An Exploratory Study of the Establishment of a Local Community System for Family-centered Case Management -Focused on the Application of a Healthy Families Center and a Multi-cultural Family Support Center-

가족중심 사례관리의 지역사회 체계구축을 위한 탐색적 연구 -건강가정지원센터와 다문화가족지원센터 적용을 중심으로-

  • 강기정 (백석대학교 기독교복지학과) ;
  • 박수선 (서원대학교 사회복지학과)
  • Received : 2013.07.01
  • Accepted : 2013.08.19
  • Published : 2013.08.31

Abstract

This aim in this study is to investigate the meaning of case management and management in general from the case manger's perspective, as well as case mangers' abilities and networks. We also propose a development direction for the establishment of a local integrated family-centered community management system. Regarding the collection of qualitative data, focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted with 11 case managers from social welfare organizations in the city of C. The interviews consisted of open-ended questions in the following four categories: understanding of case management, case managers' abilities, case management environments, and local community networks. According to the interview analysis, a total of 16 subcategories in 9 categories and 4 domains have been identified. Due to the ambiguity regarding the concept of case management, case management was completely dependent upon individual case managers' abilities. In particular, family-centered case management was found to exist in several organizations in the same region. In terms of case management environments, the following problems have been observed: absence of related departments and staff, confusion regarding performance evaluation standards, limitations in sharing information among organizations, limitations in resource exploration and management, redundant support, and an uncomfortable relationship between the private and public sector. Horizontal exchange and cooperation among organizations are essential to establish and facilitate a local community network. After all, to establish a local family-centered community case management system, the roles of a Healthy Families Center and a Multi-cultural Family Support Center as parts of a family-centered transfer system should be fully emphasized in local society, and the performance of family-centered case management should be developed.

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