Community Context and Implementation of Systems of Care

Abstract

How are characteristics of communities associated with the degree to which systems of care (SOC) are implemented within them? This study uses multiple regression with a stratified random sample (n=225) of U.S. counties to explore predictors of three implementation factors of the System of Care Implementation Survey (SOCIS). A model composed of community predictors accounted for at least 12 percent of the variation in: (1) Family Choice and Voice, (2) Outreach and Access to Care, and (3) Interagency and Cross-Sector Collaboration. Significant predictors varied between factors, though rurality tended to be negatively associated with SOC implementation, while residential stability tended to have positive associations. Surprisingly, availability of a community health center was not significantly related to any factor. Given the limitations of the study, results should be interpreted with caution. Further research is needed to clarify these relationships which could inform intervention and assistance efforts directed at promoting SOCs.