Determining success in interagency collaboration: An evaluation of processes and behaviors

Abstract

The importance of interagency coordination and collaboration has been underscored by the requirements of Part H of Public Law 99-457. Early intervention services for at-risk or disabled infants and toddlers and their families must be transagency in nature, coordinated, and collaborative. This study describes the results of a three-year evaluation of a project designed to increase interagency collaboration. The results suggest that the following five dimensions of behavior are critical to successful collaborations: (1) developing new ways to meet community needs, (2) communicating, (3) networking and increasing awareness, (4) being responsive, and (5) neutralizing territory issues. The article presents a method for identifying specific dimensions of behavior and process that result in effective collaborative efforts and provides suggestions for implementing these recommendations.