Integrated Solutions for Intertwined Challenges: A Statewide Collaboration in Supportive Housing for Child...

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Public Health Policy
• Social Work Research

Background:

• Supportive Housing (SH) evaluations are complex due to contextual factors.
• Few studies assess SH interventions for families involved in child welfare.
• Connecticut's Supportive Housing for Families (SHF) program is a national demonstration site.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of the SHF program.
• To outline the program's core components and expansion.
• To analyze the program within an implementation science framework.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective description of program development.
• Utilizing a six-stage implementation science framework.
• Documenting program evolution from pilot to statewide initiative.

Main Results:

• The SHF program has expanded significantly from a small pilot.
• It is now a statewide initiative central to systems change efforts.
• The program has potential to influence national policy and implementation.

Conclusions:

• The SHF program's development illustrates successful implementation.
• Contextual challenges in evaluating SH interventions were noted.
• The program's trajectory suggests potential for broader policy impact.