Informing research and practice on service provision for children and young people with a disability in northern ireland through the use of documents

Abstract

This paper describes the analysis of documentary evidence as an approach to research that has value to both the research community and child care professionals. This is demonstrated through the use of documents produced by both statutory and voluntary agencies who provide services to children and young people with a disability in Northern Ireland. Documentary research is a valuable source of information used by the Centre for Child Care Research (CCCR) within its core research programme. The findings from one research project within this programme are used to demonstrate its value through an investigation into service provision for Children and Young People with a Disability prior to the implementation of the Children (NT) Order 1995. This source can be clearly seen as giving valuable insights into both policy and practice in relation to service provision in the area of disability.