Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe the perceived effects that the delivery of social services by collaboratives linked to elementary schools had on school site resources in terms of facilities, funding, personnel, and time. A secondary purpose was to describe the perceived benefits and challenges related to collaborative services at the school. A third purpose was to describe the ways personnel at the school sites overcame the challenges in order to maximize the benefits. A final purpose was to elicit recommendations for the future success of collaborative school-linked service delivery. Methodology. The study used descriptive case study research. The sample was seven school sites with collaborative school-linked services. Principals and other key stakeholders at the schools were interviewed. The instrument used for the study was a questionnaire. The data were presented in table and narrative format. Findings. Collaborative school-linked services vary from site to site depending on facility space, funding, available personnel, and time. Sustaining funding to support ongoing school-linked services drives stakeholders to continually search for grants, donations, and district support. Principals spend considerable time with collaborative meetings, fund raising, and communication to maintain strong collaborative links believing the benefits of school-linked services are worth the expenditure of time and energy. All interviewees demonstrate energy and passion as they advocate for services to enhance the lives of students and their families. School personnel as well as parents are empowered by the collaborative process. Stakeholders perceive that collaborative school-linked services support student learning and are "a better way to do business." Implications. In order to sustain the benefits of collaborative school-linked services, adequate facilities and staff must be maintained. Principals need to understand the new roles and skills necessary to provide strong leadership in implementing school-linked services. Communication between all stakeholders must be maintained in order to develop deeper understandings of the collaborative process and to enhance cooperative working relationships. Policymakers should consider creating noncompetitive funding allowances to support the expanded roles of schools in minimizing the diverse "social stressors" that effect students' abilities to achieve optimal academic success.