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Community leadership in system transformation: A realist review of strategies for effective partnership between communities of color and public systems impacting children and families

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  • VanMeeter, Mallory
  • Kugley, Shannon
  • Dierksheide, Elizabeth
  • McDaniel, Mark

Abstract

The child welfare system in the U.S. is long overdue for a reimagination. To bridge the gap between what families say they need to thrive and what child welfare provides, the system must build a new relationship with community—one where residents are valued as collaborators and are supported in taking the lead. A team from Chapin Hall conducted a realist evidence review (Paré et al., 2015) to inform this shift toward community leadership. We focused on public system partnerships with Black and non-Black communities of color to shape policies, programs, and practices impacting children and families. Using a modified grounded theory approach, we analyzed 35 empirical publications on 32 unique projects. We supplemented that evidence with six longitudinal case studies (Bowen, 2009; Morgan & Nica, 2020) and conversations with 10 key informants.

Suggested Citation

  • VanMeeter, Mallory & Kugley, Shannon & Dierksheide, Elizabeth & McDaniel, Mark, 2025. "Community leadership in system transformation: A realist review of strategies for effective partnership between communities of color and public systems impacting children and families," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:175:y:2025:i:c:s0190740925002336
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108350
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    References listed on IDEAS

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