“Is this the right meeting?” : Impact of change on joint work with children and young people in difficulty

Based on research funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, looks at change in services for children and young people in difficulty and the implications for inter‐disciplinary working. The research is based on 80 interviews conducted with key individuals at local and national level. Describes and analyses the changes in health, social work, education and the Children’s Hearing system. Argues that the purchaser/provider split; local government reorganization and the Children (Scotland) Act will all affect collaboration in planning and service delivery for children and young people in difficulty. Identifies the potential problems and opportunities resulting from these changes and highlights the emerging issues relevant to provision of services.