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The challenge of implementation in complex, adaptive child welfare systems: A realist synthesis of signs of safety

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  • Caffrey, Louise
  • Browne, Freda

Abstract

Implementing a new initiative in any complex system is known to be deeply challenging and children’s services are no exception in this regard. Yet understanding implementation is important to support service planning as well as to avoid inappropriate (de)commissioning. Complexity-informed Realist methods are well established, especially in health sciences research, but have seen little uptake in social work, despite calls to embrace the approach. This paper utilises a Realist Synthesis to understand and evaluate how interactions between children’s services interventions and the context they are introduced into can influence implementation and outcomes. We present six emerging programme theories on how the interacting effects of reasoning and resources in varying conditions affect implementation of a popular framework for child protection social work, Signs of Safety. Our findings demonstrate that interactions at multiple systemic levels affect implementation and provide practical guidance to inform service development and delivery. Further, we contribute testable Realist Context-Mechanism-Outcome configurations (CMOCs) and discuss how these can form the basis for a Realist Evaluation.

Suggested Citation

  • Caffrey, Louise & Browne, Freda, 2023. "The challenge of implementation in complex, adaptive child welfare systems: A realist synthesis of signs of safety," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:150:y:2023:i:c:s0190740923001871
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.106992
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bostock, Lisa & Patrizo, Louis & Godfrey, Tessa & Munro, Emily & Forrester, Donald, 2019. "How do we assess the quality of group supervision? Developing a coding framework," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 515-524.
    2. Ralph D. Stacey, 1995. "The science of complexity: An alternative perspective for strategic change processes," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 16(6), pages 477-495.
    3. Salveron, Mary & Bromfield, Leah & Kirika, Clara & Simmons, Jane & Murphy, Terry & Turnell, Andrew, 2015. "‘Changing the way we do child protection’: The implementation of Signs of Safety® within the Western Australia Department for Child Protection and Family Support," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 126-139.
    4. Claire F. O’Reilly & Louise Caffrey & Caroline Jagoe, 2021. "Disability Data Collection in a Complex Humanitarian Organisation: Lessons from a Realist Evaluation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-12, September.
    5. Rijbroek, Brigit & Strating, Mathilde M.H. & Huijsman, Robbert, 2017. "Implementation of a solution based approach for child protection: A professionals' perspective," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 337-346.
    6. Reekers, Sari E. & Dijkstra, Sharon & Stams, Geert Jan J.M. & Asscher, Jessica J. & Creemers, Hanneke E., 2018. "Signs of effectiveness of signs of safety? – A pilot study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 177-184.
    7. Carpenter, John & Webb, Caroline M. & Bostock, Lisa, 2013. "The surprisingly weak evidence base for supervision: Findings from a systematic review of research in child welfare practice (2000–2012)," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(11), pages 1843-1853.
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    1. De Clercq, L. & Meulewaeter, F. & Rowaert, S. & Decoene, S. & Caffrey, L. & Caslor, M. & Vandevelde, S. & Vanderplasschen, W., 2025. "Families’ perspectives on the impact of signs of safety in child protection services through the lens of self-determination theory," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    2. Michail, Samia & Fattore, Tobia & Grace, Rebekah, 2025. "Embedding children’s participation in child protection: The burden of decision making and the potential of complexity theory," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
    3. Caffrey, Louise & Brady, Eavan & Keegan, Orla & Dunne, Siobhán & Sheaf, Greg & Holt, Stephanie & Gilligan, Robbie, 2024. "Children’s experiences of Signs of Safety: A scoping review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 166(C).

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