A collaborative approach to researching the Meitheal model Learning and legacy

Research in a rapidly changing and demanding context is challenging and working with the changing realities and needs of children and families can add an extra level of complexity to longitudinal research in family support. This chapter explores the challenges in and outcomes of an evaluation of a national prevention and early intervention model of family support called Meitheal. This study was carried out in parallel with the implementation of the model and a major organisational transformation in the child protection and welfare service that was both demanding and rewarding for both researchers and practitioners involved. Nonetheless, their committed partnership enabled the completion of the study. This chapter is focused on lessons for policy and practice, with particular emphasis on the value of partnerships in research.