NCJ Number
210563
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: May-June 2005 Pages: 177-194
Date Published
May 2005
Length
18 pages
Annotation
In examining the “what works” culture in child protection, this paper discusses the importance and impact of organizational context in replicating good practice, specifically understanding that implementation strategies are influenced by local and national factors.
Abstract
Problems have been identified in some areas with making multi-agency work effective in the protection of children. This ongoing failure to replicate good practice is due to a failure in recognizing the importance of context in facilitating action. Drawing on some empirical evidence highlighting this point, this paper creates debate within the policy community and encourages those charged with both undertaking evaluation and planning and implementing policy in child protection to be aware of the impact that context has on the replication of “what works” across all areas. Replication is possible, however those charged with making and monitoring policy need to pay greater attention to the factors that may promote or inhibit the effectiveness of imported mechanisms designed to improve service. These mechanisms or strategies may not be suitable based on local or national factors. Researchers must emphasize organizational context, not just what works. Focus should move from what works to what works for whom in what circumstances. This paper attempts to explore some methodological issues relevant to the evaluation of service provisions and the dissemination of effective practice in interagency working. References