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How are policies implemented in children's services? Developing an initial programme theory to evaluate the implementation of the new Child Sexual Exploitation guidance in Wales.
- Source :
- Child & Family Social Work; Feb2023, Vol. 28 Issue 1, p268-278, 11p, 3 Charts
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Although children's social care is an area rich in guidance, there is very little research looking at the implementation of new policies in the United Kingdom. In this article, we report on the first stage of a realist evaluation of the implementation of the new Safeguarding Children from Child Sexual Exploitation guidance in Wales. We discuss the development of an initial programme theory, for which we conducted semi‐structured interviews with practitioners and managers in three local authorities. We developed programme theories across three areas: policy nature and development, implementation plans and organizational context. Findings suggest that, for policies to produce a significant impact on practice, they need to be sufficiently different to social workers' current perceptions of practice. Second, we found that the coordination between national and local policies is critical for successful implementation as contradictions between them might lead to confusion in what local teams should prioritize. Finally, our findings highlight the importance of effective communication of policy changes, as well as a supportive organizational culture to strengthen implementation in local contexts. These findings illustrate the complexity of policy implementation and the need for policymakers to consider the meaningful involvement of local practitioners in national policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- PREVENTION of child sexual abuse
HEALTH policy
PROFESSIONAL practice
COUNSELING
RESEARCH methodology
SOCIAL workers
PSYCHOLOGY
INTERVIEWING
HUMAN services programs
CONCEPTUAL structures
CHILD health services
THEORY
RESEARCH funding
SOCIAL worker attitudes
COMMUNICATION
CHILD welfare
POLICY sciences
SOCIAL services
DATA analysis software
CORPORATE culture
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 13567500
- Volume :
- 28
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Child & Family Social Work
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 161312047
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12959