Using community organizing to build a system of care: A mixed methods evaluation

The purpose of this study was to utilize mixed methods to evaluate the initial implementation of a system of care (SOC) developed and implemented from a community organizing framework. Surveys were conducted with partners (navigators, community partners, parents) to examine changes pre- and post-implementation of the SOC. Surveys assessed care coordination, effectiveness of communication across organizations, quality of services and relationships, barriers, health-related stressors, and distrust. Surveys were conducted at baseline and follow-up approximately 1 year later. At baseline, 160 parents and 40 community partners completed surveys. At follow-up, 125 parents and 33 community partners participated. Qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with participating community-based organization staff (n = 10), community navigators (n = 13), school staff (n = 10), and recipients of services (n = 13). Parent surveys suggested promising improvements in care coordination, communication, and quality of services. These results were supported by qualitative themes describing increased communication, care coordination, relationships, and access to services driven by community navigators. Despite these encouraging findings, surveys completed by community partners did not reveal significant changes. Findings must also be understood within the context of COVID-19.