Social service systems for vulnerable children and families in low‐ and middle‐income countries: Establishing definitions and key components. (21st December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crea, Thomas M.; Reynolds, Andrew D.; Bunkers, Kelley McCreery; Bishop, Caroline M.
• Is Part Of: International journal of social welfare. Volume 27:Number 3(2018:Jul.)
• Page Start: 305
• Page End: 315
• Publication Date: 2017-12-21
• Subjects: child protection -- child welfare services and systems -- international social work -- systems of care -- management -- leadership -- organizational change -- social policy/social welfare policy -- qualitative research -- Global south/developing countries; Social service -- Periodicals; Public welfare -- Periodicals; Social service -- Scandinavia -- Periodicals; Public welfare -- Scandinavia -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1111/ijsw.12306
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-6866

Abstract

Abstract : Systems strengthening in low‐ and middle‐income countries has long been a topic of concern in global health. By comparison, until very recently, little attention has been paid to the importance of strengthening social service systems to provide a holistic perspective of children's and families' multifaceted strengths and vulnerabilities. This study has reviewed existing literature on the definitions and components of social service systems and provides an analysis of data from key informants in the field of global social welfare. Based on this information, a set of key components is presented and compared, derived from the literature and expert interviews. Existing challenges for the field include establishing consensus on terminology and critical components, implementing and documenting critical components, and linking these components to client outcomes.