Cross-partner Perspectives on a Novel Approach to Care Management and Systems Coordination for Children in Foster...

To evaluate the perceived value of the newly implemented North Carolina Integrated Care for Kids (NC InCK) cross-sector care management for children in foster care (FC) across 5 North Carolina counties.

We interviewed individuals in key care management and social work roles along with caregivers of children receiving NC InCK care management services. Interview guides were designed using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to assess implementation processes and perceived model impact. Interviews were conducted using Zoom and analyzed with rapid qualitative analysis (RQA). Empathy mapping, a design thinking tool used to understand individual and group perspectives, was used to verify themes.

We completed 30 interviews. Participants were individuals in social work and care management roles (N=21) and caregivers for children in FC (N=9). Key themes included varied understanding of NC InCK care management, positive perceptions of a cross-sector liaison role in establishing and maintaining new collaborations between organizations, and the importance of sustained care manager partnerships. Areas for improvement include expanding caregiver and social worker understanding of on available services. Participants also suggested embedding care managers and cross-sector liaisons within DSS offices to streamline communication and consolidate resources.

Key stakeholders in care management and social work reported that NC InCK care management connected previously isolated entities across the FC system. Our insights can inform future implementation efforts for complex pediatric populations.