The role of risk-sharing arrangements

This paper addresses a variety of issues related to risk in a child and family service system of care that uses managed care techniques. A strong emphasis is placed on sharing rather than shifting risk. How to optimize or balance competing interests is still an imprecise art, but most would agree that successful implementation of a comprehensive service system for children and families will depend in large part on identifying potentially competing interests and realigning them so that all parties share the same interests. Too much risk can paralyze; too little risk can limit creativity, resourcefulness, and industry.