NCJ Number
151325
Date Published
1991
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This guide uses a question-and-answer format to help State and local policymakers consider how best to foster local collaboration that benefits children and families.
Abstract
The first chapter answers questions about the definition and purpose of collaboration. The questions and answers pertain to what is meant by collaboration, the problems collaboration is designed to solve, the organizational level at which collaboration should occur, and how to know if collaboration is happening and working. The second chapter contains questions and answers that pertain to State roles and strategies in fostering local collaboration. Topics discussed include factors that limit the success of interagency groups, State actions that improve first-generation approaches, challenges to fostering local collaboration, and steps that can meet challenges to successful collaboration. Chapter Three explores additional issues, including the role of the private sector, possible negative consequences of collaboration, and collaboration's role in the overall context of improving child outcomes. The conclusion summarizes the critical observations made in addressing the questions in the other chapters. Checklists are provided to help policymakers assess key issues in establishing interagency initiatives, demonstration projects, and statewide reforms. Resources that offer additional insights on collaboration and provide examples of exemplary initiatives are referenced in the appendixes.