Focus on evidence in social decision making – Symposium

Some of the world’s leading international experts on using evidence in social decision-making will be discussing the latest innovations to help policymakers, practitioners and funders make more informed policy decisions, at a symposium on Evidence2Action.

The Symposium, run by the Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit (SuPERU) within the Families Commission, is on today at the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington.

SuPERU has identified a growing need within the social sector to improve the use of evidence in decision-making across government.

The Evidence2Action symposium programme has been designed to prompt more informed policy, practice and funding decisions in the social sector through a growing understanding of the challenges and benefits of evidence-based research. Speakers will share their knowledge and provide practical examples.

International and local speakers attending the symposium include:

• Dr Robyn Mildon, Director Knowledge Exchange and Implementation at the Parenting Research Centre in Melbourne who will present her experience on the importance of context and working together to improve outcomes for children and families.

• Prof Aron Shlonsky who is Professor of Evidence Informed Practice at the University of Melbourne, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, and Scientific Director of the Ontario Children’s Services Database. Prof Shlonsky will speak about generating and using practice-based evidence to inform child welfare practice and policy.

• Kataraina O’Brien (ONZM) and Awhimai Reynolds from the Maori Women’s Welfare League will speak about ‘Whanau toko i te ora’ a parenting programme for Māori.

As well as the keynote speakers, participants at the symposium will be involved in workshops led by Mark Hutton, Manager Rehabilitation Interventions Design from the Department of Corrections; Jennifer Gill, Chief Executive Officer, ASB Community Trust, and Michael Williams, National Manager Intensive Services from Youth Horizon Trust.

The workshops will provide local examples of how to effectively use evidence to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities in New Zealand.

To learn more about the Symposium, please visit www.familiescommission.org.nz

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