Perceptions Among Child Welfare Staff when Modifying A Child Mental Health Intervention to be Implemented in Child Welfare Services. Issue 3 (29th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gopalan, Geetha; Hooley, Cole; Winters, Andrew; Stephens, Tricia
• Other Names: Cappella Elise guestEditor.; Godfrey Erin guestEditor.; Chacko Anil guestEditor.; Tebes Jacob guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: American journal of community psychology. Volume 63:Issue 3/4(2019)
• Page Start: 366
• Page End: 377
• Publication Date: 2019-01-29
• Subjects: Child welfare -- Child mental health -- 4R2S -- Multiple family groups -- Task‐shifting -- PRISM -- Implementation; Community psychology -- Periodicals; Community mental health services -- Periodicals; Community psychiatry -- Periodicals; Community Mental Health Services -- Periodicals; Community Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 155.905
• DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12309
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-0562

Abstract

Abstract: In order to increase access to child mental health evidence‐based interventions (EBIs) for vulnerable and hard‐to‐engage families involved in the child welfare (CW) system, innovative approaches coupled with input from service providers are needed. One potential solution involves utilizing task‐shifting strategies and implementation science theoretical frameworks to implement such EBIs in CW settings. This study examined perceptions among CW staff who were members of a collaborative advisory board involved in the implementation of the 4Rs and 2Ss Strengthening Families Program (4R2S) in CW placement prevention settings, utilizing task‐shifting strategies and the Practical, Robust, Implementation, and Sustainability Model. Advisory board members reported difficulties in engaging families, heavy workloads, and conflicting implementation initiatives. While 4R2S was perceived as generally aligned with their organization's mission, modifications to the intervention and to agency procedures were recommended to promote implementation success. Suggested modifications to the existing 4R2S training and supervision are discussed. Findings underscore the importance of understanding the experiences of CW service providers, which can inform future efforts to implement child mental health EBIs in CW services. Highlights: The 4Rs and 2Ss program for Strengthening Families aligns with child welfare practice mission. Training for caseworkers should include child development, engaging families, and uncovering biases. Child mental health interventions may need to be modified for the child welfare context.