ABSTRACT

Research consistently identifies challenges in inter-organizational relationships in child welfare practice, yet studies typically examine partnerships among two or three organizations in siloed domains (e.g., child protective services and education) rather than the more encompassing inter-organizational landscape. Using a mixed-methods design, including a quantitative survey (n = 80 organizations) and 67 qualitative interviews with directors/administrators, this study sought to clarify and broaden a systemic understanding of challenges experienced among a comprehensive network of organizations community-wide. The sample included child protective services, schools, courts, law enforcement, domestic violence shelters, advocacy programs, hospitals, health clinics, mental and behavioral health providers, civic groups, religious groups, housing and homelessness services, youth mentorship and recreation programs, food banks, and more. In all, 15 challenges were evidenced and were organized into three clusters: (1) six process and procedural challenges (e.g., the ‘cost’ of collaborating), (2) six engagement challenges (e.g., negotiating roles and resources), and (3) three environmental challenges (e.g., political and policy shifts). Implications are discussed, including recommendations for dedicated staff and funding for collaboration, the use of interdependent response strategies, and enhancing inter-organizational empathy and respect.

摘要

研究一致地确定了儿童福利实践中组织间关系的挑战，但研究通常检查孤立领域（例如儿童保护服务和教育）中的两个或三个组织之间的伙伴关系，而不是更具包容性的组织间格局。使用混合方法设计，包括定量调查（n = 80 个组织）和 67 次与董事/管理人员的定性访谈，本研究旨在澄清和拓宽对社区范围内综合组织网络中所经历挑战的系统理解。样本包括儿童保护服务、学校、法院、执法部门、家庭暴力庇护所、宣传计划、医院、健康诊所、心理和行为健康提供者、公民团体、宗教团体、住房和无家可归者服务、青年指导和娱乐计划、食品银行等等。总共证明了 15 个挑战，并分为三个组：(1) 六个过程和程序挑战（例如，合作的“成本”），（2）六个参与挑战（例如，谈判角色和资源)，以及 (3) 三个环境挑战（例如，政治和政策转变）。讨论了影响，包括对专职人员和合作资金的建议，使用相互依赖的响应策略，以及增强组织间的同理心和尊重。