Integrating Systems of Care: Improving Quality of Care for the Most Vulnerable Children and Families

Publication Date:

Publisher: Child Welfare League of America

Author(s): Child Welfare League of America

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

This report discusses the consequences of this country's inconsistent service delivery system – across mental health, substance abuse, child welfare and juvenile justice services – on the most vulnerable children and families. Based on the negative consequences of such a fragmented system, the authors urge the integration of systems of care. Authors conducted three summits and seven workgroups to collect perspectives and advice from more than 100 organizations and 200 individuals on strategies to achieve the goal of integrated systems of care to improve quality of care. Many useful strategies emerged from the collective work of the diverse group that contributed to this document, and selected strategies are discussed below.



Key Strategies:



* Improve care and promote health. The goals of integrating systems of care should be to improve the quality of care for vulnerable children and families and to promote the health and well-being of all children and families.
* Diverse leadership is required. For child- and family-serving agencies to adopt this approach, leaders at all levels must work to transform the values, attitudes, and customary behaviors that comprise the organizational culture of human services.
* Create a partnership with youth, families, and professional and community stakeholders. To successfully integrate systems of care, stakeholders must be actively engaged in driving and guiding this comprehensive, consensus action agenda forward.