The networks and resource exchanges in community-based systems of care

Despite several decades of government efforts, systems of service delivery to populations with multiple problems remain fragmented and poorly organized. Since the delivery of services to persons with multiple problems often requires the coordinated efforts of several providers in different delivery sectors, the authors argue that a network perspective helps policy-makers and public administrators understand the patterning of relationships between and among these providers. Using an analysis of service delivery systems for older persons in a major urban setting, the authors show how policy-makers and public administrators can use network methods to improve their understanding of the complexity of most human service delivery programs, Findings from this study suggest that, through a focus on the exchange patterns that evolve within and between organizations, an improved understanding of the roles that different organizations play in the service delivery effort can be achieved.