Collaboration, Commitment, and Conflict: Implementation of an Innovative, Interagency Domestic Violence Program

The 1990s saw the United States government begin initiatives to align local government domestic violence policies with federal policy priorities through grants-in-aid to local programs. This analysis considers whether a federally funded, coordinated, inter-jurisdictional, public-private community response to domestic violence can be implemented effectively by local government and private agency decision-makers. Assessment using implementation, systems, contingency, organizational culture, and federalism theories determined all program goals were achieved as originally crafted, except one in modified form. Program outcomes were fostered by leaders? commitment to programmatic success, experience administering grant funded programs, and a collaborative community culture. In a fluctuating environment community organizing efforts can conquer political considerations to effectively address criminalized social problems and other multi-faceted issues. This book provides original insights into multi-disciplinary program initiatives for those interested in community organizing, program evaluation, grant funded initiatives, and the influence of practitioner outlooks on organizational culture.