A review of international experiences in relation to the implementation of a statutory duty for interagency collaboration to ensure the protection and welfare of children

Effective interagency co-ordination and collaboration between agencies has become a key consideration in providing services to children and families. The benefits of interagency and interdisciplinary cooperation are argued to be far reaching and ensure a comprehensive response to concerns about children and young people. This report, which was commissioned by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) derived from a multi-method study which: identified key lessons from experiences in other jurisdictions of a statutory duty for interagency co-ordination and collaboration, and considered context and drivers for reform, processes for implementation and changes in policy, as well as operational structures and models.