DEFINITION
System Integration is the development of long-term structural linkages among different sectors of the human services system as a whole. All layers of the system (agencies, organizations, clinics, and institutions for policy-making and provider training) and all components of the system, regardless of their size or complexity, must interact. System integration must incorporate comprehensive local planning; comprehensive screening, assessments, referral arrangements and managed care strategies. System Integration includes the idea of “No Wrong Door,” in which individuals are assessed and directed to the appropriate system(s), regardless of the system to which they initially present. System Integration focuses on reorganizing the framework within which agencies and programs operate.
Examples of Indicators:
- Memorandum of Understanding between organizations that represent different systems of service.
- Create coalitions to develop relationships with agencies from different systems to become familiar with what others offer.
- Creation or acquisition of funding streams from different systems of care.
- Provider awareness of the available funding streams for individuals in need.
- Advocacy for legislation which requires System Integration.
Assessments:
- Community Readiness Model: An innovative method for assessing the level of readiness of a community to develop and implement prevention programming; can be used as both a research tool to assess levels of readiness across a group of communities or as a tool to guide prevention efforts at the individual community level; typically 6-10 key respondent interviews are conducted, with each respondent answering a set of 20-36 questions.