Facilitators and barriers for co‐ordinated multi‐agency services

Abstract

Existing research provides useful information for organizations developing multi-agency services. However, there is a need for methodologically sound research which investigates the outcomes of different models of multi-agency working in services for children, includes assessment of cost effectiveness, and explores the ways in which the factors identified as facilitating multi-agency working relate to outcomes.

Child Friendly Justice: International Obligations and the Challenges of Interagency Collaboration

“…It is well established in research how lack of knowledge of each other's values and roles and the competing interests of different professions is likely to hinder effective collaboration (Sloper 2004), as well as how shared views and integrated knowledge and working methods provide a necessary foundation for a successful multiagency collaboration (White and Featherstone 2005).…”

Facilitating Integrated Service Delivery via Networking Forums: Lessons From a Case Study

“…The initial manifestation of integrated service delivery amongst social service agencies that worked within the Nelmapius community was evident at the level of collaboration, which according to Sloper (2004) is an advanced form of integration. Collaboration is evidenced when organisations share information and other resources as they work together to enhance service users' experiences.…”

“…For example, a person suffering from a mental health-related problem will most likely make use of heath care services as well, and so having such services clustered saves the person time and money. On the other hand, collocation may lead to increased effectiveness and efficiency amongst the agencies involved as they are more likely to collaborate given that the distance barrier will be out of the way (Sloper, 2004).…”

“…According to Sloper (2004), collaboration is more advanced form of integration than collocation. "It refers to agencies working together through information sharing and training, and creating a network of agencies to improve service user experience.…”

Social work: a profession in flux

“…The term 'transdisciplinary' working has also emerged to describe joint working, in partnership with people who use services (Sloper 2004). …”