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