Skills for Developing and Maintaining Community-Partnerships for Dissemination and Implementation Research in Children's Behavioral Health: Implications for Research Infrastructure and Training of Early Career Investigators

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2020 Mar;47(2):227-243. doi: 10.1007/s10488-019-00930-5.

Abstract

By engaging with community partners, dissemination and implementation scholars can enhance research relevance and translation. We illustrate the skills needed for developing and maintaining community partnerships by presenting two case studies of partnerships between early-career investigators and child welfare systems to implement mental health interventions. The cases represent two models of partnership (investigator-led and agency-led), highlighting the value and difficulty of conducting community-engaged implementation research. The experiences described feature strategies for building and managing relationships, navigating rules and regulations, adaptation, and securing resources. We offer suggestions for improving training and research infrastructures to support community-engaged implementation scholars.

Keywords: Child welfare; Children’s mental health; Community partnerships; Implementation research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Capacity Building / organization & administration*
  • Child
  • Child Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Communication
  • Community Participation / methods*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Family Relations
  • Humans
  • Implementation Science*
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Organizational Case Studies