From a “Concoction” of theory to Practice via A Social Policy Agenda
Prof Pat Dolan – 22 nd June 2009

In this Paper I will…
•
Describe the work of the CFRC & incoming
UNESCO Agenda
•
Consider how Research in Children and Youth can influence Social Policy in
Ireland/internationally
•
Two practical examples….

To Get from… this

To this

About the Child and Family Research Centre…

About the UNESCO Chair in Children, Youth and
Civic Engagement

CFRC & UNESCO Chair
CFRC UNESCO
2009 - 2010
CFRC UNESCO
2011
UNESCO
Child and Family
Research Centre
Freedom from
Existing work will afford movement

Resources the CFRC is bringing to the UNESCO
Chair
•
Staff (with Tenure)
•
Building
•
Reserve Fund?
•
UNESCO Goodwill/Prestige
•
All knowledgd andProducts produced since estd of CFRPU.
•
CFRC Vision!! For FS and Better lives for
Children and Families in need!

CFRC Interest Thematically aligned to UNESCO
Interest
Family Support
• Resilience
• Social Support
• Social Capital
• Civic Engagement
Passion for
Practice
Brokerage
International Platform (UNESCO) but with continued commitment to work in Ireland

Key Points
Role will be around Research Teaching
Policy/Advocacy and Programme Progression
UCFRC is/will be about FS and work with/on:
Children-Youth-Families-Communities- Civic
Engagement (and computations)
Not just singularly Children youth and Civic
Engagement

Getting to the Holy Grail!
Of doing the work we want to do based on our agenda
Note Support From Atlantic Philanthropies
2013
2009
Commissioned
Work
Research
Which we wish to do

The UNESCO CFRC Programme
Research
Teaching
Policy/Advocacy
Programmes
(Service Development)
In Ireland Internationally

UNESCO Programme: Strategic Goals
Advocacy & Policy
Overarching Strategic Goal: To promote and advocate civic engagement in the context of national and international strategies and public policies focused on children and youth.
Targets:
•
In collaboration with the UNESCO Chair in the University of Ulster, publish a bi annual all island report on child well-being/ social support and Resilience
•
Note possible Role post Ryan Report 2009
•
Facilitate international debate on children, youth and civic engagement
•
Develop and disseminate policy papers on children, youth and civic engagement for
UNESCO , UNICEF, The World Bank, The UN University and other UN Bodies
•
Inform national public policy
•
Engage with the Good Friday Agreement Child Welfare Policy Board

UNESCO Programme: Strategic Goals
Four other goals have been identified as fundamental to the programme. These are:
•
Formalise a sustainable international consortium on the theme of children, youth and civic engagement among young people, NGOs and youth work professionals and universities.
•
Establish a North-South UNITWIN Network.
•
Evaluate the activities of the Chair.
•
Secure appropriate staffing and funding to deliver the Strategic Plan.

Connecting the Parts
Teaching
Programme Design (interventions)
Policy
Advocacy for Children and Families
UNESCO MOST Programme

Bottom Up - Connecting the Policy Parts
Major Irish Study RCT (Funded by AP)
Cultural Competence/Reflective Practice Issues
If proven - Policy as one of a range of
Proven Preventative Measures
Part of a system enabling less admissions to
Residential & Fostercare System

Top Down - Connecting the Policy Parts
CFRC/QUB Commission by Office of Minister
To Develop Policy for Children - Following the National Children’s Strategy
The Agenda For Children’s Services
A Policy Handbook(2007)
Step by Step method to Family Support and Reflective Practice
Messages for Policymakers – Frontline Practitioners
CFRC working with HSE Nationally on implementation

Upcoming Developments / Events
Team building in Paris in October
• October Monday 5th – Thursday 8th
October World Policy Forum on Youth Perceptions on the Global
Crises messages for UN/Governments
Inter-continental UNESCO Forum:
•
Youth as Civic Leadership 2010 – 2012 (Proposal Stage)
Summit Meeting in Paris, March 2010
•
A consortium workshop for all UNESCO partners in the Children Youth and Civic Engagement programme – seminar title “Planning the Way Forward Symposium”

So we Believe as
Policy/Practice Brokers we can be
“The Run of this Arrow!”