Opportunities to strengthen child abuse prevention service systems: a jurisdictional assessment of child welfare interventions
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2024
Authors
Cox, S.
Bromfield, L.
Chong, A.
Arney, F.
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Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 2024; 15(1):1-26
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Abstract
Objective: Effective service systems are necessary to address the prevalence and impacts of child abuse. The current study introduced a jurisdictional approach for assessing child abuse prevention service systems to identify service system gaps or opportunities to strengthen child abuse prevention. Method: We used quantitative descriptive analysis and thematic analysis to analyze and synthesize results of a desktop assessment/analysis of 30 individual programs with child abuse prevention objectives operating in a single jurisdiction in Australia. Results: Qualitative themes for strengthening services included program model line of sight, documented models of service provision, evidence-based programs, and culturally competent service provision. Conclusions: The current study highlights the importance of evaluating existing service systems at scale. Results present an opportunity for learning about how to improve service system design for families with multiple and complex needs, such as having clear and documented service models; tailoring programs and program components to the specific needs of target groups, including cultural and language needs; determining appropriate dosing of programs and services; including strong clinical and cultural governance; ensuring the workforce is suitably qualified and/or trained, including cultural competencies; and including regular and ongoing evaluations of programs and services to determine effectiveness and highlight areas for improvement. These findings are relevant for practitioners, program funders, program developers, and policymakers.
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Copyright 2024 Society for Social Work and Research