Interorganizational Community-Based Collaboratives: A Strategic Response to Shape the Social Work Agenda

Abstract

Today, as in past decades, the United States is facing a resurgence of political emphasis on decentralizing government functions. Efforts aimed at block granting entitlement programs to reform the welfare system and other cost-cutting measures have caused this era to be labeled the “devolution revolution.” Interorganizational community-based collaboratives are one structural form that must be part of the social work agenda to respond to the devolution movement. Through collaboratives, social workers can enhance linkages among local agencies, consumers, and other community residents to amplify their voices in program and policy decisions. Using insights from the authors' longitudinal research, this article discusses the paradoxical nature of collaboratives and explores the eight components of these systems. Following this analysis, the authors recommend ways to enhance social work education and practice to ensure that social work professionals are at the forefront in responding to public policy challenges not only now, but also in the future.