The potential contribution of Intermediary Organizations for implementation of school mental health

Abstract

Questions persist regarding implementation of mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention initiatives in schools. To date, attention has targeted the ‘Whats’ and ‘Hows’ in design and implementation. Ongoing clarification of ‘Who’ the key proponents are working in this space receives less consideration. This paper presents outcomes from a national colloquium involving leaders from organizations committed to school-based mental health practice in Australia. The aim of the colloquium was to introduce the concept of Intermediary Organizations (IOs) examining this for its potential contribution to improved mental health and school improvement. The central challenge for IOs is implementation, that is, assisting in knowledge mobilization connecting research to policy and practice. The colloquium discussion was grounded in an understanding of public value as an organizing principle for improving public sector effectiveness. The participants evaluated the nature, role, and potential contribution of IOs. Three key issues emerged as being central to effective implementation: health promotion and prevention, relational ethics, and evidence-based practice.

Keywords::

• Intermediary Organizations
• implementation
• knowledge mobilization
• public value

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

^1. Intercamhs Society is an international not for profit, IO which has, since 2001, collaborated with individuals and organizations globally in the development and growth of effective implementation of school mental health. After over a decade of work, this virtual organization has refocused its efforts to greater attention to cocreate dissemination and leadership strategies and renamed this work as SMHILE (School Mental Health International Leadership Exchange).

^2. Principals Australia Institute established in 1993 is the professional development arm of the four national Australian peak Principals Associations.

^3. Options included: partnerships, infrastructure, strategic action, build capacity, visionary, collaboration, communicate with multiple audiences, integration, catalysts, change-focused, and multilevel action.

^4. Questions included: (1) briefly describe/give examples of your organization's role as a mediator? (2) List actions your organization performs as a knowledge broker? (3) How does your organization act as an innovation broker?