Local Service-Delivery Networks for Unaccompanied Children in Sweden: Evaluating Their Effectiveness. Issue 42 (19th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hanberger, Anders; Wimelius, Malin E.; Ghazinour, Mehdi; Isaksson, Joakim; Eriksson, Malin
• Is Part Of: Journal of social service research. Issue 42:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 675
• Page End: 688
• Publication Date: 2016-10-19
• Subjects: Criteria -- effectiveness -- evaluation -- service -- delivery -- network -- Sweden -- unaccompanied -- children; Social service -- Research -- Periodicals; Social service -- Periodicals; 361.305
• DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2016.1147516
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-8376

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article defines the effectiveness of local service-delivery networks for unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) and develops criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of such networks in Sweden. It also explores factors and conditions that enhance network performance and suggests that cultural and multicultural competences are required for such networks to be effective. Twenty-one evaluation criteria are developed for enhancing network performance generated from research into UASC, network governance theory, and the authors' own evaluation of the reception of UASC in a Swedish municipality. The evaluation and this article are based on 32 interviews with social workers, legal guardians, care-home staff, teachers and school personnel, a questionnaire, and 11 interviews with UASC. The article reanalyzes data from the authors' evaluation study finalized in 2014 and applies the criteria tentatively on this reception system. Experiences and findings include the importance of taking into account client needs and involvement in services when evaluating the effectiveness of service-delivery networks. The criteria can productively inform policy and practice when actors deliberate on how to assess and improve local reception-system and service-delivery-network performance in different contexts.