Implementing Systems Change: How Neuroscience Informs the Process and Lessons from the Field

Changing systems, practices and programs to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families requires a comprehensive approach anchored in an understanding of relationships and context for individuals, organizations, and political, economic and social environments.

Implementing Systems Change: How Neuroscience Informs the Process and Lessons from the Field describes five key elements critical for sustainable systems change: (1) shared vision and values; (2) leadership commitment; (3) awareness of the environmental context; (4) involvement of key stakeholders; and (5) building the capacity of staff and infrastructure of organizations. The brief discusses how individual responses within the brain influence human interactions and affect systems change. Two examples of state efforts to reform child abuse prevention programs are explored in relation to the five key elements in the change process.

This brief was developed by AIR system change experts with support from The FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community Based Child Abuse Prevention.