User outcomes and children's services reforms: ambiguity and conflict in the policy implementation process

Hudson, B. (2006) User outcomes and children's services reforms: ambiguity and conflict in the policy implementation process. Social Policy and Society, 5(2), pp. 227-236. (doi: 10.1017/S1474746405002915)

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Abstract

The reforms to children’s services in the UK brought in by the Every Child Matters Green Paper and the subsequent Children Act 2004 represent the most significant change in this area of social policy since 1948. The policy approach has two distinguishing features – an ‘outcomes led’ approach rooted in the views of children and young people about what constitutes ‘wellbeing’ in their lives, and a partnership approach that recognises these outcomes can only be achieved through high levels of inter-agency and inter-professional working. This article suggests that the two features may be in tension, and that during the process of implementation there is a danger that user defined outcomes will be re-interpreted to fit in with other organisational and professional agendas. The analysis draws upon Rick Matland’s framework for exploring the impact of conflict and ambiguity respectively upon the implementation process.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:UNSPECIFIED
Authors: Hudson, B.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
Journal Name:Social Policy and Society
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
ISSN:1474-7464
ISSN (Online):1475-3073
Published Online:26 April 2006

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