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Inter - program Coordination <br />Facilitator: Ned Brooks <br />Strengths of the current network: <br />Existing provider coordination. <br />Dedication and commitment to human services, and to <br />coordination by service providers and policy makers. <br />Strong volunteer base. <br />Good array of services. <br />Established protocols for client contact and investigation <br />(such as with child abuse cases). <br />Weaknesses of the current network: Direct service workers <br />experience some frustration when <br />coordinating with other agencies. <br />Direct service workers don't fully understand the goals of <br />other programs. <br />Information does not always filter down to workers from <br />directors, policy- makers, board members. <br />Funding constraints limit efforts to coordinate. <br />Confidentiality requirements limit coordination. <br />Programs may not interact effectively to deal with non- <br />routine client contacts,or situations. <br />It is difficult to train,new employees about the whole human <br />service network. <br />Programs change constantly; it is difficult to distribute <br />the new information comprehensively and in a <br />timely manner. <br />Lack of a common data base. <br />Lack of a transportation system. <br />Insufficient communication outside the human service <br />network. <br />Lack of coordination between professionals and volunteers. <br />Characteristics of a good system: <br />Staff should be knowledgeable about the system. <br />Services should be independent of fluctuations in funding. <br />There should be a consensus among providers, clients, <br />citizens, policy- makers, and funders that human services be <br />adequately supported. (The Human Services <br />Coordinating Council should adopt this objective.) <br />Community -based task force to develop a consensus about <br />a Vision. <br />Market human service issues in an interesting, attractive <br />way. <br />Provide public education about why there is a need. <br />The system should recognize competing values and components <br />of the stakeholders. <br />Continue working on a common vision to develop a unity of <br />thought. <br />Share a needs assessment process. <br />The system should be centralized and humanized. <br />Allow flexibility for individual needs. <br />VA <br />