2025

May 2024

Dr Carmel Devaney, Dr Patricia O Connor, Prof John Canavan, Prof Caroline Mc Gregor   

The aim of this research is to review the implementation and impact of Meitheal, including the role of the Child and Family Support Networks in supporting its delivery. Meitheal is a Tusla-led Early Intervention Practice Model designed to ensure that the strengths and needs of children and their families are effectively identified, understood, and responded to in a timely way so they get the help and support needed to improve children’s outcomes and realise their rights. It is an early intervention, multi-agency (when necessary) response, tailored to the needs of the individual child or young person. Child and Family Support Networks (CFSNs) are made up of various agencies and local voluntary and community services in a particular catchment area working with and supporting children and families. Both Meitheal and the CFSNs are part of Tusla - Child and Family Agency’s Programme for Partnership, Prevention, and Family Support (PPFS).s.

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April 2021

Dr Connie O’Regan, Dr Tony Hall & Professor Michelle Millar

The goal of Designing Futures is to enable every student to succeed in the future world of work. The project will ultimately empower every student to design their personalised skills development pathway, and to have their transversal skills achievements recognised on graduation alongside their degree. This approach, if more widely adopted, could position Ireland as a leader in innovative, student-centred and enterprise-engaged education in Europe. Designing Futures will initially transform undergraduate Arts and Science programmes and then building out to all students.

The Evaluation approach combines the processes of Design Based Research with stakeholder engagement methodologies of Developmental Evaluation (Patton 2013). Starting with a Systematic Literature Review, the evaluation function positions itself to track the findings from the literature, the project work flows and stakeholder feedback to refine and amend the approach iteratively as the project is implemented. In this way, it aims to contribute to the embedding and enhancement of the project outcomes.

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2021

Dr Aisling Gillen, Professor John Canavan 

Programme Aims:

• To explore the application of systems theory and complexity theory as learning tools in health and social care.

• To add to the knowledge base on systems theory and complexity theory as they apply to health and social services in Ireland.

• To increase understanding of how systems theory and complexity theory frameworks can inform case and organisation and systems management.

• To develop materials in systems theory and complexity theory for use in pre-service education and training and continuing professional development in the health and social services sector.

Programme Activities:

• Develop a Working Paper on systems theory and complexity theory and their application to child protection and welfare systems. 

• Develop a practice tool based on systems theory and complexity theory towards improving decision-making in the CPW sector.

• Develop academic output systems theory and complexity theory and their application to child protection and welfare systems.

• Develop teaching and learning materials on systems theory and complexity theory and pilot their application with relevant stakeholders. 

• Develop series of information-sharing events and dialogue events on systems theory and complexity theory.

Outputs:

Webinar 1 Complexity Theory and Child Protection and Welfare

Webinar 2 Complexity Theory and Public Services   

Webinar 3 The complexity of finding out what works 

Webinar 4 Complexity and Leadership  

Webinar 5 Complexity Theory and Children’s Participation

Webinar 6 Complexity Theory and the Importance of Networks