System Of Care Development Research Brief: Examining Implementation of Strategic Plans across New York State

Authors

Center for Human Services Research, University at Albany

Document Type

Research Brief

Publication Date

2020

Abstract

This research brief focuses on the role of a strategic plan as a first step towards facilitating System of Care (SOC) development and implementation across New York State (NYS). A strategic plan is described as “the blueprint for expanding the system of care approach” (Dodge, 2014) and is therefore critical to implementing an SOC that comprehensively and holistically serves children and youth in the community. Due to the statewide focus on coordinated care and cross-systems collaboration, one would expect most NYS counties to have a plan in place. However, developing and using a strategic plan can be difficult, especially in the absence of external funding, staff time, and/or targeted guidance. One way such resources may be available is through a connection to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) System of Care expansion grant (SOC grant), either through receiving a grant directly or connecting with NYS SOC (the state level SOC grant). Thus, counties with access to an SOC grant would be expected to have more developed strategic plans compared to counties without this resource.

The following brief examines the extent to which NYS counties have implemented a strategic plan and the importance of the strategic plan in overall SOC implementation. It will also discuss whether strategic plan implementation remains an area of need for NYS counties. Finally, it will examine whether counties without access to an SOC grant, who likely have fewer resources, have less developed strategic plans. Results are intended to identify where to target future strategic plan development efforts.

Recommended Citation

Center for Human Services Research, University at Albany, "System Of Care Development Research Brief: Examining Implementation of Strategic Plans across New York State" (2020). Behavioral Health Services Reports and Research Briefs. 3.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/chsr-bhs-reports-and-briefs/3