Developing partnerships between the voluntary and statutory sectors for the provision of services for children in need

Abstract

The Children (N.I.) Order has introduced the concept of children in need to Northern Ireland. Article 17 of the Order defines a child in need and Article 18 requires Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts to assess for family support those referred to them as children in need. Article 18 also specifically states that such support should be facilitated where feasible by voluntary organisations. This study investigates the level of partnership between the voluntary and statutory sectors in the provision of such services. A survey of six voluntary agencies which are representative of this sector in Northern Ireland shows that limited partnerships have developed between the two sectors, but as the legislation is still in the early stages of implementation there are lessons to be learnt on how and in which areas partnerships can be developed and further enhanced.