Social Policy Analysis

Research and critically examine the influence and impact of one interest group upon social policy processes in Early Childhood Care and Education in Ireland.

Social Policy is the study of social services and the welfare state. Social policy fundamentally refers to protocols and interventions to change, maintain or create living conditions that are conducive to human welfare (Vargas-Hernandez, Noruzi and Ali, 2013, p. 287). In general terms, it looks at the idea of social welfare, and its relationship to politics and society. Components of social policy may include education, health, housing, employment and provision for all people. Interests groups commonly referred to as advocacy groups, advocate and lobby for campaigns to help the community

Fourteen different type of services that respond to the individual needs of children and at the same time, aims to provide practical and professional support to those in need. The provided service is separated into two categories, namely, Barnardos Centres and Specialist Service. The Centres under the Barnardos organization works in the heart of underprivileged communities for people whose well being is under threat. Fours services included in this category is Early Years / Tus Maith Services, Family support services, Teen Parent Programmes and Family Welfare

It ensures that all the understanding, encounters and insights gained through working with the children and families in need are heard at Governmental level. Meaning that Barnardos compiles relevant data, findings and keys issues observed in surveys and voices these concerns to governmental bodies on behalf of the public, children and their families. Barnardos influence and impacts policy process by advocating for the rights of children through their campaigns and analysis of implemented policies. For instance, the Irish government is in the midst of a debate on the implementation of a new Domestic Violence Bill. Barnardos provides abused children a “voice” by recommending practical changes to the bill such as a systematic inclusion of the impact of domestic abuse of children in all risk assessments undertaken, removing legal fees for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, introduce an on-call judge system that Gardai can utilise to issue emergency barring orders for crises that occur outside of office hours. These suggestions are offered by organizing political meetings with Government and opposition