Evaluation of the Community Safety Initiative of the Childhood Development Initiative: Community Safety Surveys, 2010-2011

Established in 2008, the Community Safety Initiative (CSI) aimed to improve safety within the home, school and wider community environment in Tallaght West, Co. Dublin. Initiatives were implemented in targeted areas to raise community spirit and belonging locally, build strong relationships and trust between residents and service providers, and establish a shared sense of responsibility amongst residents and service providers in relation to improving safety. This study evaluated the implementation of the initiative by the Childhood Development Initiative between 2008 and 2011. Quantitative data formed one part of the evidence for this evaluation. A total of three semi-structured questionnaire surveys were conducted in three CSI pilot sites (sample = 600 houses) in Tallaght West during December 2010, January 2011 and again in June 2011. The surveys gathered the opinions and views from a total of 291 community residents concerning the impact of the CSI in terms of safety / service awareness, improved safety, pro-social behaviour and engagement in maintaining a safe community, and improvements to the physical environment locally.