Perspectives from Community-Based Organizational Managers on Implementing and Sustaining Evidence-Based Interventions...

Area of Science:

• Child welfare
• Public health interventions
• Organizational management

Background:

• Community-based organizations (CBOs) manage publicly funded programs, impacting service effectiveness.
• Managers in CBOs play a vital role in implementing evidence-based interventions (EBIs).
• The child welfare sector relies on EBIs to improve outcomes for vulnerable children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine managers' perspectives and experiences implementing the Safe Care® intervention.
• To identify factors influencing managers' support for EBIs in child welfare.
• To understand the multilevel influences on EBI implementation within CBOs.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews were conducted with managers of CBOs.
• The study focused on the implementation of Safe Care®, an EBI for child maltreatment.
• Thematic analysis was used to interpret managers' experiences.

Main Results:

• Managerial support for Safe Care® is influenced by policy and ideological contexts.
• Leadership characteristics at system and organizational levels are critical.
• Public-private partnerships, contracting, and collaboration dynamics affect implementation.
• Organizational staff support emerged as a significant factor.

Conclusions:

• Managers' roles are pivotal in the successful implementation and sustainment of EBIs.
• Addressing multilevel factors is essential for effective EBI adoption in child welfare.
• Understanding these influences can optimize intervention delivery and child outcomes.