5 Towards a collaborative and innovative practice improvement paradigm in child protection?
-
Päivi Petrelius
Abstract
This chapter discusses the Systemic Practice Model (SPM) piloted in Finland, from 2016 to 2018, as part of a national reform programme aimed at creating small interprofessional units for child protection social work. The goal was to shift the paradigm towards a more holistic and relational approach. This was considered crucial because many clients feel excluded and not seen as active participants in the processes that are so consequential in their lives.
Following the pilot, the development of SPM continued, and this chapter explores the evolution of the model over eight years. It examines the underlying values, knowledge production methods, effects on involved actors and the results achieved.
A key point is that complex practice models in dynamic settings require a shared, iterative learning process where knowledge is produced collaboratively, and this is often overlooked in discussions on implementation. Complex systems, such as child welfare services, involve numerous interacting elements and dynamic changes where solutions emerge rather than being imposed. The chapter argues that for the sustainable implementation of SPM, it is essential to embrace the concept of emergence and adapt the model to the evolving context. The narrative covers the adaptation process of SPM, in Finland from 2016 to 2024, and outlines key issues for future implementation efforts.
Abstract
This chapter discusses the Systemic Practice Model (SPM) piloted in Finland, from 2016 to 2018, as part of a national reform programme aimed at creating small interprofessional units for child protection social work. The goal was to shift the paradigm towards a more holistic and relational approach. This was considered crucial because many clients feel excluded and not seen as active participants in the processes that are so consequential in their lives.
Following the pilot, the development of SPM continued, and this chapter explores the evolution of the model over eight years. It examines the underlying values, knowledge production methods, effects on involved actors and the results achieved.
A key point is that complex practice models in dynamic settings require a shared, iterative learning process where knowledge is produced collaboratively, and this is often overlooked in discussions on implementation. Complex systems, such as child welfare services, involve numerous interacting elements and dynamic changes where solutions emerge rather than being imposed. The chapter argues that for the sustainable implementation of SPM, it is essential to embrace the concept of emergence and adapt the model to the evolving context. The narrative covers the adaptation process of SPM, in Finland from 2016 to 2024, and outlines key issues for future implementation efforts.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front Matter i
- Contents ix
- List of figures and tables xi
- Notes on contributors xii
- Introduction 1
-
Sense and Sensibility as epistemology for social work
- Reflections on the possibilities and challenges offered by a social model of protecting children 19
- The virtuous cycle of using supportive measures to reduce red tape and meet families’ needs 35
- The potential of practice research to advance a framework for protective support and supportive protection (PS-SP) with children, young people and families 51
- Rethinking the concept of institutionalisation in child protection 69
-
Sense and Sensibility as practice
- Towards a collaborative and innovative practice improvement paradigm in child protection? 93
- Participative and Transformative Evaluation: children, families and practitioners as co-researchers through ‘reflective thinking’ processes 114
- Community mapping as a participative tool to enhance informal social support: possible pathways for practitioners 134
- The training of trainers as a way to share sense and sensibility in the P.I.P.P.I. programme 156
- Care leavers in the Italian child protection system: from action research to advocacy of more inclusive policies and relationships 174
- A mind for learning and innovation 191
- Communication as the backbone of intervention with group programmes in the child protection system: exploring challenges and tools 214
- Epilogue 231
- Index 234
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Front Matter i
- Contents ix
- List of figures and tables xi
- Notes on contributors xii
- Introduction 1
-
Sense and Sensibility as epistemology for social work
- Reflections on the possibilities and challenges offered by a social model of protecting children 19
- The virtuous cycle of using supportive measures to reduce red tape and meet families’ needs 35
- The potential of practice research to advance a framework for protective support and supportive protection (PS-SP) with children, young people and families 51
- Rethinking the concept of institutionalisation in child protection 69
-
Sense and Sensibility as practice
- Towards a collaborative and innovative practice improvement paradigm in child protection? 93
- Participative and Transformative Evaluation: children, families and practitioners as co-researchers through ‘reflective thinking’ processes 114
- Community mapping as a participative tool to enhance informal social support: possible pathways for practitioners 134
- The training of trainers as a way to share sense and sensibility in the P.I.P.P.I. programme 156
- Care leavers in the Italian child protection system: from action research to advocacy of more inclusive policies and relationships 174
- A mind for learning and innovation 191
- Communication as the backbone of intervention with group programmes in the child protection system: exploring challenges and tools 214
- Epilogue 231
- Index 234
