Making a difference?: Exploring the impact of multi-agency working on disabled children with complex health care needs, their families and the professionals who support them

Many health, education and social service initiatives aim to implement better multi-agency working between agencies and professionals. But what difference does this sort of organisational change make to those families and children on the receiving end? Making a difference? explores the process and impact of multi-agency working on disabled children with complex health care needs and the families and professionals who support them.

Examining in detail the work of six multi-agency services, the report describes the process of multi-agency working, key success factors, and outcomes for professionals, as well as the impact on families in terms of their daily life, well-being, and contact with services and professionals. A concluding chapter summarises key issues and makes recommendations for policy and practice.

Ruth Townsley, David Abbott and Debby Watson are all based at the Norah Fry Research Centre, University of Bristol.