| 14. Research is required on the characteristics of people with mental health problems coming into contact with the criminal justice system and on the implications of this for their access to services and for the delivery of services. There is particular interest in inter-agency co-operation in developing responses to mentally disturbed people at their point of entry to the criminal justice system, during the processing of their cases and in providing sentencing options. |
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| 15. Research on sex offenders has produced a number of classification systems based on risk assessment or on the amenability of offenders to effective intervention. These systems can potentially assist with the targeting of different kinds of interventions. Research is required which reviews and tests different classification systems, including the RAPID system which was developed in Scotland. Also of interest are evaluations of the long term effectiveness of interventions with sex offenders. These should include consideration of the significance of different treatment contexts, the range of methods of working with this group and the core skills required to provide effective intervention. |
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| Effectiveness of Social Work Practice |
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| 16. Studies of the effectiveness of different aspects of social work criminal justice practice are required. This will include approaches to the provision of mainstream services, including social enquiry reports, as well as studies of specialist schemes. Studies of methods of social work intervention and their effectiveness, including assessment and management of different kinds of risk, and long term effectiveness of interventions, are also required. Studies should include consideration of the impact of supervised release orders, and of the different understandings of professionals within the criminal justice system and within social work of the role of social work supervision. |
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| 17. Studies of the contribution of social work to throughcare and of the relationship between prison and community social work in the context of the revised standards on throughcare are required. There is particular interest in work which examines the development of joint responsibility between prison and community based social work and the impact of this on particular types of offenders such as those with substance misuse problems and sex offenders. |
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| Social Work and Criminal Justice Policy Implementation |
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| 18. A study is required which monitors the impact of the new provisions governing supervised attendance orders. |
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| 19. Evaluation of the 100% funding of social work diversion schemes is required. |
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| EDUCATION |
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| Impact of Professional Education and Vocational Training on Service Delivery |
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| 20. Evaluation of vocational qualifications in Social Work Practice is required. |
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| Approaches to Teaching and Learning |
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| 21. There is interest in studies which can illuminate the processes and practices which promote effectiveness in linking social work theory to practice, including research which examines the impact of supervision on practice. |
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| 22. There is particular interest in studies which examine specialist training and its impact on services and on practice in relation to: methods of social work practice; child protection; substance misuse; and community care. |
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| SUBSTANCE MISUSE |
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| 23. Research is required on the effectiveness and impact of different types of service responses to people with alcohol or other substance misuse problems. Studies which include consideration of relapse are of particular interest. |
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| 24. There is interest in a study which examines the experiences of people with substance misuse problems in accessing health and social care services. The research should include examination of the ways in which health and social care networks respond to the needs of people within particular localities. |
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| 25. There is a need for research which examines the extent to which women have distinctive requirements in relation to alcohol and other substance misuse services and how these requirements might best be served. |
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| VOLUNTEERING AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR |
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| 26. There is interest in focused studies on the contribution of volunteers to the delivery of social work and related services. |
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| 27. Research on the infrastructure of the voluntary sector is required. There is particular interest in studies of the sources drawn upon by small voluntary organisations in support of their work. |
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| SCOTLAND'S CHILDREN |
| THE SCOTTISH OFFICE PRIORITIES FOR RESEARCH ON THE CHILDREN (SCOTLAND) ACT 1995 |
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| INTRODUCTION |
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| In February 1997, The Scottish Office published the research programme on the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 as part of its efforts to monitor the implementation of the Act and to evaluate the operation and impact of its provisions. Information about progress with the priorities is provided annually in this Bulletin. |
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| A copy of the full research programme can be obtained from the Social Work Research Information Point. If you are interested in conducting research on this programme and have not already contacted us please complete an expression of interest form for individual topics if you wish to submit a proposal or to be considered for inclusion on tender lists. More information on the commissioning process is given on page 18. |
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| THE PROGRAMME |
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The programme sets out the research priorities of The Scottish Office in respect of the Act within the broad framework of the following 3 inter-related themes which underpin it: - welfare of the child
- legal interventions
- children's views.
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| The programme has been designed to encompass the full range of interests in the Act within The Scottish Office. These interests are represented on the Children (Scotland) Act Research Advisory Group (CARAG) which has been established to oversee the development, implementation and dissemination of the programme. The programme is supported primarily by The Scottish Office Social Work Services Group and Legal Studies research budgets but it is expected that research on some topics will be jointly funded with other Scottish Office research budgets. |
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| Over the past year, there have been a number of developments which overlap to some degree with the Children (Scotland) Act. These include work on social exclusion, the child care strategy, early intervention and the National Planning Group for Care and Education of Young People with Behavioural Problems. CARAG has an important role in ensuring that implementation of the Children (Scotland) Act research programme is co-ordinated with these developments in order to maximise the use of resources. Progress with and plans for implementation of the programme are outlined below. |
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| SOCIAL WORK LEAD INTERESTS |
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The research programme on the Children (Scotland) Act outlines 9 topics where CRU Social Work Branch takes the lead. These are: - use and operation of safeguarders;
- child protection;
- services to children in need;
- services to children affected by disability;
- support for children who are looked after;
- aftercare arrangements for young people who are looked after;
- children's hearings : supervision requirements;
- local authorities and children's views;
- provision of reports and information to children's hearings, children and other relevant persons.
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| Progress |
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| The timing of commissioning studies is being reviewed following early feedback on implementation of the Act. A specification for work on throughcare and aftercare arrangements for young people who are looked after will be issued in late 1998. A small study will be commissioned early in 1999 to explore patterns of use and operation of safeguarders under the Act. Work on supervision requirements from the children's hearings will be developed once the implications of the findings of the children's hearings research programme (see pages 5 and 6 of this bulletin) have been fully assessed. It is expected that a specification on this topic will be issued in the spring of 1999. |
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| The findings of the evaluation of the Scottish pilot of Looking After Children (LAC) (see page 6 of this bulletin) will be used to amend the pilot materials and take forward implementation of LAC. This will help local authorities fulfil their responsibilities under the Act for assessment, planning and review of looked after children. Findings from the LAC evaluation will also be considered in developing further research on support for children who are looked after (topic 6 of the Children (Scotland) Act programme). The findings of the mapping exercise for services and initiatives to support parenting (see page 6 of this bulletin) will inform the development of further work on the effectiveness of parenting support and services to children in need (topic 4 of the Children (Scotland) Act programme). It is anticipated that further research on the operation of the children's hearings under the Children (Scotland) Act will be commissioned once the findings of the studies in the children's hearings research programme have been fully assessed. Over the coming year CRU will be developing and issuing specifications for research on individual topics in the programme. |
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| LEGAL STUDIES LEAD INTERESTS |
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The programme outlines 6 topics where Legal Studies Research Group (LSRG) is in the lead. These are: - defining the welfare of the child;
- impact of the principle of minimum intervention in legal processes;
- links between children's hearings and the courts;
- impact of the Act on adoption;
- impact of Part 1 of the Act on the experience of children, families and legal services providers;
- legal aid implications of the Act.
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| Progress |
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| The priority of the (LSRG) over the first 18 months of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 Research Programme has been to monitor the operation of Part I of the Act and to put in place systems for the collection of data that will provide a baseline to inform the focus of future research (Phase 1). It is planned to commission in-depth empirical research on the Act (Phase 2) once further progress has been made with the initial development projects outlined below. The preparation of concrete proposals for Phase 2 will therefore be taken forward in 1999. |
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| Legal Studies Research Group (LSRG) has commissioned work on developing a database of monitoring information to address the lack of statistical information currently available on the operation of the Act in the civil courts. The initial pilot stage is focusing on the development of methods for monitoring the use of the Act. The final report, due in November 1998, will detail the types of information required, statistics available at present and recommendations for future monitoring. A brief feasibility study will be commissioned shortly in order to develop the research design for an evaluation of the impact of the Child Welfare Hearing. |
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| LSRG organised a 6 week student placement which looked into the use made of legal aid by children following implementation of the 1995 Act. The report provides important but time limited background to inform the other studies which make up this programme. LSRG is also funding a 3 year PhD studentship on the participation of children in the civil legal process focusing specifically on the operation of the reform of the legal capacity of children contained in the 1995 Act. |
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| A contract has recently been awarded for a small research study to examine the Impact of the Parent Information Project operated by Family Mediation Scotland. This programme provides separating or divorcing parents with information on the impact of separation and divorce on children, with the aim of improving parents' abilities to assist their children and thereby lessen the negative impact on the child. The study includes consideration of the complex methodological and ethical issues involved in conducting research with children and young people. Research is also underway which compares solicitor and mediator practice in divorce cases. Part of the research examines how practitioners take account of different legislative provision, including how the Children (Scotland) Act has impacted on their work, how it inter-relates with other policy and legislative considerations and how practitioners take account of the key principles of the Act in and out of court. The study is due to report in early 1999. |
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| COMMISSIONING RESEARCH |
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| INTRODUCTION |
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| Much of SWSG's research is commissioned by way of competitive tender. This usually occurs through the issue of invitations to a selected number of researchers to bid for a contract on the basis of a specification of SWSG's requirements. SWSG also commissions studies following approaches from researchers with their own ideas for research. SWSG is interested in collaborating with other research funders. Approaches about the potential for joint funding should be discussed in the first instance with the Head of Branch. Procedures for commissioning research on the Children (Scotland) Act programme parallel procedures for commissioning research on behalf of SWSG. The Legal Studies Research Group considers topics on the Children (Scotland) Act programme where the Legal Studies Branch is given as the contact point (see page 19). |
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| EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST |
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| Researchers who wish to submit a proposal or to be considered for inclusion on tender lists for research on any of the topics listed are invited to complete an 'Expression of Interest' form which can be obtained from the Social Work Research information point. |
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| Expressions of interest will be considered in the process of drawing up a short list of between 3 and 5 researchers to be invited to bid to conduct the required research. An expression of interest should not be taken as guaranteeing an invitation to bid for any contract as the number of expressions of interest may exceed the number of researchers who will be invited to tender. |
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| UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS |
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| Unsolicited proposals on priority topics make an important contribution to the programme and researchers are encouraged to enable this to continue by sending proposals to us. Unsolicited proposals will be considered by SWSG through the Social Work Research Group in competition with other proposals. They may be discussed in the first instance with the Head of Branch (see page 19). |
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| INVITATIONS TO TENDER |
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| An invitation to tender will be accompanied by a specification of the required research. The specification will usually set down the background to the requirement, the aims and objectives of the proposed study, together with a statement of the output required. |
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| Researchers are expected to base their tenders on the specification, using their own knowledge of the subject. Clarification of specific points can be sought from the Home Department's Central Research Unit (CRU) and the name of a contact is always provided. |
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| ASSESSMENT OF TENDERS |
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Tenders will be professionally assessed by research staff within CRU and account will be taken of their value for money. A recommendation is then made to the Research Group which makes the commissioning decision. The assessment of tenders includes consideration of: - their understanding of the relevant issues;
- their familiarity with previous relevant research;
- the appropriateness of the proposed methodology, output and timetable;
- the skills and expertise of staff;
- the arrangements for managing the research;
- the proposed costs and distribution of resources (including the input of senior staff);
- their value for money.
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| AWARDING OF CONTRACTS |
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| The assessment process usually results in the selection of a preferred tender, although SWSG is not bound to accept any bid and may decide to reissue the specification. All tenderers are informed of the outcome in writing. On occasion, some researchers are invited to make a presentation of their proposals to clients to assist in the assessment. |
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| PUBLICATION |
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| While final decisions on publication remain with Ministers, there is a presumption that research commissioned by the Social Work Research Group will be published. |
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| CONTACTS FOR THE SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH PROGRAMME |
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| Enquiries about the Social Work research programme can be addressed to the Head of Social Work Branch, Dr Fiona Paterson who can be contacted through the Social Work Research Information Point on page 1. |
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| CONTACTS FOR THE CHILDREN (SCOTLAND) ACT RESEARCH PROGRAMME |
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| Enquiries about social work aspects of the programme can be addressed to: Dr Fiona Paterson, who can be contacted through the Social Work Research Information Point on page 1. |
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| Enquiries about legal studies aspects of the programme can be addressed to: Dr Sue Warner, who can be contacted through the Legal Studies Research Information Point on page 1. |