Effective multi-agency working: A grounded theory of ‘high profile’ casework that resulted in a positive outcome for a young person in public care

Abstract

Effective multi-agency working is highlighted by the government as key to meeting the needs of vulnerable young people. Whereas existing research has tended to focus on impediments to effective working, this paper reports on successful collaboration between education, health and social services personnel that resulted in positive outcomes for a nine-year-old boy. Each agency had previously been reporting an inability to meet his needs. This study investigated the psychological processes responsible for this effective collaboration. Transcripts of semi-structured interviews with seven participants from health, education and social services with strategic or operational responsibilities in the particular case were analysed using grounded theory methodology. A grounded theory was developed around the central concept of conflicts of interest between and within the various agencies. Child and adult stress, dilemmas and ‘hard-to-solve’ problems served as triggers to conflict. Values and beliefs about child placement, a competitive blame culture, and a lack of knowledge about the work of other professionals were found to be barriers to successful negotiation. Six aspects of integrative negotiation are shown to be associated with the positive outcomes achieved in this case. Grounded theory has been described as ‘local theory’ and cannot necessarily be generalised to other cases and circumstances. However, given the increasing legislative pressure on agencies to work cooperatively, this case study has potential to serve as a guide, or even an exemplar, and to provide, particularly in the form of the examples of integrative negotiation, a framework for further training activities. In an era of increasing interest in ‘what works’ it will be essential if research findings are to be applied across complex professional contexts for there to also be an understanding of ‘why’ and ‘how’ things work – an understanding that can be greatly enhanced by the rigorous application of research methodologies such as grounded theory.