@article{ref1,
title="Effectiveness of child protection practice models: a systematic review",
journal="Child abuse and neglect",
year="2020",
author="Isokuortti, Nanne and Aaltio, Elina and Laajasalo, Taina and Barlow, Jane",
volume="108",
number="",
pages="e104632-e104632",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Attempts to improve child protection outcomes by implementing social work practice models embedded in a particular theory and practice approach, have increased internationally over the past decade.   OBJECTIVE: To assess the evidence of the effectiveness of child protection practice models in improving outcomes for children and families.   PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Children < 18 years and their families involved in child protection services.   METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to synthesize evidence regarding the effectiveness of child protection practice models. Systematic searches across 10 electronic databases and grey literature were conducted to identify quasi-experimental studies minimally. Included studies were critically appraised and the findings summarized narratively.   RESULTS: Five papers, representing six studies, focusing on three practice models (Solution-Based Casework; Signs of Safety; and Reclaiming Social Work) met the inclusion criteria. All studies applied a quasi-experimental design. Overall, the quality of the evidence was rated as being poor, with studies suffering from a risk of selection bias, small sample sizes and short-term follow up.   CONCLUSIONS: Despite the popularity of practice models, the evidence base for their effectiveness is still limited. The results suggest that high-quality studies are urgently needed to evaluate the impact of practice models in improving the outcomes of child-protection-involved families. The findings also illustrate the difficulties of conducting high-quality outcome evaluations in children's social care, and these challenges and future directions for research, are discussed. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018111918.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0145-2134",
doi="10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104632",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104632"
}