ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that to make progress it is important to approach the issue from a systemic perspective. Optimising the impact of research requires an understanding of the broader context in which it is undertaken, attention to the relationships and processes that link the key actors involved and recognition of the variety of outcomes resulting from the actors' engagement in the research process. The importance of research to the development and improvement of policy and practice within family and child care services might seem obvious but in fact the history of child welfare within both Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK) suggests that to date the relationship has not been that close nor without its difficulties. The expectation of direct and immediate policy effects from research is in fact unrealistic. Potentially there are many other important groups; such as funders within the scientific community, politicians and policy makers within the state, and the media and community activists within civil society.
