Abstract
The articles in this Special Issue on system change within systems of care (SOCs) provide guidance regarding strategies for
modifying SOCs to address the needs of different populations, and ways for changing systems to support more positive child
and family outcomes. This paper frames central needs, unanswered questions, and issues that remain for those working to implement
SOCs. Specific needs and new directions considered include: (1) rigorous implementation-focused research to identify the necessary
and sufficient elements of SOCs and the primary practice approach currently used in SOCs, wraparound; (2) applied research
to assess SOCs and document their effectiveness in non-standard or non-traditional settings (i.e., non-mental health settings,
including child welfare, juvenile justice, local housing authorities); (3) controlled outcome studies for school-based wraparound
initiatives; (4) research to document the effectiveness of the family support efforts that are part of most SOCs; and (5)
attention to context, for families, service providers, and collaborative implementation efforts, by researchers and providers
alike. Progress in these areas can inform well-targeted system change efforts in the context of SOCs, a critical need given
changes in federal funding for these initiatives.
modifying SOCs to address the needs of different populations, and ways for changing systems to support more positive child
and family outcomes. This paper frames central needs, unanswered questions, and issues that remain for those working to implement
SOCs. Specific needs and new directions considered include: (1) rigorous implementation-focused research to identify the necessary
and sufficient elements of SOCs and the primary practice approach currently used in SOCs, wraparound; (2) applied research
to assess SOCs and document their effectiveness in non-standard or non-traditional settings (i.e., non-mental health settings,
including child welfare, juvenile justice, local housing authorities); (3) controlled outcome studies for school-based wraparound
initiatives; (4) research to document the effectiveness of the family support efforts that are part of most SOCs; and (5)
attention to context, for families, service providers, and collaborative implementation efforts, by researchers and providers
alike. Progress in these areas can inform well-targeted system change efforts in the context of SOCs, a critical need given
changes in federal funding for these initiatives.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s10464-012-9513-y
- Authors
- Ryan P. Kilmer, Department of Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223-0001, USA
- James R. Cook, Department of Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223-0001, USA
- Journal American Journal of Community Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2770
- Print ISSN 0091-0562