The strategy cannot succeed without full participation-it must be a group effort. Clearly, these changes will not be easy to implement. Youth-service providers will have to overcome perceived threats to autonomy, individual interests of boards and staff members, and potential culture clashes. Many providers fear collaboration will reveal funding sources and other proprietary information. The challenge is to look at collaboration as an opportunity to leverage provider abilities to achieve unique goals.
Improved communication leads to success.
The Current Commission should be reorganized to empower, fund and implement a countywide collaborative process that includes all youth-service providers. The reorganized Commission s task would be to encourage effective service delivery through coordinated partnerships. It would not provide long-term direct services. Develop a strategic plan for serving area youth. A comprehensive, collaborative, long-term, Blue Print for Youth Services should build on the KPMG report.