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 editors: Aaltio, Elina; Isokuortti, Nanne

Journal or series: Child and Family Social Work

ISSN: 1356-7500

eISSN: 1365-2206

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 13/12/2021

Volume: 27

Issue number: 3

Pages range: 444-453

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12896

Publication open access: Not 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.

Keywords: social work; child-related work; family work; child protection; practice; operations models

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

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2022

JUFO rating: 2