Self‐directed support and disabled young people in transition (part 2)

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the implementation of self‐directed support (SDS) in transitions for disabled children and young people moving from children's to adult services; it also seeks to describe the use of realistic evaluation as an approach to evaluation of this particular policy implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A participatory stakeholder approach utilising realistic evaluation as an approach to policy evaluation was integral to guiding the implementation strategy of the SDS in transitions pilot in Anyshire Council (anonymised name).

Findings

Learning from the early implementation of the pilot is described. Realistic evaluation was found to be a useful approach to the implementation of a complex policy initiative.

Research limitations/implications

The involvement of disabled children and young people in the strategic development of SDS has proved challenging.

Originality/value

This is the first evaluation of the implementation of self‐directed support in transitions that uses realistic evaluation as an approach.

Citation

Mitchell, F. (2012), "Self‐directed support and disabled young people in transition (part 2)", Journal of Integrated Care, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 223-230. https://doi.org/10.1108/14769011211255258