Using Standardized Measures to Prioritize Services for Children and Families in Need

Abstract

• Summary: This article reports the findings of a small study on families in receipt of social services’ support (Buchanan et al., 2001b), which was commissioned in the UK by Barnardo’s and Wiltshire County Council. Children’s well-being was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and parental well-being was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ).• Findings: The study showed high levels of both parental and child distress. Parents with high levels of distress often found it harder to access social services than those with lower levels.• Application: This study suggests that using standardized measures of well-being for both parents and children may help in prioritizing service provision. There was also evidence to indicate that both policy makers and practitioners should ensure that choice and availability of services are user led.