Implementing Innovative Approaches to Integrating Adult and Child Focused Services when Responding to Families Affected by Domestic Violence: A Case Study Design

Purpose: Whole family approaches which integrate adult and child focused services are often required when responding to families affected by domestic abuse, however little is known about how to enact and embed these approaches. The purpose of this study is to undertake a multifaceted examination of the complex and inter-related factors that can impact the implementation of integrated approaches in three regions of England. 

Methods: We utilized a case study design, conducting n = 53 in-depth qualitative interviews with a varied sample of practitioners, managers and senior leaders in three local authority sites in England, which were implementing different innovative whole family approaches. We analyzed the data using the core constructs of Normalization Process Theory. 

Results: Across the three case study sites, addressing domestic abuse within families was of high strategic importance. Having a shared understanding of the practice approach, why they were working in this way, and how this differed from what came before it was important to enacting and embedding the approaches. Regular structured opportunities to come together in multi-agency networks of participation supported reciprocal learning and resulted in joint enterprise. The implementation of the innovative approach was further supported by practitioners from different services thinking together and acting together. 

Conclusions: A clear and shared understanding of the practice model, along with regular opportunities for multi-agency and multi-professional networks to ‘think together’ and ‘act together’ in meaningful ways is most likely to support the implementation, integration and embedding of the innovative approach.