Conflict in Systems of Care (SOC) for Children and Adolescents

SOCs require effective partnerships among service sectors with different missions and mandates. Consequently, conflict may occur. The purpose of our study was to determine the presence, nature and resolution of conflicts within federally funded SOC sites. Web and mail surveys yielded 208 responses from 43 sites. Major sources of conflict noted by at least 70% of respondents were: incompatible goals, scarce resources, overlapping authority, communication, decision making, relationships, and issues specifically related to the goals of SOC. Two-thirds of the respondents noted that signs of conflict were manifest during meetings of the governing board. The most common resolution strategies were: not acknowledging conflict, behind the scenes dealing, and developing strategies to address the conflict. To obtain a better understanding of conflict and its resolution, we are currently conducting concept mapping exercises in three sites. The resulting maps will be completed before the end of summer and discussed at our presentation.