Process Evaluation Study of Multiple-Systems Collaborative Child Welfare Approach: A Perspective on Foster Care Service Delivery

Abstract

s It has become essential for those in child welfare policy development to understand models of collaboration processes in foster care programs, if they are to help programs succeed and improve outcomes for children and families in foster care. This paper presents a qualitative evaluation model used by the Local Interagency Network for Children’s Services (LINCS), in Shasta County, California, as an example of evaluation of multisystems collaboration in child welfare services. This evaluation of a multisystems service delivery process includes key findings regarding day-to-day operations, financial relationships, and working relationships, as well as a comparison of the prior foster care services delivery system and the LINCS program. Lessons learned, recommendations, and implications for knowledge of the foster care service delivery process and evaluation research of foster care programs are included.