Research for Children and Young People
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Publications
Featured Publications
Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in the Context of Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE): An Assessment of the Challenges to Full Implementation of the Programme in Post-primary Schools. Full Report. Dublin: Crisis Pregnancy Agency and Department of Education and Science.
Children's Research Centre Publications
Title: Framework for the Assessment of Vulnerable Children & their Families. Assessment Tool and Practice Guidance
Year: : 2006
Author(s): Buckley, H., Horwath, J., Whelan, S.
Description
The Framework for the Assessment of Vulnerable Children and Their Families was developed by Helen Buckley and Sadhbh Whelan of the Children's Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin and Jan Horwath of the University of Sheffield. It was the result of three years' collaborative work between the universities and three of the former Irish health boards (the South Eastern Health Board, the North Eastern Health Board and the South Western Area Health Board, now part of the Health Service Executive) who commissioned the work.
The Framework is designed to guide practitioners through the process of assessment. It has adopted a child-centred approach, incorporating all aspects of a child's situation: their own developmental needs, the capacity of their parents/carers to meet their needs, and the contribution that extended family and community can make, particularly in situations where children are vulnerable. While it emphasises the importance of safeguarding children where abuse is identified or suspected, it adopts a wider focus which encompasses a range of vulnerabilities that may be experienced by children, such as living with domestic violence, parental substance abuse or mental health problems. The aim of the Assessment Framework is to identify a child's needs and enable the development of a plan whereby the most appropriate supports and services may be put in place and reviewed.
The Assessment Framework is designed to be multi-disciplinary in its use. It highlights the importance of utilising sound evidence and critical reflection in assessment practice. The document consists of two parts: an Assessment Tool and Practice Guidance. The Tool outlines the principal areas for consideration in conducting an assessment, and depicts the assessment process as a fluid rather than static process. The Practice Guidance provides further elaboration on the process; it draws on international research on both assessment practice and the impact of social factors on child development. It offers guidance on engaging with children and families in order to promote collaborative practice, and on the evaluation and supervision of the assessment process.
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