Insights to Impact (i2i)

Overview

Held 3-4 times annually, the Insights to Impact (i2i) series harness the collective expertise of sector stakeholders in research and practice. Events in the series, such as seminars and workshops, address key service user and sector needs, and provide actionable recommendations for stakeholders to implement in their work.

i2i also fosters an environment where stakeholders can engage in crucial discussions that build up a sector that is future-ready and effective in meeting the evolving needs of service users. They can:

• Hear about the latest research and evaluation insights, and how they can drive practice, policy and decision-making

• Enhance research and evaluation capabilities for service planning

• Discover opportunities for collaboration and partnership

• Contribute to a robust body of knowledge for evidence-based practice

REACHing for positive outcomes for children and youth with early-life adversities (January 2025)

Participants from foster agencies, children’s homes, and social service agencies (SSAs) in the children and youth sub-sector gathered to focus on supporting children and youth facing early-life adversities through seamless throughcare.

The session featured an overview of the out-of-home care landscape in Singapore by Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), complemented by NCSS’s findings from the Resilience and Empowerment amidst Adversities of Childhood (REACH) study on the factors that promote resilience and positive outcomes for children and youth. Epworth Community Services added perspectives on the importance of integrated and stable care to ensure long-term positive outcomes for children and youth as best as possible. Participants also exchanged insights through a dialogue session, sharing insights from their unique positions and viewpoints.

Key areas for MSF, NCSS, and SSAs to collaborate on and work towards:

• Implement early, family-centered, and trauma-informed interventions to address mental health needs and intergenerational trauma.

• Cultivate supportive ecosystem through positive caregiving practices, training and supporting care providers, and partnering with schools and communities to build resilience.

• Empower families through dedicated reunification preparation and robust community support systems.

• Strengthen stakeholder collaboration across all phases in out-of-home care.

Adoption of evidence-based practice in the sector (July 2024)

With more than 450 participants from social service agencies (SSAs), public service and funders, important conversations were held on the benefits that evaluation brings to work in the social service sector, and how this could be implemented in practice.

NCSS was honoured to have the keynote delivered by Professor Martin Knapp, CBE, whose partnership and advice has been valuable in the setting up of the Sector Evaluation Framework. He spoke on the “What Works” model in the UK as a case study, and similar areas of opportunity for evidence-based practice and collaboration in Singapore.

NCSS, Tote Board, and SHINE Children and Youth Services also shared how evaluation facilitates the work of a sector developer, funder, and SSA respectively.

The ABCs of implementing evaluation:

• Ask when in doubt. Frank discussions with stakeholders will allow for addressing concerns and challenges, co-creating solutions, and collective growth as a sector.

• Be curious and courageous. Start/follow through with evaluation efforts and be curious on what the data says. In the long run, this will help service planning be more sustainable and effective.

• Collaboration is key. Tapping on one another’s expertise and aligning on key goals and priorities facilitates service planning and sector progress.