Information and joining up services

There have been numerous government initiatives in relation to providing quality services for disabled children and their families. One key area in need of further development, identified by both service professionals and service users, is the provision of accessible information for parents, carers and others who work with disabled children. Easily accessible information is particularly important in the context of changing services and multi-agency working. This report addresses the issue by providing: an overview of current policy and practice in the provision of services for disabled children and their families; a "how to" guide to best practice for the production of an information guide to services - from planning and production to evaluation and analysis; and evaluation of an information guide from the perspective of both parents and professionals. This report is a resource for anyone involved in providing information about services to disabled children and their families, including staff in social services departments, local education authorities, voluntary organisations and policy makers in local and central government. It will also be of interest to academics and students of social policy, social work, health and social care, and to professionals wishing to develop information resources in other service areas.