SLF evaluation reports concrete results
Our evaluators have made a positive report to the SLF funders:
"Overall it was felt that the SLF has achieved concrete results and, at a time of great change, represents an important contribution to the support for disadvantaged and vulnerable young migrants in the UK. As such, it should continue and at present should not seek to change too much."
The evaluation findings are encouraging, SLF projects have achieved some good outcomes in a relatively short period of time:
- positive court judgements for vulnerable young migrants
- policy change at a local and national level
- grantees increased their capacity for policy influence via training, events, meetings with policy makers, invitations to join key policy groupings and even renewed enthusiasm for and understanding of the importance of policy work
- forthcoming and potential legal challenges.
As well as policy and provision changes that aim to benefit young migrants, some have benefited directly from advice, support, advocacy, access to services and resources and even compensation.
There were some interesting benefits for organisations and for the broader sector,
- new learning has informed casework
- wider practitioner and policy networks have been informed by SLF work
- undertaking research has itself raised awareness of options and rights for young migrants
- organisational benefits such as confidence in undertaking strategic legal action, improved contacts and relationships, raised profile
- an improved understanding between, for example, the legal sector and voluntary groups, and between stakeholders involved in the SLF
- creating and strengthening relationships between different organisations and "types" of organisation
- contributing to morale and motivation, and to the creation of new initiatives and the establishment of a new organisation.
We are now considering how to take forward the recommendations after July 2014, when the current phase of the SLF is due to end.
Further updates will appear on the website and in SLF e-bulletins.