This project was commissioned by the Children Acts Advisory Board (CAAB) with the overall aim of assisting the CAAB to develop initiatives to make research evidence more accessible to practitioners.

The specific objectives were to:
a. Provide a review of literature on the barriers and facilitators to research use.
b. Consult with staff employed in children’s services to establish the extent of research use in practice, the barriers and facilitators to its use, preferred methods of dissemination and most relevant topics.
c. Report on knowledge brokering mechanisms used by relevant services internationally.
d. Draw conclusions from the foregoing and make recommendations to promote greater use of research in practice.

The methods employed were designed to achieve these objectives. Firstly, a review of international literature on research utilisation and evidence informed practice was undertaken. Secondly, a consultation process was carried out involving staff (managers and practitioners) from four sectors: health, welfare, justice, and community and voluntary organisations. The consultation was carried out by means of a survey and focus groups. A total of 155 staff completed questionnaires at four separate seminars organised by the CAAB, and 122 staff participated in a total of 13 focus groups at the same events. Thirdly, a review was undertaken of products and services provided by Irish and international organisations dedicated to research dissemination and utilisation.