PIPPI Programme of Intervention for Prevention of Institutionalization. Capturing the Evidence of an Innovative Programme of Family Support

In accordance with the aim of the Convention on the Rights of the Child to develop measures reflecting the best interests of the child, the Italian Ministry of Welfare, in association with the University of Padua, sought to design and implement an intensive-care-programme for vulnerable families which was called Programme of Intervention for Prevention of Institutionalization: its abbreviation, P.I.P.P.I is inspired by the fictional character Pippi Longstocking, a creative and amazingly resilient girl known all over the world. The first stage of the programme's implementation was carried out over a two year period (2011-2012) in 10 Italian cities. As its name implies, the P.I.P.P.I. aims to prevent out-of-home placement and to respond to problems linked to child neglect in view of all children's right to quality care. The activities provided by the P.I.P.P.I. were continuously monitored using a pre- and post-test design incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches (questionnaire and documentation analysis). This manuscript outlines the results of that experience and goes on to draw implications for future policy and practice. The results underline the importance of multidimensional assessments and interventions, the usefulness of shared tools to activate shared and multi-professional decision-making and the potentially valuable contribution of families and children to service planning.