NCJ Number
110112
Journal
Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1987) Pages: 95-113
Date Published
1987
Length
19 pages
Annotation
The paper tests Wiseman's theory of policy intervention which argues that it is the quality of the process no less than the quality of the official purpose that determines the efficacy of the social intervention.
Abstract
A case study of institutional abuse is used to illustrate a single policy agenda -- deinstitutionalization. This article examines the process of change, rather than the final outcome, to illuminate the dynamics that led to the closing of the group facility for children. Policy in practice, permanency planning and accountability, and child abuse policy are discussed. In this case, deinstitutionalization was modified by a variety of stakeholders and compounded by a series of other child specific policy agenda, including child abuse reporting procedures. A systematic understanding of the process of policy implementation and institutionalization are provided. This case study allows social scientists to analyze the interaction of myriad forces that make up applied policy. 30 references.