Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe the organizational structure of elementary school-linked collaboratives. Methodology. The research methodology used was a multiple case study of five school-linked collaboratives. The study examined collaborative's organizational structure in terms of operation and roles within the subsystems at each site. The collaboratives in this study were fully operational. A protocol and an interview structure were designed for the study. The researcher visited each site, interviewed at least one key role player, recorded observations, and reviewed documentation and presentations. Findings. The study revealed many commonalities among the sites in terms of organizational structures. The mission of all the sites was to reorganize the delivery of services to better serve the needs of the members of the community and strengthen the family unit. The sites had similar demographics and all addressed the language and cultural diversity issues specific to their community. All the sites in the study provided basic physical health care, mental health counseling, social welfare services, and assisted with basic needs, such as clothing and food. The differences were in the extent of the services offered and whether they were available on site or on a referral basis. Additionally, the sites offered a variety of other resources to serve the needs of their communities. Conclusions. Each site built upon the strengths of the agencies in the collaborative and community. There is no one model for a collaborative service organizational structure. The process of creating and modifying the collaborative is vital to its success. Recommendations. Recommendations and/or implications from this research project for the organizational structure of school-linked social services were drawn. During the initial planning stages of a collaborative, consideration must be given to the legal obligation, especially in terms of risk management or insurance against claims, and a confidentiality agreement. Collaboratives may want to look at facilities with easy access to the school site. Assessment of the community is important. Cross training is needed for future social service workers both for colleges and universities and the ongoing training. Clarification of roles in collaboratives should be considered during the formation of new collaboratives.