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The field of crime control is undergoing radical reform in the UK, as are all public services. This article addresses two trends that are central to the modernisation agenda: the shift to partnership working and the use of empirical evidence to inform policy making and practice. It evaluates the potential of geographical information systems to support strategic decision making in the context of local crime reduction partnerships, which were established on a national basis by the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act. A number of salient multi-agency data-sharing initiatives have been launched over recent years, and this study focuses on the experience of one such project (Multi-agency Data Exchange [MADE]) in Lancashire, which was set up to provide a county-wide information brokerage for Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships. The power of spatial coding to integrate data from disparate partner agencies will be of particular interest. The potential of MADE's evidence base to provide sophisticated criminological analysis is demonstrated through two case studies. Much of this potential has, however, gone unexploited, as will be shown. The article concludes with some methodological reflections on the problems of developing multi-agency information systems, the lessons to be learned from successful projects such as MADE, and the general barriers to evidence-based methods in practical policy making.

This article examines the forms of knowledge used to warrant investment by the state in 'early intervention' in the lives of disadvantaged children and families. It argues that these are supported by the same logics as those associated with the more intrusive and coercive interventions, which may culminate in the permanent severance of biological and kinship ties. Such interventions are located within the paradigm of prevention science, steadily gaining momentum and influence. The invocation of science is salient, with research and evidence-based practice being prominent in its discourse. Prima facie, early intervention initiatives are a 'helping hand' but, as a consequence, the material circumstances and behaviours of parents, and what is increasingly inferred to exist inside their bodies and brains, become objects of legitimate state scrutiny.

Current social policy initiatives are promoting early intervention to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. Neuroscientific evidence is prominent in this discourse, creating the lustre of science, but too much has been taken on trust. In particular, the argument that the first three years are critical has created a now-or-never imperative to intervene before irreparable damage is done to the developing infant brain. A critique of current policy in the United Kingdom is provided here, drawing on counter-arguments from the policy discourse in the United States during the 'decade of the brain', updated with more recent research findings. Overall, we show that the infant brain is not readily susceptible to permanent and irreversible damage from psychosocial deprivation. Rather, plasticity and resilience seem to be the general rule. The co-option of neuroscience has medicalised policy discourse, silencing vital moral debate and pushing practice in the direction of standardised, targeted interventions rather than simpler forms of family and community support, which can yield more sustainable results.

Im Feld des Kinderschutzes in England und Wales setzen sich die Autoren mit der zunehmenden Standardisierung und Technologisierung der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe auseinander. Die "IT-enabled Initiatives" werden von ihnen als eine spezifische, managerielle Form der Modernisierung und der Implementation einer wirkungsorientierten Programmatik identifiziert. Bezüglich der Effektivität, aber auch der feldspezifischen Angemessenheit der IT basierten Reformen kommen sie zu einer ernüchternden Einschätzung. Die Qualität des Kinderschutzes hat sich durch den systematischen Einsatz von Informationstechnologien zur Steuerung professioneller Praxis nicht verbessert. (DIPF/Orig.).

PurposeThis paper seeks to critique the notion of diffusionism.Design/methodology/approachThe notion of diffusionism provides a general way of understanding innovation and human progress. It is pervasive within IS research and practice. Generically, diffusionism denotes an asymmetrical view of innovation as originating exclusively in "progressive" centres, from which it spreads through an essentially passive recipient community. This model is pernicious, as it privileges an élite few over the majority, with the innovator/imitator dichotomy presented as natural, moral and inevitable. This paper analyses the notion of diffusionism in information systems (IS).FindingsThe failure to find any empirical support for diffusionism reveals both its mythical character and its ideological rationale in lending moral legitimacy to colonialistic projects. Empirical examples demonstrate both the ubiquity of the diffusionist mindset in IS research and practice, and its linkage to pseudo‐colonial activities in the home domain.Originality/valueThe paper concludes by arguing for a more critical approach within IS research on innovation, the use of richer, process‐based theories, and greater partnership with practitioners in order to close the research/practice gap.

PurposeIn contrast to the behavioural paradigm of IS research, design science seeks to develop a body of practically‐oriented knowledge which will directly aid the design, implementation, and use of information technologies and systems. Design science, however, remains a minority practice. The purpose of this paper is to argue the case for its more widespread adoption, especially so in research on innovation.Design/methodology/approachTo this end, the authors report an example of design science in action. Two experiments are reported, both concerning the design of the user interface for domestic heating systems. Of note is the use of a medium‐fidelity laboratory simulation ("microworld") in this work.FindingsTwo specific substantive findings results. First that ecologically designed feedback, embodying a strong mapping between task goals and system status, produces superior task performance. Second, that predictive decision aids provide clear benefits over other forms of user support, such as advisory systems.Practical implicationsWhilst arguing the general case for design science, the study shows that there are formidable barriers to its wider promulgation. These include the challenges of constructing realistic meta‐artefacts, compounded by the complex, modal and uncertain nature of design theory itself. The practical value of the microworld paradigm is also confirmed.Originality/valueAlthough research in this field has largely addressed the workplace, here the paper addresses the domestic realm. Further novelty derives from the use of the microworld approach. The argument that design science should draw more on the proven methods of "good design" (e.g. prototyping, user participation) in terms of its own praxis is also noteworthy.