Iriss

This report presents the results of a small qualitative study undertaken between February and March 2011. It considers the role of evidence in decision making around risk in social work and what affects this process.

The research aims to shed light on the relationship between evidence and practice wisdom (as an evidence type or integrating vehicle) or professional judgement, and how this relationship shapes decision making.

A screencast from Fergus McNeill, Professor of Criminology and Social Work University of Glasgow, in which he explains what is meant by desistance.

An article written by Who Cares? Scotland and the young people involved in the community research project Working with young people, which evaluated Who Cares? Scotland's advocacy services in two local authority areas. The article talks about the young people's experience of the project and what they gained from their involvement.

A report detailing our experience and outcomes of a community research project working with young people who were, or had been, in care to design and run their own research. The project evaluated Who Cares? Scotland's advocacy services in two local authority areas. As a result of the research Who Cares? Scotland agreed to consider certain changes and improvements to their services.

Report of a full-day seminar entitled, The ecology of judgement in child welfare and protection, which was held at the University of Stirling on the 19th October, 2010. The event was part funded by Iriss and organised by the Scottish Child Care and Protection Network (SCCPN).

This study examines the relevance of social media to the development of personalised social care in general, and to self-directed support in particular. It examines the evolution of online marketplaces and describes some interesting and innovative ways in which social media is being used to find and exchange information about goods and services.

Talking Mats and Reviews

An outreach worker at the Centre was working with a young boy who was experiencing significant difficulties at school including aggression and non-compliance. He was being excluded and had also spent considerable periods of time being looked after away from home by other family members. During meetings which the boy was not part of it became clear that his own views and voice was not being heard.

A set of case studies, produced for Iriss by the Institute of Public Care, on initiatives, which through detailed costings, have been shown to be cost effective.

The eight case studies include:

1. Shared lives
2. Extra-care housing
3. Health in mind
4. LinkAge Plus
5. Care and repair
6. Self assessment
7. Individual budgets
8. Southwark Hospital discharge.