Multidisciplinary Collaboration in Child Protective Clinical Consultations: Perceptions of Best Practices

Abstract

Mental illness, substance abuse, and domestic violence are common co-occurring problems in families involved in child maltreatment allegations. When two or more of these problems are involved in a case, the integration of multiple professionals and collaboration among them become especially complex. This study examined perceptions of best practices of multidisciplinary collaboration at an innovative clinical consultation program in a large, governmental child protective services agency. Seven themes emerged as most important in achieving a best practice: setting the stage; mandate; trust and communication; strong leadership; building a shared identity; structural supports and resources; and continuous feedback and evaluation. Conditions and recommendations to achieve best practices in multidisciplinary collaboration and implications are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• multidisciplinary
• teamwork
• collaboration
• best practice
• child welfare
• child abuse
• maltreatment
• child protection