Intersectoral action has been recognized as a promising strategy to address complex societal issues, including social inequalities in child language development. A recent case study titled "Formalizing Local Intersectoral Practices: A Case Study of an Initiative Targeting Language Development" published in the Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (CJSLPA) sheds light on effective intersectoral practices that can guide speech-language pathologists and early childhood practitioners.
The study focused on a local initiative in Montreal aimed at promoting language development among preschool-aged Bengali children. The initiative involved a diverse network of social actors, including speech-language pathologists, community organizations, and academic researchers. By examining the critical events and outcomes of this initiative, the study identified three essential functions that contribute to successful intersectoral action: network setup and governance, representing and influencing, and aligning essential actors and resources.
Key Findings
- Network Setup and Governance: Building a robust network with individuals from various sectors was crucial. This included sharing knowledge and establishing rules for collaboration.
- Representing and Influencing: The network effectively communicated its goals and gained credibility by involving community members, which helped in influencing other stakeholders.
- Aligning Essential Actors and Resources: The initiative successfully mobilized resources and engaged key actors, including securing institutional commitments and funding.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can draw several lessons from this case study to improve their intersectoral practices:
- Build Diverse Networks: Engage individuals from various sectors, including health, education, and community organizations, to create a comprehensive approach to language development.
- Institutional Commitment: Secure commitments from institutions to allow professionals to participate in intersectoral work, which can bring specialized resources to community settings.
- Community Engagement: Involve community members in the planning and implementation of initiatives to ensure they are tailored to local needs and gain credibility.
By adopting these practices, speech-language pathologists and early childhood practitioners can enhance their efforts to promote language development and reduce social inequalities in their local communities.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Formalizing Local Intersectoral Practices: A Case Study of an Initiative Targeting Language Development.
