Exploring the Links between Community Health Services and Non-Government Organisations in Two Regions of South Australia

Abstract

This paper describes the links between community health services and non-government organisations in two regions of South Australia, and the factors impacting on these collaborative ventures. Changes in the organisation and funding of human services have created both opportunities and challenges for community health services and non-government organisations, as distinct entities and in relationship with one another. This study confirms that there are primary promoters of, and requisites for, effective collaboration, such as shared client group, similar values and approaches, and capacity at individual and organisational levels. Time and resource constraints are revealed as the most significant barriers to collaboration. Government policy and practice have a powerful influence on collaboration between community health services and non-government organisations. Government policy directions and models of funding may act to support or inhibit collaboration and the effects of these should be evaluated in terms of their impact on the capacity of organisations to work together to provide integrated and coordinated care.