Methodology and position paper for a review study on the conceptualisation and delivery of family support in Europe
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Date
2019Author
Churchill, Harriet
Devaney, Carmel
Abela, Angela
Sandbæk, Mona
Putnina, Aivita
Baydar, Nazli
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Churchill, Harriet, Devaney, Carmel, Abela, Angela, Sandbæk, Mona, Putnina, Aivita, & Baydar, Nazli. (2019). Methodology and position paper for a review study on the conceptualisation and delivery of family support in Europe: EurofamNet.
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Abstract
The European Family Support Network (EurofamNet https://eurofamnet.eu/home) is a panEuropean network promoting collaboration between researchers, practitioners, policy agencies and service user organisations. Its aims to promote children’s rights, family welfare and social equality through developments and innovations in family support research, policy and practice. EurofamNet is international, multi-disciplinary and inter-sectoral with over 100 members representing over 30 countries. Launched in 2019, EurofamNet will undertake a four-year programme of activities funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program (COST Action no.18123). The EurofamNet COST action will: 1. Develop an innovative conceptual framework for family support research, policy and practice. 2. Develop evidence-based resources for family support policy and practice. 3. Develop professional skills and training frameworks for family support services and practice. 4. Adopt a multidisciplinary approach underpinned by commitments to children’s rights, social welfare and methodological diversity. 5. Promote wide involvement and dissemination across all stakeholders – including young people and families themselves - to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of family support. This ‘Methodology and Position Paper’ has been produced in the first year of this programme of activities. It has been produced by Working Group 2 to inform its Year 1 (April 2019-April 2020) deliverable for EurofamNet which is to undertake ‘a scoping study of the conceptualisation and delivery of family support in Europe’. Given the diversity and complexity of ‘family support’ in theory and in practice within and across European countries, Part 1 of the paper provides some starting points for the conceptualisation of family support in broad terms. It also highlights the centrality of children’s rights and family welfare perspectives to the aims and objectives of EurofamNet. Part 2 sets out the aims, approach and design of the scoping study.