The role of complexity theory and network analysis for examining child welfare service delivery systems

Colvin, Marianna L.; Miller, Shari E.

doi:10.1080/0145935x.2019.1707076

Cited by 11 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…The study provides empirical evidence of multidisciplinary and interorganizational interdependencies that are often assumed in this field but have rarely been demonstrated to exist through systematic empirical analysis. The observed differentiation of the networks, demonstrated JHOM 36,9 by the multitude and heterogeneity of sectors and organizations, supports a conception of child welfare and healthcare practice as a complex service delivery system (Colvin and Miller, 2020). At the same time, the wide span of the networks emphasizes the importance of targeted and appropriate links between organizations, i.e.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 68%

“…Client referral is one of the core processes in the network to ensure that the support services that children need are provided (Brown et al. , 2014; Colvin and Miller, 2020), for that reason, we studied the structure for client referral in particular.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Differentiation is needed to address problems that are too complex, expensive or persistent for one organization or government to handle on its own (Agranoff and McGuire, 2001;O'Toole Jr, 1997;Provan and Lemaire, 2012), and network integration is required to effectively achieve the network goals (Provan and Milward, 1995;Raab et al, 2015;Smith, 2020). Client referral is one of the core processes in the network to ensure that the support services that children need are provided (Brown et al, 2014;Colvin and Miller, 2020), for that reason, we studied the structure for client referral in particular.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To help ensure that children get the support services they need from professionals with the required skills, child service delivery organizations collaborate in cross-sectoral networks (Brown et al. , 2014; Colvin and Miller, 2020). These networks consist of a broad range of actors, such as mental healthcare, education, childcare and nursery, safety, protection and social rehabilitation, specialized youth care, community service and social support.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…, 2014; Bunger, 2013; Bunger et al. , 2014; Bunger and Huang, 2019; Bustos, 2020; Colvin, 2017; Colvin and Miller, 2020). For comprehensive, tailor-made and seamless service delivery, it is critical that these organizations coordinate services by timely and appropriate referring clients and sharing information or staff expertise with one another (Bolland and Wilson, 1994; Bunger et al.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cross-sectoral collaboration: comparing complex child service delivery systems

Blanken

Mathijssen

Nieuwenhuizen

et al. 2022

JHOM

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PurposeTo help ensure that children with social and behavioral health problems get the support services they need, organizations collaborate in cross-sectoral networks. In this article, the authors explore and compare the structure of these complex child service delivery networks in terms of differentiation (composition) and integration (interconnection). In particular, the authors investigate the structure of client referral and identify which organizations are most prominent within that network structure and could therefore fulfill a coordinating role.Design/methodology/approach The authors used a comparative case study approach and social network analysis on three interorganizational networks consisting of 65 to 135 organizations within the Dutch child service delivery system. Semi-structured interviews with the network managers were conducted, and an online questionnaire was sent out to the representatives of all network members.Findings The networks are similarly differentiated into 11 sectors with various tasks. Remarkably, network members have contact with an average of 20–26 organizations, which is a fairly high number to be handled successfully. In terms of integration, the authors found a striking diversity in the structures of client referral and not all organizations with a gatekeeper task hold central positions.Originality/value Due to the scarcity of comparative whole network research in the field, the strength of this study is a deeper understanding of the differentiation and integration of complex child service delivery systems. These insights are crucial in order to deliver needed services and to minimize service silos and fragmentation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 68%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Cross-sectoral collaboration: comparing complex child service delivery systems

Blanken

Mathijssen

Nieuwenhuizen

et al. 2022

JHOM

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Thinking Complexity in Research

McDermott,

Brydon,

Haynes

et al. 2023

Complexity Theory for Social Work Practice

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Sustaining interdisciplinary work in trauma-informed education

Krishnamoorthy

Ayre

2021

Aust. Educ. Res.

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Schools respond to the complex needs of students exposed to traumatic and adverse experiences as part of an interconnected system of care that includes health care, child welfare, juvenile justice, housing and a variety of other community services. As legislation increasingly mandates inter-organisational collaboration, attention has turned to consider the ways in which educators and professionals of other disciplines and services interact. This paper analyses the partnership between an educator and a psychologist in the development, delivery and evaluation of a trauma-informed practice program for schools. Using a case study methodology, the research used qualitative analysis of the authors' reflections on their partnership to identify factors that have enabled and sustained interdisciplinary educational work. The findings highlight key elements of sustainable interdisciplinary joint work-including knowledge sharing, opportunities for expansive learning, adapting to changing working relationships and overcoming systemic barriers for collaboration. These themes are discussed in the context of implementing trauma-informed practices in schools.

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The role of complexity theory and network analysis for examining child welfare service delivery systems

Cited by 11 publications

References 61 publications

Cross-sectoral collaboration: comparing complex child service delivery systems

Cross-sectoral collaboration: comparing complex child service delivery systems

Thinking Complexity in Research

Sustaining interdisciplinary work in trauma-informed education

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