Limerick's “Think-In” on Children’s Data

By cypscAdmin, Monday, 6th March 2017 | 0 comments
Filed under: Implementation.

Limerick CYPSC recently held a “Think-In” entitled, “Understanding the Needs; Assessing the Outcomes: Using Data and Research to Plan and Evaluate Services for Children and Families”.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The seminar took place on March 3, in the Absolute Hotel, Limerick and was attended by a broad range of participants from across the children’s sector. Ger Brophy, Chairperson of Limerick CYPSC and Area Manager, Mid West, Tusla Child and Family Agency, welcomed the participants and noted that,

"Limerick CYSPC recognises the need for high quality data on children and families across Limerick so that we can plan and evaluate our services effectively. It is heartening to see so many people from a diverse range of services here this morning to start this important conversation about what we already know about the needs of children and young people, what we need to know and how we can collectively develop a holistic understanding of the needs and outcomes for children and young people.”

The morning began with three presentations, which provided an overview of the data on children and young people's lives that is available currently and the benefits and limitations of this data. Professor Des McCafferty, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick spoke about the relevant data available through the Central Statistics Office. Professor James Williams, Economic and Social Reserach Institute and the Principal Investigator with Growing Up in Ireland study, skyped in with an engaging overview of the data available in Growing Up in Ireland and how this might serve as a valuable point of comparison to local research and evaluation. Dr. Eileen Humphreys, Limerick City and County Council, closed the first session with a comprehensive discussion of “Other Data Sources: What is available and How Useful is It?”

The participants were then invited to self-select into the most relevant “Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures” outcome areas. Members of the Limerick CYPSC Research Sub-group facilitated lively roundtable discussions on three of the five outcome areas: Active and Healthy, with positive physical and mental well-being,  Achieving Full Potential in all areas of Learning and Development and Safe and Protected from Harm (chosen based on the primary interests of the participants present).

 

The “Think-In” was an important first step in developing a shared understanding of how Limerick CYPSC can use data collectively to improve outcomes for children and young people across Limerick. A full seminar report will be prepared with next steps identified based on feedback from the event. 

 

 

 

For a Background and Summary of Limerick CYPSC plan Click here

To read Limerick's Children and Young People's Plan Click here

To read a Summary of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures Click here

To read more about Limerick CYPSC Click here