Cohesion and Dissension in a Multi-Agency Family Service Team: A Qualitative Examination of Service Integration

Abstract

In this qualitative study we examined team cohesion during the formation and eventual disbandment of one community's multi-agency family service team. The evaluation revealed that team members were committed to the principle of integrated family services but held very disparate perspectives on the team's purpose and design. The resulting lack of cohesion contributed to the decision to disband the team. Results are used to describe the challenges of establishing a multi-agency team and to make recommendations for future practice.