SERVICE INTEGRATION - SOMETHING OLD AND SOMETHING NEW

The authors trace the definition and challenges of ''service integrati on,'' variously known over time as ''collaboration,'' ''coordination,' ' ''human services integration,'' and ''one-stop shopping.'' While the common use of service integration terminology currently may seem to i ndicate a consensus in favor of a broad systemic reform, motivations a nd expectations for service integration differ significantly among dif ferent players in the service system. The authors conclude that servic e integration cannot be defined by a particular service model or outco me, but instead should be conceived of as an ongoing reform process. T his process, when well-designed and implemented with long-term vision, can reduce duplication, strengthen communities, and improve client ou tcomes.