The Evidence Based Practice Unit (EBPU) and the Child Outcomes Research Consortium were commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I) to evaluate the implementation and impact of the Framework for Integrated Care (SECURE STAIRS).
The Framework for Integrated Care (SECURE STAIRS) is being implemented across the children and young people’s secure estate (CYPSE) in under-18 young offender institutions, secure training centres and secure children’s homes. It aims to improve the quality of care and outcomes for children and young people in the CYPSE. Eighteen sites in England are included in the national evaluation. The Framework for Integrated Care (SECURE STAIRS) provides a framework for a new way of working in the CYPSE that involves training staff to provide more developmentally-attuned, psychologically-informed care, which is centred around comprehensive, co-produced assessments of young people’s needs to ensure that all needs are identified.
EBPU researchers conducted a mixed-methods evaluation to explore the implementation and impact of the Framework for Integrated Care (SECURE STAIRS) and whether it results in sustained cultural changes. As part of the evaluation, sites collected routine service activity data and staff, children and young people and their parents and carers completed questionnaires. A smaller number of interviews and focus groups were conducted with staff and young people, and observations of staff meetings were carried out. An economic evaluation also took place.
Data collection took place between August 2018 and December 2020. Findings have been submitted to NHSE&I to inform policy and practice.
Evaluation reports:
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