A Relational Goal-Oriented Model of Optimal Service Delivery to Children and Families

This article presents a Relational Goal-Oriented Model of Service Delivery to Children with physical or mental health difficulties and their families. This research-informed and practice-relevant model provides a broad understanding of what effective service provision entails and requires from practitioners and service organizations. The model provides a framework by which to improve the design and delivery of services. It highlights the importance of six major elements of quality care and management: overarching goals; desired outcomes; fundamental needs; relational processes; approaches, worldviews, and priorities; and strategies by which to bring about desired outcomes. The model emphasizes the fundamental role of client-practitioner and practitioner-organization relationships and goal-related aspects of practice. Implications for research to improve our understanding of the psychosocial aspects of human service delivery are discussed, as well as implications for managerial and clinical practice.