Research Update 33 (26 May 2005)

INDEX

Recent Research

1. Barnardo's have published the briefing 'Assessing the risks to children from domestic violence.
2. Advice NI has published a report 'Debt on your Doorstep, who is Responsible?'
3. The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) published a further release of information on settlements in Northern Ireland.

Seminars

A lunchtime seminar will take place on 3 June 2005 from 12.30-1.30pm, to outline the activities of the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods.

Courses

NISRA is planning to run a Demographic Methods course aimed at anyone requiring an introduction to basis demographic methods, with a particular concentration on methods used in official statistics.

Recent Research

1. Barnardo's have published the briefing 'Assessing the risks to children from domestic violence'. The briefing paper highlights the findings from two pilot studies conducted in 2004 by Barnardo's Northern Ireland with three Health and Social Services Trusts in the Southern Health and Social Services Broad and Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust.

The findings highlight the need for a specific assessment tool to assist practitioners assess the risks presented by domestic violence for children and make decisions about the types of interventions needed.

The briefing paper looks at:

1. assessment for domestic violence situations where children are present
2. current assessment framework in use
3. the impact of domestic violence on children - policy and procedures
4. training and pilot programmes
5. threshold scales
6. feedback from staff participating in the pilot studies
7. key findings from the pilot studies
8. policy and practice recommendations.

For further information 028 9067 2366 or www.barnardos.org.uk

2. Advice NI has published a report 'Debt on your Doorstep, Who is Responsible?'

The report marks the conclusion of the network's third online econsultation exercise under its 'advicenet' project. The report examines the following issues concerning debt including:

1. the cause of debt
2. impact of debt
3. changing to the social security system to assist clients in avoiding debt
4. role of government, financial institutions and advice sector in supporting people experiencing financial difficulties
5. actions needed to prevent people getting into debt.

The report lists a number of recommendations for the government and its agencies, advice agencies and financial institutions in helping individuals manage debt.

For further information 028 90645919 or info@adviceni.net

3. The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) have published a further release of information on settlements in Northern Ireland.

Previously NISRA had released two reports regarding settlements in Northern Ireland. One was the 'Urban Rural Definition Group's classification and delineation of settlements in Northern Ireland' and the other a 'Census Key Statistics for settlements in Northern Ireland'. Both reports are available from the NISRA website.

A NINIS site for towns and villages was also released to complement the above reports. This incorporated Census statistics for all settlements with a population greater than 1,000. This new release has updated towns and villages to include settlements with a population greater than 500 resulting in information for a further 64 settlements in Northern Ireland.

Visitors to the NINIS site have access to area profiles, maps and data on a chosen town or village in Northern Ireland. For more information on NINIS for towns and villages please email the Neighbourhood Statistics Team ninis.nisra@dfpni.gov.uk or 028 9034 8112.

Seminars

A lunchtime seminar will take place on 3 June 2005 from 12.30-1.30pm, to outline the activities of the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods. The seminar will be held in Conference Room B at NICVA, Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast BT15 2GB, in association with NISRA and ARK.

All researchers, practitioners, academics and postgraduate students are very welcome to attend. Free lunch will be provided. To register please send an email to Becky Clarke, rclarke@soton.ac.uk, to confirm attendance.

Courses

NISRA is planning to run a Demographic Methods course on the 13-15 June 2005. The course is aimed at anyone requiring an introduction to basis demographic methods, with a particular concentration on methods used in official statistics. No prerequisite knowledge is required.

The course will cost £300 per person and will include refreshments. As space on the course is limited it is advised to reserve places early. Please contact Mary McGrady either by email at mary.mcgrady@dfpni.gov.uk or by 028 9034 8139 to reserve a place.

Thanks to everyone who sent information that has been included within NICVA Research Update 33. Please remember to send information about research that you have undertaken and requests for information that you would like included in the next update. Also remember to let others know about NICVA Research Updates. To register send an email entitled 'NICVA Research Updates' to andrea.burke@nicva.org.