Demonstrating the Value of Intervention

Steve Aos, Assistant Director, Washington State Institute for Public Policy met a wide range of organisations working with children and young people in both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to explore the potential of demonstrating the economic value of early interventions at the behest of Atlantic Philanthropies.

Mr Aos’s presentations focused on Washington State’s ground breaking use of cost benefit analyses to develop public policy and how such analysis can be used to make a strong case for greater investment in early preventative interventions.

Modelling their reports on popular consumer goods reviews, the Institute bases its analysis on existing credible research on the impact of interventions, the economic impact of these interventions and the long term economic potential of adopting these interventions as part of a balanced policy portfolio in Washington State.

Recent cost benefit analysis by the Institute has encouraged the Washington State legislature to invest in a range of proven early intervention programmes as a means of reducing the cost of crime to the local community in the long term. One of the examples cited during these presentations was that of early childhood education programmes for three - four year olds from low income backgrounds. The long term impact included increasing numbers graduating from high school on time, reduction in the number of students accessing special needs services and reduction in adult conviction rates.

The NI Commissioner for Children & Young People hosted a presentation by Mr Aos in Belfast; attendees at the event included Together 4 All, Barnardos, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Ulster and Early Years.

While in Ireland, Mr Aos was also the keynote speaker at the Barnardos ‘Tomorrow’s Child’ conference in Dublin - a major event to coincide with the centenary of Ireland’s landmark Children’s Act. Attended by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, the conference brought together international and national experts and policy and service professionals to explore the key trends and challenges shaping the lives of children today.

During this visit, Mr Aos also met with senior government officials to discuss the potential application of Washington State’s experience to Ireland.

Photos:

Top; from left: Lynda Wilson, Barnardos; Steve Aos, Washington State Institute for Public Policy; Paul Murray, Programme Executive, Disadvantaged Children and Young People, The Atlantic Philanthropies

Bottom; from left: John McGregor, Chairman, Together 4 All; Steve Aos, Washington State Institute for Public Policy and Nuala Magee, Chief Executive, Together 4 All