Study highlights need for improved communication and collaboration in services for 0-3 year olds

February 9, 2015: A new study has highlighted the need for improved communication and collaboration between different organisations working with children and families in Tallaght.

The study was launched by the Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) at a special networking event for service providers to children and families in Tallaght West.

The launch event was organised as part of a new prevention and early intervention programme being delivered by CDI called the Antenatal to Three Initiative (ATTI).

ATTI was set up following a community consultation in 2014 which highlighted a need to improve inter-agency working among child and family services in Tallaght West.

The Evaluator presented the findings of an initial baseline study to the meeting which found evidence of some good inter-agency working in the community, but highlighted that this was least evident in services for 0-3 years olds.

According to the Evaluator: “The Interagency Working Baseline Report has helped to clarify what the specific issues are. The findings will help the ATTI programme to work with all providers to better cluster services together and to better signpost pathways for people who receive multiple services from different agencies.”

The event also included a novel activity called ‘speed networking’ when participants rotated around the room talking with each other, explaining their services, and identifying opportunities to work better together.

CDI supports the delivery of a range of prevention and early intervention programmes to improve outcomes for children in Tallaght West including childhood care and education, child development courses, parental support and community programmes.

It is funded by the Department of Children and Atlantic Philantrophies and has worked with in excess of 5,000 children and families since 2007.

Further Information
Ronan Cavanagh, Cavanagh Communications: (086) 317 9731.