Between cooperation and parallel action – the effectiveness of social services collaboration in the child and family support system

The chapter analyzes the effectiveness of cooperation between social services in the child and family support system in Poland, emphasizing the need for integrated actions in the face of complex problems such as poverty, domestic violence, educational crises, and mental illness. The aim of the study is to examine to what extent cooperation among institutions – including social welfare centres, schools, counselling services, healthcare, family courts, and non-governmental organizations – enables the creation of holistic support, and when it is limited to uncoordinated parallel actions. The chapter presents theoretical models of cooperation (informational, coordinative, partnership-based, integrated, case management, and network models) and discusses the conditions for its effectiveness, such as trust, clear division of competences, communication, formalized procedures, and the role of a coordinator. It also identifies barriers resulting from a lack of coordination, which lead to chaos, duplication of procedures, and overburdening of families. Furthermore, the study aims to identify good practices and obstacles to effective collaboration, as well as to point out systemic solutions, including the role of social services centres as institutions enhancing the coherence and effectiveness of support.