1. Seminar on Evidence Based Policy Making Professor Michael Little, Dartington Social Research Unit & University of Chicago 24 July 2006

2. Improving Outcomes for Ireland’s Children Trends in the well-being of children Potential causes of impairment to children’s development The value of prevention ‘What Works’ evidence Current trends in children’s services in Europe Applying the ideas and evidence to Ireland

3. Trends in the well-being of children

4. Potential causes of impairment to children’s development Inequality of wealth Stress on children Family structure Environmental stressors Quality of children’s services G x E

5. The Value of Prevention Population wide Targeted prevention Mixed portfolio

9. Population Wide Prevention: Alcohol Intake in the US

10. Population Wide Prevention: Alcohol Intake in the Ireland and US

15. ‘What Works?’ Proven Models –What do we mean by proven? –How many models and where do we find them? –Examples of proven models

16. ‘What Works?’ Proven Models –What do we mean by proven? Evaluated by experimental methods –How many models and where do we find them? 100-200 Database designed for Ireland Other sources http://www.colorado.edu/cspv/blueprints/index.html –Examples of proven models E.g. Incredible Years; Big Brother, Big Sisters New/adapted services based on ‘what works e.g. Tallaght West, Ballymun, Northside

17. Current Trends in Children’s Services in Europe Outcome driven Needs led Integrated provision Evidence based Balance of ‘thick’ and ‘thin’ services Common language Child’s voice Local innovation and ownership

18. Applying the Ideas and Evidence to Ireland The use of ‘logic models’ The logic behind investments in planning Methods underpinning the investments How will we know whether these investments have led to improved outcomes?

19. The Use of Logic Models O c  A  I  O t versus I  A  O t -- -- -- -- O c

20. The Logic Behind Atlantic Investments Support for Community Engagement and Innovation Sites To design, implement and rigorously evaluate new services Will produce improved outcomes in the sites where investments are made And models that can be used by other communities in Ireland and internationally Leading to improved health, learning and commitment to community outcomes for children on the island

21. Methods Underpinning Investments Strategy Development Service Design Manual Preparation Evaluation Strategies

22. Methods Underpinning Investments Strategy Development –Good Epidemiology –Close consultation with consumers of services –Good fit with national policy –Analysis of ‘what works’ evidence –Strong evaluation strategy –Strong local ownership Service Design Manual Preparation Evaluation Strategies

23. How will we know whether these investments have led to improved outcomes? Longitudinal Study Child Indicators Annual analysis of need 35-50 rigorous evaluations Heckman/Pritzker Consortium

24. Use of RCT’s as part of Mixed Evaluation Portfolio Randomised Control Trials (RCT’S) provide the most robust form of evidence on outcomes Ethics and tools to minimise problems of RCT implementation Qualitative methods – use of ethnography, implementation evaluation etc

25. Issues in Conclusion Some early results (08 – 09) but long term effects take time ‘Bends in the road’ – spirit of partnership with sites and patience required New way of working – service managers and deliverers will need continuous support and development