Perceptions about the Implementation of a Statewide Service Coordination Program for Young Children: Importance of Organized Context

Abstract

Care coordination is an efficient mechanism for improving access to appropriate health and human services for diverse populations. Although many models have been formulated, there are little empirical data about the impact of organizational context on the implementation of care coordination. Child service coordinators (CSCs), employed by different agencies providing service coordination under a large statewide program for young children at risk and their families, were surveyed. Significant differences between service coordinators working in public health and those working in early intervention programs emerged in job description and caseload size, communication with CSCs in other agencies, tracking, completion of required reports, and training and continuing education needs. We discuss the implications of these differences for planning service coordination systems.