Evaluation of the impact of
Action for Children Short Break services on outcomes for children
Funder
Action for Children
Background
Research suggests that as a group, disabled children, and their
families, are among the most vulnerable, meaning that disabled children,
along with their parents and siblings, are at high risk of social
isolation, poor outcomes and economic disadvantage. Existing evidence
shows that a break from caring is one of the most frequently requested
services from families caring for disabled children. Action for
Children’s Short Breaks services aim to support those families,
providing positive experiences for the disabled child or young person at
the same time as offering a break from caring to parents or carers.
Action for Children has commissioned the Centre for Child and Family
Research (CCFR) at Loughborough University to explore the impact of
Action for Children Short Break services on outcomes for children and
their families. We have
outlined below our aims for the research and why your service is
involved.
Aims
The primary aim of this evaluation is to evidence the impact that Action
for Children’s Short Breaks services have on outcomes for children and
their families.
The evaluation also aims to:
-
Examine how effective Action for Children are at communicating with
different agencies such as schools and health;
-
Examine how the communication between agencies improves the outcomes
for children;
-
Draw conclusions for future service developments
Methods
The research has been divided into two Phases and is working with three
Action for Children Short Break services in Phase 1 and an additional
five in Phase 2
Data gathered by Action for Children for a sample of children receiving
the short break service will be analysed to explore the impact the
service has had on children’s outcomes.
Professionals from the Action for Children services and their partner
agencies, along with children and families receiving short breaks will
be invited to complete an online survey. This survey will examine
professionals’ perspectives on the impact of short breaks on families,
and to explore how different agencies can come together to work in
partnership to support those families.
Staff from the short break services and representatives from partner
agencies will also be invited to take part in telephone interviews.
Families will also be given the opportunity to talk to one of the
researchers at an interview.
Progress
Phase 1 of the research has been completed and the findings are
available
here. Phase 2 will be completed at the end of May 2011.
Implications for Policy and Practice
The research will examine the impact of short breaks on disabled
children and their families. The study will also contribute towards an
understanding of how outcomes for disabled children can be most
effectively measured.
Research
Team
Lisa Holmes
Samantha McDermid
Clare Lushey
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