Inter-agency collaboration in an international setting

The authors examine the issues and opportunities related to inter-agency collaboration on an international level. A framework for international cooperation between human service organizations is outlined, based on a policy research study oil the current cooperative efforts of child welfare agencies located on each side of the U.S.-Mexico border. Special concerns are addressed at four different levels of inter organizational cooperation: forming working relationships, structuring formal agreements, ensuring reciprocity, and establishing effective systems of information exchange. The unique problems associated with social work administration in an international context, including differences in social welfare systems and professional roles, are discussed.