A1 Journal article (refereed)
Evaluating the effectiveness of the systemic practice model of children’s social care : A pilot study on child- and family-level outcomes (2023)

Aaltio, E. (2023). Evaluating the effectiveness of the systemic practice model of children’s social care : A pilot study on child- and family-level outcomes. Children and Youth Services Review, 144, Article 106732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106732

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Aaltio, Elina

Journal or series: Children and Youth Services Review

ISSN: 0190-7409

eISSN: 1873-7765

Publication year: 2023

Volume: 144

Article number: 106732

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106732

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/84218

Abstract

The Systemic Practice Model (SPM) is a Finnish adaptation of the Reclaiming Social Work (RSW) model, which incorporates systemic ideas and practice into children’s social care. This study is the first attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of the RSW model outside England. The study employed a quasi-experimental repeated measures design. Questionnaires assessing child- and family-level outcomes and the quantity (i.e., number of meetings) and quality (i.e., service user feedback) of the practice were administered to social workers, children and parents twice over a six-month follow-up period. Outcome data comprise 112 cases (SPM cases n = 56, service-as-usual cases n = 56) from 18 child protection teams (SPM teams n = 9, service-as-usual teams n = 9) at three sites. The overall need for child protection decreased across the sample during the follow-up period. While the intensiveness of practice was higher in the SPM group, no significant differences were found between the study groups in practice outcomes or service user satisfaction with child protection. The limitations and implications of the study for future research are discussed.

Keywords: effectiveness; consequences; pilot experiments; social welfare; child protection; social work

Free keywords: systemic practice model; effectiveness; outcomes; pilot study; children’s social care

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1