Successful leadership in social work : leadership characteristics to accomplish a paradigm shift in services

The implementation of the Children\u27s Behavior Health Initiative (CBHI) as the U.S. Court ordered resolution of the landmark decision of the class action commonly known as Rosie D. v. Romney is an opportunity to examine a radical change to the delivery of mental health care for children and the construction of a whole new delivery system on a state-wide basis (Center for Public Representation, 2012). What were the leadership characteristics of and the key decisions made by those who successfully created Community Service Agencies (CSAs) to accomplish the delivery of such a paradigm shift in services? Executives, program directors/managers, and care coordinators from three highly successful CSAs, as determined by the Court Monitor, participated in face-to-face interviews regarding their experiences during the first three years of CBHI. All three CSAs and parent agencies had employed transformational leadership and establishment of learning organizations as leadership styles that are syntonic to social work. The degree to which agencies were able to support individual growth, autonomy, and career planning affected their ability to retain experienced care coordinators. All agencies identified difficulties in implementing workable business models in a fee-for-service funding structure and lack of flex funds as the most significant issues in providing excellent wraparound services