Making Integration Happen: The Families First Policy Experience

• NCJ Number: 217599
• Journal: Child Abuse Review Volume: 15 Issue: 6 Dated: Novemeber-December 2006 Pages: 414-428
• Author(s): Kylie Valentine; Karen Fisher; Cathy Thomson
• Date Published: November 2006
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This article explored the implementation experience of a child and family initiative in New South Wales, Australia called Families First with ambitious integration goals, particularly with regard to the factors that facilitated and hindered integration.

Abstract

Results from the process evaluation of Families First indicated that successful implementation of the initiative as an integration policy was characterized by high levels of participation from a range of different services. Several factors facilitated the integration of these services: (1) the implementation of inclusive practices; (2) a focus on building relationships among agencies; (3) the empowerment of staff; and (4) the allocation of sufficient monetary and staff resources. Other factors inhibited the full integration of family services, including: (1) less sustained efforts at inclusion from management; (2) poor planning and coordination of agencies attempting to implement Families First; (3) lack of resources; and (4) failure to sustain participation over time. The findings suggest that a prolonged and well-planned implementation period may be necessary to achieve successful services integration. The importance of allowing the time and resources needed to build relationships cannot be overstated. The process evaluation was comprised of three case studies of Families First regional areas. Case studies were conducted over a 4- to 8-month period and focused on assessing the implementation in its early (1998), intermediate (2000), and established phases (2002). Data included case documents and surveys, interviews, and focus groups with families, management representatives, and service providers from a wide range of government and non-government organizations. Future research should address questions about the effectiveness of integration for serving children and families in need. Tables, references