Integrating Services for Young Children and their Families
Policy Brief No. 17 explores the rationale behind integrating services, what is known about their effectiveness, and the implications for policy makers and practitioners. It concludes with the following considerations for policy and programs:
- Given the lack of clarity regarding what integration involves at both the system and teamwork levels, a clear national vision of service integration should be developed and promoted to all services and staff.
- To ensure successful collaboration and service integration, support must be provided, both during the establishment phase and ongoing; this could be through the establishment of a dedicated service integration support unit or use of dedicated advisory, training and other support services.
- Given the key role of leadership in effective service integration, ways of identifying, training and supporting leaders should be explored.
- The move to integrated service delivery will alter the way that early childhood professionals work with each other and organise their practice. Support should be given for the development of new procedures for entry into the service system, identification of needs, and interdisciplinary service delivery.
- Since much of the research evidence reviewed above is indicative rather than conclusive, a significant investment in more rigorous research and evaluation is warranted. This should focus on identifying key practices and policies that promote effective service integration and better outcomes for young children and their families. These efforts could be supported through the establishment of a partnership with university-based researchers.