August 25, 2009

Cross-System Dialogue: An Effective Strategy to Promote Communication between the Domestic Violence Community, Child Welfare System, and the Courts

This brief discusses barriers in collaboration and communication, the emergence of the cross-system dialogue, and the role of process in cross-system dialogue. The three steps of the cross-system dialogue are then explained, and include: select a facilitator, hold a facilitated meeting to allow selected system representatives to share their perspective on the identified issue, and discuss recommendations, prioritize, and create a plan of action. Finally, criteria for determining if cross-system dialogue will benefit a community are provided.