How Effective Public Managers Transform Separation of Powers into “Inseparable Powers” in United States Foster Care Administration Networks

Abstract

Results from a four state foster care administration field research study in the United States with over 55 key player interviews produced data on what particular networking practices public managers perform that contributes to foster care administration effectiveness.  One of these practices was the concept of inseparable powers, whereby the traditional checks and balances roles of the judicial, executive, and legislative branches are slightly altered in eras of state-level foster care administration effectiveness.  During a period of inseparable powers, effective public managers work across the state branch boundaries in the United States with partners from other branches to produce better foster care outcomes.