This evaluation is part of the pilot phase of the No Recourse to Early Action Model (NOREAM), which will support families with ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ (NRPF) in Hackney London Borough Council via the NRPF team.

This protocol sets out the pilot evaluation of the NOREAM intervention. Developed in Hackney London Borough Councils Children’s Services in 2021, NOREAM seeks to improve outcomes for children with NRPF through 7 support domains: immigration status; health and wellbeing; housing; food security; income and employment; education, training and leisure; and, support network and to improve value to the local authority by intervening early, before families are in crisis and need statutory support. The project aims to inform a model of practice which can be used in other local authorities. 

This pilot evaluation aims to test and refine our understanding of the model, including the mechanisms of change, contextual facilitators and barriers which affect delivery and change as well as the potential benefits of the intervention. It will also look to establish feasibility, evidence of promise, indicative evidence of impact, and whether the intervention is ready for trial.

Data will be collected from NOREAM participants as well as staff involved in the NRPF teams at Hackney London Borough Council through interviews and surveys. Staff include social workers, an immigration advisor, housing support workers and the lead of the statutory neglect assessment conference. Descriptive analysis of administrative data will also be undertaken.

The evaluation will take place between February 2021 – 2022, and publication of the final report later in March 2022.