The ISOTIS project is about the integration of services. A new publication shares successful inter-agency work for disadvantaged minorities, immigrant and Romani families in Belgium, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal and the UK. The study asks poignant questions about the success of the selected case studies; it focuses on their models, impact, challenges and good practices.

The starting point

Many scholars agree that innovative practices involving inter-agency working to increase the efficiency of childhood services (including education systems), could play an important role in improving equity and addressing all the needs of the most disadvantaged.

Outcomes of the literature review

Suggestions from the publication focus on the importance of ensuring political will and commitment at multiple levels, strong leadership and management systems, joint inter-agency training and additional studies testing the longer-term impact of such work. These suggestions are aimed at aiding the development of policies for inter-agency work in various contexts.

The research, which incorporates findings from the case studies of good practice in interagency working with young children and their families within Europe, was authored by Jacqueline Barnes with contributions from colleagues, including the REYN Coordinator Stanislav Daniel.

ISOTIS is an initiative of REYN International’s partner ISSA – International Step by Step Association. Read more about the project on their website.