Proactively Managing for Outcomes in Statutory Child Protection—The Development of a Management Model

Abstract

Statutory child protection is undertaken within a complex organizational environment, presenting challenges for frontline managers as they seek to mobilize staff and resources to achieve positive client outcomes. A management model, even one designed specifically for this sector, is likely to face many barriers to its successful implementation. This paper details the development of such a model in the Australian state of Queensland. The organizational action research method focused on identifying the critical components of the management model and understanding the inhibitors and facilitators of the implementation to further refine the model and support its replication. Using a proactive change process, three management teams implemented the model, enabling an increase in the capacity of direct service staff to undertake effective service activities to thereby promote improved client outcomes.