The ‘cost’ of collaborating and other challenges in inter-organizational child welfare practice: a community-wide perspective

ABSTRACT

Research consistently identifies challenges in inter-organizational relationships in child welfare practice, yet studies typically examine partnerships among two or three organizations in siloed domains (e.g., child protective services and education) rather than the more encompassing inter-organizational landscape. Using a mixed-methods design, including a quantitative survey (n = 80 organizations) and 67 qualitative interviews with directors/administrators, this study sought to clarify and broaden a systemic understanding of challenges experienced among a comprehensive network of organizations community-wide. The sample included child protective services, schools, courts, law enforcement, domestic violence shelters, advocacy programs, hospitals, health clinics, mental and behavioral health providers, civic groups, religious groups, housing and homelessness services, youth mentorship and recreation programs, food banks, and more. In all, 15 challenges were evidenced and were organized into three clusters: (1) six process and procedural challenges (e.g., the ‘cost’ of collaborating), (2) six engagement challenges (e.g., negotiating roles and resources), and (3) three environmental challenges (e.g., political and policy shifts). Implications are discussed, including recommendations for dedicated staff and funding for collaboration, the use of interdependent response strategies, and enhancing inter-organizational empathy and respect.

KEYWORDS:

• Child welfare
• organizations/systems
• collaboration
• challenges

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported in part by an award from the University of Georgia Graduate School. The funding source did not have a role in the design or implementation of this study.

Notes on contributors

Marianna L. Colvin

Marianna L. Colvin, PhD, MSW, is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Child Welfare Institute in the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work, Florida Atlantic University. Her research focuses on system and inter-professional collaboration in child welfare practice with an emphasis in network development.

Heather M. Thompson

Dr. Heather Thompson is an Associate Professor and the current Interim Director of the Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University. She has her PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, her Masters in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her primary research interests are identifying protective factors of families in the child welfare system, specifically focusing on how family relationships and other contextual factors can impact outcomes for those in foster care or at risk of placement.

Morgan E. Cooley

Dr. Morgan Cooley earned her Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2014 and MSW in Social Work in 2009 from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. Currently, Dr. Cooley is a social work faculty member at Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Cooley's research examines the relationship quality between foster children and foster parents, the influence of fostering experiences and child behavior on foster parent well-being, and what factors are associated with improved foster child mental health.