Evaluation of the Parental Advocacy and Information Service
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Author
Powell, Shane
Evans, Lily
Preter, Emilia
Diaz, Clive
Date
2025
Citation
Powell, S., Evans, L., Preter, E. & Diaz, C. (2025). Evaluation of the Parental Advocacy and Information Service. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13085/1378
Abstract
This is an evaluation of the Parental Advocacy and Information Service (PAIS), which was established in 2022. PAIS offers face-to-face advocacy across pilot sites, supporting parents through meetings and legal processes, complemented by a national helpline and email service. It accepts diverse referrals and provides multimedia resources, workshops, and clinics to enhance accessibility and parental engagement.
International research shows parents in child care proceedings often feel disempowered, but advocacy can improve relationships, participation, and outcomes. Ireland’s system has shifted from institutional care to rights-based, participatory approaches emphasising prevention, early intervention, and strengths-based family support.
A realist-informed, mixed-methods evaluation (2022–2024) examined how PAIS operates and its impact. Data sources included service reports, 28 interviews with parents and professionals, 37 surveys from key stakeholders, and seven detailed Barnardos case studies illustrating advocacy outcomes.
PAIS expanded rapidly, with referrals rising from 33 to 98 in 2023 and 107 parents supported. By mid-2024, 82 cases were active. The service delivered 1,226 support sessions, 195 court attendances, and 374 information enquiries across multiple channels.
Dublin North City had 36.6% of cases, followed by Waterford and Wexford. Most users were women (79.6%), aged 26–40, predominantly White Irish (79.6%), with Irish Travellers as the largest minority. Lone parents comprised 80.6% of families served.
Parent surveys showed extremely positive experiences with PAIS, highlighting emotional support, advocacy, rights awareness, and improved communication with professionals. Parents felt more confident, informed, and involved in child care decisions. Professionals strongly endorsed PAIS, noting enhanced collaboration, parental participation, and trust-building. Advocate interviews underscored trauma-informed, empathetic, and transparent practice as key to positive outcomes, though issues like vicarious trauma, supervision needs, and resource constraints emerged. Overall, PAIS was viewed as transformative in empowering parents and strengthening inter-agency relationships.
The PAIS evaluation shows a strong positive impact on parents in child care proceedings, improving participation, relationships, and outcomes through trauma-informed advocacy. Key recommendations include sustaining and expanding the service nationally, preserving its independence, providing robust advocate training, and ensuring equitable access. Strengthening collaboration between advocates and professionals, addressing resource barriers, and embedding participatory approaches across child protection were emphasized. Continued evaluation and research are needed to assess long-term effectiveness and guide development. Overall, PAIS offers a transformative model for rights-based, parent-centered support within Ireland’s evolving child protection system.