Full record(s)

Record no:

1 of 1

Author:

SCHMID Hillel; DOLEV Talal; SZABO-LAEL Rachel;

Title:

Community-based programs for children at risk: the case of budget flexibility in departments of social services in Israel.

Reference:

Children and Youth Services Review, 32(2), February 2010, pp.178-184.

ISSN paper:

0190-7409

Abstract:

This article describes, analyses and evaluates the outcomes of the “Toward the Community” programme, which was initiated by the Israel Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services. The main goal of the programme was to grant more autonomy to the directors of social service departments, and allow them more flexibility in utilising budgets to develop community-based programmes for children at risk, as an alternative to out-of-home placement. The evaluation study used data from surveys of department directors and committee coordinators, and also administrative data. The findings revealed that even though the directors had not been involved in the decisions relating to the new policy, they reported higher levels of involvement in programme implementation. They also reported a greater sense of autonomy in managing their agencies, as well as increased involvement of their staff and entities outside of the agency in development of new services for children at risk. The findings showed a continuous rise in the development of community-based programmes, and in referral of children, particularly from educational residential settings, to programmes in the community. Despite this, there was an increase in the number of children residing in therapeutic boarding schools. The implications of the findings for policy aimed at increasing budget flexibility and enhancing the autonomy and powers of the directors are discussed.

Journal home:

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Format:

article;

Topics:

budgetary control; children in need; community care; directors of social services; evaluation; looked after children; placement; residential child care;

Content Type:

research;

Country/Region:

Israel;

Record ID:

www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk/profile.asp?guid=e1da503d-c612-49a9-bec6-7b59fe3b3d53