A1 Journal article (refereed)
Developing a programme theory for the Systemic Practice Model in children's social care : Key informants' perspectives (2022)


Aaltio, E., & Isokuortti, N. (2022). Developing a programme theory for the Systemic Practice Model in children's social care : Key informants' perspectives. Child and Family Social Work, 27(3), 444-453. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12896


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editorsAaltio, Elina; Isokuortti, Nanne

Journal or seriesChild and Family Social Work

ISSN1356-7500

eISSN1365-2206

Publication year2022

Publication date13/12/2021

Volume27

Issue number3

Pages range444-453

PublisherWiley-Blackwell

Publication countryUnited Kingdom

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12896

Publication open accessNot open

Publication channel open access

Publication is parallel published (JYX)https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/79418


Abstract

Vague programme descriptions are known to impede implementation and evaluation. Yet social work change programmes often fail to describe in detail how they aim to provide better outcomes for children and families. This study focused on the Systemic Practice Model (SPM), which is a Finnish adaptation of Reclaiming Social Work, a practice model developed in England. The SPM aims to deliver systemic practice in children's social care and has recently been widely disseminated across Finland. However, research has found both considerable variation in its delivery and a lack of clarity about what it is. This study, applying realist evaluation, aimed to formulate a programme theory based on the perceptions of key informants (n = 12) involved in the national development and dissemination of the SPM during the period 2017–2019. The analysis yielded three core components (a systemic team, systemic weekly meetings, and systemic practice) and two context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations, which represent causal chains of the SPM. The findings should enable its quality implementation and meaningful outcome and process evaluation. The findings will also aid organizations and practitioners both to identify changes required in their service provision and prevent adverse effects. This programme theory should be tested and refined with empirical data.


Keywordssocial workchild-related workfamily workchild protectionpracticeoperations models

Free keywordschild and family social work; child protection; practice model; programme theory; realist evaluation; systemic social work


Contributing organizations


Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2022

JUFO rating2


Last updated on 2024-12-10 at 13:45