De-Implementation Science As Abolition Praxis: Opportunities and Obligations to De-Implement Ineffective and Oppressive Programs, Practices, and Policies in Social Services

Trends in racial and socioeconomic inequities in United States social service outcomes reveal persistent disparities across domains (e.g., education, healthcare, and employment), rooted in historical, structural, and systemic biases and discriminatory processes. These disparities exist among people involved in practically every social service system, including in the criminal and juvenile legal systems (otherwise known as criminal and juvenile justice) and the family policing system (otherwise known as child welfare). Efforts to address these systemic issues thus require targeted strategies to promote equity and effectiveness. One potential strategy is de-implementation, a method developed from implementation science in healthcare (Prasad & Ioannidis, 2014) and a planned process of abolishing ineffective, inefficient, and harmful programs, practices, and policies that create and sustain oppression.

This workshop critically explores the concept of 'de-implementation' in social service settings, aiming to prompt social workers to consider how to dismantle ineffective, inefficient, and/or harmful programs, practices, and policies. Drawing on pre-existing de-implementation literature, we discuss definitions and parameters relevant to social services, both in practice and research. We will also provide evidence-based examples from our areas of research and practice, as a basis for further exploratory discussion of which specific programs, practices, and policies should be prioritized for de-implementation, why they have not already been de-implemented despite documented ineffectiveness, inefficiency, and/or harm, and what next steps may be for social service leaders, practitioners, and scholars in social work and adjacent fields.

To support this dialogue, we compare and apply published de-implementation models that capture recommended stages of the de-implementation process. We also discuss common roadblocks to de-implementation based on our practitioner-scholar exposure to social service programs, practices, and policies, and the institutional leadership and culture that continues to support them. Additionally, we apply a critical lens to a discussion of how de-implementation is an evidence-informed, ethically-implicated, necessary, and realizable set of next steps toward both the transformation and abolition of social services that disproportionately harm oppressed individuals, families, and communities.

Through interactive discussions, case studies, and group activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the concept of de-implementation and its relevance to social service settings. They will explore practical strategies for identifying and prioritizing programs, practices, and policies for de-implementation, as well as overcoming common barriers to change. Furthermore, participants will consider the ethical implications of de-implementation and its potential to promote social justice and equity within the social service sector.

Overall, this workshop aims to empower social service scholars, leaders, and practitioners to critically assess existing programs, practices, and policies, and to take meaningful action towards de-implementing those that perpetuate harm and injustice. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we can work towards more just and equitable social service systems that prioritize the well-being and dignity of all individuals and communities.