Networking on the ground – Exploring the interplay between regulatory provisions and collaborative dynamics in Child Welfare and Protection across three jurisdictions

Description

Networking on the ground – Exploring the interplay between regulatory provisions and collaborative dynamics in Child Welfare and Protection across three jurisdictions: Abstract

This working paper presents results from an international, comparative project aimed at identifying the enabling and constraining factors that underpin inter-organizational collaboration in Child Welfare and Protection services (CWP). The study comprised three jurisdictions – Québec, Norway and Germany– and involved the secondary analysis of data from separate qualitative studies available in each place. Re-analysis of data centered on four variable constructs, namely: Governance and power relations; Trust and cultural affinity; Resource management issues; and Leadership. Study findings illuminate how regulatory frameworks from each jurisdiction interface with and affect cross‐agency collaboration capacity on the ground, thus provide insights that are relevant for the study and organizing of local networks within and across jurisdictions.

Objectives

For decision-makers, managers and professionals who wish to foster inter-agency collaboration in the area of child welfare services.