Premium
A Multilevel Framework for Effective Interagency Collaboration in Mental Health
Author(s) -
Shepherd Nicole,
Meehan Thomas J.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
australian journal of public administration
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1467-8500
pISSN - 0313-6647
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-8500.2012.00791.x
Subject(s) - agency (philosophy) , mental health , service (business) , mental illness , business , component (thermodynamics) , public relations , service provider , key (lock) , process management , psychology , political science , computer science , sociology , computer security , marketing , psychiatry , social science , physics , thermodynamics
The difficulty of coordinating service provision in interagency programs is a challenge for many working in public policy. We reflect on lessons learned through evaluating two inter‐agency supported housing programs for people with mental illness and propose a framework outlining components needed for well co‐ordinated service provision. We specify collaborative mechanisms at the policy, agency, service and client level. The key component is the role of an ‘integration coordinator': a person who is able to facilitate relationships and ensure effective information flows. Relationships need to be actively maintained to meet the inevitable challenges that will arise in complex interagency systems. The framework is relevant to policymakers across the public sector, including mental health, drug and alcohol, aged care, and policing .