Investing in Children – Breaking the cycle of disadvantage Influencing the Europe 2020 process 10 Solutions for Smarter Outcomes Dr Stuart Duffin

influences on practice I 1 Climate of economic and social pressures- The Social Welfare (Misc Provision) Bill of 2010 and subsequent Bills and in particular Budget 2012 2 Prevention of long-term dependence on welfare 3 The need for parental choice with regard to care of young children 4 Expectation of participation in education, training and employment

influences on practice II 1 IMF ranks Ireland as the 15th in the world by GDP per capita 2 Yet 32,000 children are at risk of poverty -18.8% of all children in Ireland EUSILC, 2011 3 2011 Census 215,315 one-parent families in Ireland 26% of all families with children 22% - almost 352,000 - of all children 4 SILC demonstrated one-parent households are the most deprived 56% classified as deprived

our work Ensuring a positive and equal future for all Supporting families as they parent through times of family, work and life change Delivering parent centred services Helping to enable better lives for parents and children 10 Solutions for Smarter Outcomes

drivers of practice 1 OECD, ‘Doing Better for Families’ 2011, Ireland has a long way to go if we are to meet international standards in parenting and family policy. One Family promotes and communicates that: Early childhood services is an investment in human capital, and should be protected from 'austerity cuts'. Public support for childcare services should be linked to work-life balance policies 'A coherent policy approach for the early years would ensure that childcare, (parenting and family) services are available when leave benefits run out.' Reducing child poverty requires a carefully designed policy-mix, including both income supports and the provision of services. Quality of childcare is critical in child development

drivers of practice 2 Europe 20:20 overarching strategy driving EU economic, social and employment policy. Influence national anti-poverty strategies and concrete policy measures on child poverty through National Reform Programmes (NRPs). Stakeholder engagement, participation and involvement, including independent sector and whole of government are key actors in the development, delivery and evaluation. Implementation of Recommendation on Child Poverty will be monitored through Europe 2020. Country-Specific Recommendations can put pressure on national governments to take decisive action, based on the EU monitoring process, is comparative Ensure tailored EU money for child poverty initiatives, EU2020 is a key criteria driving EU funding priorities through Structural and other Funds.

parenting alone challenges 1 Increased risk of poverty due to dependence on welfare and no spare financial capacity. Tax and welfare traps coupled with transition costs in the system that deepen poverty and exclusion Internal barriers linked to low confidence and self-esteem, Access to high quality, flexible, affordable childcare. Low educational attainment arising from early school leaving and relevance of qualifications and skills to current labour market requirements.

parenting alone challenges 2 Social isolation and lack of personal supports and networks Access to transport to and from education, training and employment in both urban and rural areas Access to affordable quality housing Health challenges arising from stress, domestic violence, legal issues or a poor sense of general well-being. Reconciling work and family life.

underpinning values going forward Ensuring a positive and equal future for all members of one-parent families Supporting families as they parent through times of family, work and life change- families in transition Delivering family centred services Helping to enable better lives for parents and children

support responses framework Focused specialist family support for progression to education, skill development and employment Provision of expert parenting and family support to those parenting alone or sharing parenting Tailored Reponses

10 Solutions for Smarter Outcomes A range of activities targeted at policy formers and makers Facilitate and promote solutions to the austerity measures Address the cumulative impact of from 2010 and Budget 2012 to mitigate against and challenge adverse effects centered around impact of those parenting alone and perceptions interactive and integrated- joined-up thinking developed through partnership and collaboration learning and action based, in other words, oriented to helping people understand issues and then be able to act in ways that improve economic and social well being. developed within a framework and through the creation of communication strategies which focus on needs of those parenting alone and their families.

role Increase knowledge Stimulate dialogue Promote essential attitude change Advocate for cost effective policy changes Create a demand for information and services Reduce stigma and discrimination Promote services for prevention of persistent and consistent

framework mobilisation Partnership Ten Solutions political insight

goals Solution focused Fully engage with the reform process Be seen as an active and critical partner Improved outcomes Promote services and investment human capital Create a demand for information Stimulate community discussion Reduce stigma and discrimination Promote better practices Change policy formers and makers attitudes and practices

Community networks and traditional media process theory Media local radio Community networks and traditional media One to one advocacy and engagement Stages of Change Continuum Enabling Factors Channels Effective communication Unaware Aware Concerned Knowledgeable Motivated to change Sustained Impact Proofing and cumulative impacts Enabling environment Solution focused innovative, creative and entrepreneurial commodities

getting people to talk about 10 Solutions for Smarter Outcomes Partners State and government Unions Umbrella organisations Non-governmental organisations Service providers Networks Channels TV/Radio/Newspaper Print materials Outreach Peer education Community Social networks Social Media

Developing an Effective Strategy 2. Stakeholder Involvement 1. Programme Goals 3. Identify Target Audience 4. Conduct Assessment 5. Segment Target Population 6. Define Change Objectives 12. Feedback and Revision 7. Design longterm message 11. Monitoring and Evaluation 8. Develop Communications Materials 9. Talk about it 10. Implement and Monitor

new ideas that create value delivering a climate for inspiration “……….enterprise and innovation are the engines of growth in the social economy”

the actions Challenge -- doing things differently Customer Focus -- creating value Creativity – generate possibilities. Communication -- open communication Collaboration -- feed on interaction Completion -- strong implementation Contemplation -- gleaning the lessons

the mix facilitating and meeting needs What is needed to deliver for stakeholders? How do we ensure provision? How to ensure quality of outcomes? facilitating and meeting needs

drivers-entryways to inspiring practice change trends ideas passion renewal change rejuvenation

10 Solutions for Smarter Outcomes not a collection of different, isolated communication tactics a framework of linked approaches that function as part of an on-going interactive process

10 Solutions for Smarter Outcomes Flexibilities Wrap- around Child Care Welfare to Work New Futures Progression opportunities Education and Training In Work Supports Worklife Balance Outcome Budgets Poverty Reduction

where to find us www.onefamily.ie 1familyireland OneFamilyIreland