An enquiry into family centres as complex systems of care

An Enquiry into Family Centres as Complex Systems of Care Abstract A collection of mixed method research and theoretical papers of the last decade constitute an enquiry into the activities of community based children and family centres. Such centres are characterised by locality, mixed methods, mixed traditions, inclusiveness, sanctuary, disadvantage, and, such research as there is, appears to defy trends in education, health and particularly welfare, by reporting on major satisfactions by users and practitioners alike. Users profess transformations in well being and practitioners remain happily in post for long periods. In the language of Winnicott, they contain and are contained. The papers conduct their enquiries by peering in through many doors, using mixed method and a broad epistemological spectrum, and apply a range of theoretical ideas - inter alia, empowerment, eco systemic theory, developmental science, milieu, object relations, containment; and attachment theory, intervention theory. Methods include scales, cross cultural comparison, narrative and qualitative approaches, and unexpectedly, through study of outcomes, the evolving studies not only problematise methods but introduce new methodological avenues. The studies conclude that understanding centres as complex systems of care lies in a lion-linear. outlook and using the potential of complexity sciences. An emergent theme concerns the neglect by research to understand practitioner capacity, the sheer complexity of the task; and moreover a hint, to be explored, that social workers' mass escape from the institution to the field and the office has left them uncoritained, distanced, fearful of engaging in synergies.