Citation

Dolan P. Child Care Pract. 2002; 8(4): 239-250.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1357527022000067850

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In recent years, Family Support has been given increased attention in Ireland, including the development of more community-based early intervention programmes and the publication of an Irish Government policy regarding children and their universal need for recognition and support. In the light of these developments and from recent research on Family Support involving two health authorities, specific issues relating to policy and practice are considered. Two case studies are presented. One study in the Western Health Board area involved consultation with service users regarding their perception of Family Support and how best professionals should provide help to families. The second study by the Eastern Regional Health Authority focused on lay family support workers and key aspects of their helping role in relation to cases of domestic violence. Common themes that emerge from both pieces of research are discussed, including the importance of valorisation of the worker-client relationship, the need for targeted support within universal frameworks, the importance of timing of interventions and the potential of non-directive interventions with families experiencing adversity.