1. FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community Based Child Abuse Prevention A Service of the Childrens Bureau Keys to Collaboration Julie Collins MSW, LCSW Region IV CWCI Meeting Charleston, SC February 19-21, 2007

2. What we will cover: Purpose of this presentation Where you have come Definition of Collaboration What it takes Assessing your collaboration Preparation for break out groups Feedback Wrap up

3. Purpose: Requirements for collaboration Work already going on as a result of CWCI Feedback that there is a need for more info about sustaining collaboration Assess process of the collaboration as a way of identifying strengths and areas to focus further work to sustain it Review of what has been found Planning for moving the collaboration forward

4. Collaboration Continuum: Networking –Exchanging information for mutual benefit Cooperation –Exchanging information and altering activities for mutual benefit and common purpose Coordination –Exchanging information, altering activities, and sharing resources for mutual benefit and a common purpose Collaboration –Exchanging information, altering activities, and sharing resources, and enhancing each others capacity for mutual benefit and a common purpose Adapted from PCA presentation for FRIENDS

5. Collaboration Continuum Co-exist Compete Communicate Coordinate Cooperate Collaborate Collaboration Continuum

6. Definition of Collaboration: Collaboration is a mutually beneficial and well-defined relationship entered into by two or more organizations to achieve common goals. The relationship includes a commitment to mutual relationships and goals; a jointly developed structure and shared responsibility; mutual authority and accountability for success; and sharing of resources and rewards. Title II of CAPTA, reauthorized in June 2003

7. Definition of Collaboration It is a mutually beneficial relationship between two or more parties to achieve common goals. The relationship includes a commitment to mutual relationship goals; a jointly developed structure and shared responsibility; mutual authority and accountability for success; and sharing of resources and rewards. (Collaboration: What Makes it Work, 2 nd ed. 2001, p.4)

8. Collaboration Basics The beginning of togetherness Build and maintain trust so collaborative partners are able to share information, perceptions and feedback and work as a cohesive team. Find common ground and commit to shared vision Agree on core values to guide collaborative work Enlist support and involvement of key partners including community members and service participants Understand how each service system works and roles/responsibilities of your partners Develop a common language

9. Collaboration Basics The beginning of togetherness Respect the knowledge and experience each person brings Honor all voices and address the issues they raise Assume best intentions of all partners Agree to recognize strengths, accept limitations and address needs Agree to share decision making, risk taking and accountability Establish method and entity to formalize ongoing collaboration

10. Collaboration Basics The business of togetherness Developing the work plan Leadership – selecting a valued champion – convener, catalyst, facilitator and shepherd Roles and Responsibilities – Delineating and Codifying through Memoranda of Agreements or Understanding (MOA/MOU) and Protocols Policy changes – legislative, regulatory, procedural Resources needs - $, staff, training, admin costs, etc.

11. Collaboration Basics The business of togetherness Developing the work plan (cont.) Model development and strategies for implementation Action steps, timelines and measurable goals Decision making, problem solving and conflict resolution Information sharing and confidentiality

12. Collaboration Basics The business of togetherness Developing the work plan (cont.) Track, document and evaluate results Make mid-course corrections as warranted Nurture commitment and ability of all to carry out the work Build capacity while implementing (if possible) Celebrate each and every success

13. Collaboration Basics The challenges of togetherness Reforms are inherently very difficult Takes time – –to develop relationships and trust –to design, implement, refine and stick Turf issues are continuously revisited Results determine viability Sustainability is contingent on $ and leadership Change in political winds is always disruptive

14. Lessons Learned for What Works Relationships and trust are key to making it work –This is what gets you through the rough spots and the tough conversations –Facilitator or neutral person can help with this Leadership –At all levels Shared vision –To get at interpersonal and turf issues

15. Lessons Learned for What Works Be result focused –Make sure it is win-win for everyone Role of family –Help maintain the focus and will become strong advocates for what is created Training –Needs to be ongoing Funding –Not just about the money –Many partners have resources that could be helpful as well as many great ideas and energy

16. Handout Cooperation, Coordination, Collaboration

17. ENVIRONMENT A. History of collaboration or cooperation in the community B.Collaborative group seen as a legitimate leader in the community C.Favorable political and social climate.

18. MEMBERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS A. Mutual respect, understanding and trust B. Appropriate cross section of members C.Members see collaboration as in their self-interest D. Ability to compromise

19. PROCESS AND STRUCTURE A. Members share a stake in both process and outcome B. Multiple layers of participation C. Flexibility D. Development of clear roles and policy guidelines E. Adaptability F. Appropriate pace of development

20. COMMUNICATION A. Open and frequent communication B. Established informal relationships and communication links

21. PURPOSE A. Concrete, attainable goals and objectives B. Shared vision C. Unique purpose

22. RESOURCES A. Sufficient funds, staff, materials and time. B. Skilled leadership

23. Instructions Read each item Circle the number that indicates how much you agree or disagree with each item Do not skip any items (if you do not know, select 3) Do not pick between numbers, pick the lower of the two if you cannot decide. Complete individually, then compile your states scores for each factor.

24. Scoring your group Add together all the ratings for the items related to each factor Divide by the total number of ratings for those items. This will yield an average score for each factor. You should end up with 20 numbers ranging on a scale from 1 to 5.

25. Interpreting your scores Scores of 4.0 or higher show a strength and dont need special attention Scores from 3.0 to 3.9 are borderline and should be discussed by the group to see if they deserve attention Scores of 2.9 or lower reveal a concern and should be addressed.

26. Julie Collins, FRIENDS NRC for CBCAP, 703-412-2411, jcollins@cwla.orgjcollins@cwla.org Alicia Luckie, FRIENDS T/TA Coordinator, 334-567-3291, APLUCKIE@elmore.rr.com APLUCKIE@elmore.rr.com Theresa Costello, Director NRCCPS, 505-345, 2444, tcostello@earthlink.nettcostello@earthlink.net www.friendsnrc.org www.nrccps.org Contact Information: