Project
The Programme is designed for people with responsibility for addressing complex problems. The word ‘problem’ should be understood as something that needs to be dealt with, resolved or solved. Examples include addressing problematic drug use, ending homelessness, reducing crime in a neighbourhood, and improving health, education or employment prospects. While the causes of such problems are structural and rooted in poverty, inequality and deprivation, they also involve difficulties or limitations with services or facilities, and feature people whose behaviour causes difficulties to themselves and others.
The focus of the Programme is on the types of problems that have been called ‘wicked’ because they are circular and regressive, deep-seated, enduring and intractable (Sparrow, 2018). Solutions are evasive and positive outcomes are difficult to achieve. Simple strategies and straightforward actions are often insufficient to overcome barriers to progress due to the complex, interacting, and multi-faceted nature of the issues involved. The problem can be compounded by a multiplicity of perspectives, and previous responses have left their mark in terms of ‘business as usual’.
The programme is a collaboration between the School of Law and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA). DCYA has been leading the implementation of the What Works initiative (formerly the Quality and Capacity Building Initiative - QCBI). What Works comprises four key work streams: data and information, evidence, quality and capacity development. Under this latter stream, DCYA is making available resources to support the needs of those working with children, young people and families in the area of prevention and early intervention. The first two programmes brought together approximately 25 people each from Dublin’s North East Inner City and Limerick city and county respectively. Programme participants are a mix of frontline and management level, across the spectrum of statutory and voluntary agencies.
The programme is followed is evaluated through a follow-up feedback process where participants are asked to complete a questionnaire about their experience on the programme. The pilot programme in Dublin was seen as extremely successful and it has led to a number of outcomes that are currently been progressed in the city. The practical nature of the programme lends itself to the development of specific targeted follow-up interventions. In Dublin, these involved the development of a new way of working between stakeholders, the development of a youth leadership programme and an intervention to address drug dealing in a specific location. The Limerick programme looked at issues such as the effects of staff turnover on the quality of service delivery; Lack of supports for some children in terms of engaging in education; Issues affecting children living in homeless accommodation and Problems associated with the over-reliance on compliance governance in local service provision. It is anticipated that a further five programmes will take place over the next eighteen months and these will then be further evaluated as a whole.