Creating Systems-Level Change to Better Support Expectant and Parenting Young People: A Case Study
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Creating Systems‑Level Change to Better Support Expectant and Parenting Young People: A Case Study Amanda Purington1 · Erica Stupp2 · Divine Sebuharara3,4 · Brian Maley3 · Sara Birnel Henderson3,5 · Jane Powers3 Published online: 5 September 2020 © The Author(s) 2020
Abstract Introduction Expectant and parenting young people (young parents) require diverse services to support their health, educational success, and family functioning. Rarely can the needs of young parents be met by a single school or service provider. This case study examines how one large school district funded through the pathways to success initiative was able to facilitate systems change to increase young parents’ access to and use of supportive services. Methods Data sources include a needs and resources assessment, quarterly reports documenting grantee effort, sustainability plans, social network analysis, and capstone interviews. All data sources were systematically reviewed to identify the existing context prior to the start of the initiative, the changes that resulted from the initiative, and efforts that could potentially be maintained beyond the grant period. Results The community context prior to Pathways implementation was one of disconnected services and missed opportunities. The full-time program coordinator hired by the district focused on systems-level change and facilitated connections between organizations. This greater connectivity contributed to increased collaboration with the goal of producing lasting benefits for young parents. Discussion Promoting sustainable connections and collaboration at the systems level can help dismantle barriers to service access and benefit young parents. Keywords Case study · Systems-building approach · Collaboration · Young parents · School-based
Significance To bring about broader, sustainable population impact, increased focus has been placed on systems-level interventions, which aim to impact how different services and resources interact to achieve common goals. This article * Amanda Purington [email protected] 1
Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Cornell University, 35 Thornwood Drive Suite 200, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
2
Bureau of Women, Infant & Adolescent Health, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
3
Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
4
Present Address: State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, USA
5
Present Address: Planned Parenthood Federation of America, New York, NY, USA
presents a case study of a systems-level change approach implemented within a school district collaborating with partners to better support expectant and parenting students to achieve their academic and parenting goals. The lessons presented could inform other communities seeking to improve collaboration among service providers as well as young parents’ access to and utilization of services.
Introduction Expectant and parenting young people (young parents) and their children are at risk for poor
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