1	The “POWER” of Interagency Agreements Nancylynn Ward-Bridges, Ph.D. Candidate Annette Reichman, Chief, DCDB, RSA April 10, 2003
2	INTERAGENCY AGREEMENTS As Mandated by Federal Law Congressional authority for entering into interagency agreements is granted by the Economy act of 1932 as amended (31 USC 686). This act allows any Federal agency to contract with another Federal agency to contract with and recover all or part of cost incurred of the contractor agencies surveyed which contains allowance for providing information to consumers upon request.
3	Current Legislation: Encourages use of Interagency Agreements Strengthens the need and drive for collaboration as promoted by Interagency agreements: ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) of 1990 WIA (Workforce Investment Act) of 1998 The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) – Reauthorization of 1997
4	The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 As amended in 1998 to the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 101, (a)(8)(B) ) which calls for development of interagency agreements in EVERY state State plan shall specify agency financial responsibility, conditions, terms, procedures of reimbursement, procedures of solving interagency disputes, coordination of services.
5	1998 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act Specifically States . . . …”vocational rehabilitation program and other appropriate agencies, will ensure that an interagency agreement or other mechanism for interagency coordination takes effect between any appropriate public entity, including the state entity responsibility for administering [programs] in order to ensure the provision of VR services as described in subparagraph (A)(5)(D) and (paragraphs 1-4, 14) of section 103 (a) that includes individualized plan for employment….”
6	Examples of what Interagency Agreements should include (rehabilitation) Agency(ies) financial responsibilities Conditions, terms, procedures of reimbursement Resolution of interagency agreement disputes Coordination of services procedures Responsibilities of other public entities Responsibilities under other laws Reimbursement Methods of service provision(s)
7	Rationale for Interagency Agreements Emphasis is on COLLABORATION between agencies in an effort to cut down on duplication in services, waste and promotes effective and efficient resource management practices Agencies (Local, State, Federal as well as Non-profits) are expected to improve coordination of services, maximize resources, increase effectiveness of employment and transition efforts.
8	Types of Interagency Agreements? Three Types Highly formalized documents Can be an informal agreement also known as Memorandum of Understanding (MOU’s) Informal, verbal agreements
9	What are Interagency Agreements? Documents designed to promote successful inclusionary experiences for all parties involved in process Agreements incorporate policies and practices of agencies working together to provide a service Provides procedural guidelines in service provision
10	WHO uses Interagency Agreements? All agencies/individuals who understand the Power of collaboration. Educational Agencies, Institutions or Programs Vocational Rehabilitation Human Services (drug rehabilitation, juvenile services, welfare, job placement services, etc.) Non Profits
11	How are Interagency Agreements to be used? They are to be used in a way that will help agencies look at: Outcomes, Accountability, and Investment, for the consumer using the services or services provided for the common good
12	Interagency Agreements Objective: Promotes action that directly or indirectly improves personal outcomes for those services and promotes systematic changes and approach in how service delivery is to be provided in Human services and Educational programs.
13	Recipe for Interagency Agreements Logistics and support issues should be addressed Specifications, as much as possible, in how services will be provided Develop a plan of action in how problems, whenever they arise, will be addressed
14	Items to consider when developing Interagency Agreements 5 points External Environment Assessment Internal Environment Assessment SWOT Analysis Agency/Agencies’ commitment Individual commitment
15	External Environment Assessment Things to consider Types of Allies outside of your organization External current conditions that influences quality and quantity of work and have impact on agency’s success Collaboration opportunities and with whom Funding trends Political climate Organizational structures
16	Internal Environment Assessment Areas to consider Current conditions that impacts successful collaboration opportunities Identify things your organization does well or does not do well Administrative support for collaboration Personnel resources Agencies’ policies and procedures Type of allies existing within the organization
17	SWOT Analysis A Critical Exercise!! SWOT is an Acronym for: Strengths Weaknesses Opportunity Threats
18	Developing Agencies’ Action Plan Agency’s commitment to Provision of coordinated and integrated services Recognizing, preventing or circumventing barriers that may interfere with implementation of collaboration relationship(s) Consider proactive measures to lessen negative influences
19	Developing Individual’s Action Plan Individual’s commitment Type of actions you, as a professional, are willing to take to provide more integrated and coordinated approach to service delivery systems/programs Your allies in this vision
20	Questions to ask when developing Interagency agreements: 4 questions: What is the purpose of collaboration?? Who are your allies?? Who OWNS the agreement?? Will this Agreement lead to Action??
21	Question 1: What is the purpose of Collaboration? An event that creates a need for a collaborative relationship with an external agency Experimental in nature Ensures a continuation of activity or relationship between parties involved Promotes or provides a rationale for systematic change
22	Question 2: WHO are your ALLIES? Internal Allies: Who would be supporters/facilitators of the proposed relationship from within your organization? External Allies: Who would serve as advocates, from the outside, for this proposed service or program? System Allies: Champions of the cause across the spectrum and can keep the purpose of collaboration alive between the interested parties.
23	Question 3: Who OWNS the agreement? Owners are those who: Implement the collaboration effort Conducts the monitoring activities Offers oversight and vision for the collaborative effort Maintains the operational relationships at the “firing line” of service delivery systems/programs.
24	Question 4: Will this Agreement lead to Action? Make sure Agreements are: Concrete and action oriented Clear and unambiguous goals and specific plan of action Include specifics Such as staffing, budgets, write award demonstration grants, etc Clear and unambiguous outcomes and measurements Clear expectation of allotment of resources
25	Staying on the Path of Success: Interagency Agreements One must do the following to ensure interagency agreement’s success: Problem Identification Expectation/Probability of Success System boundaries Means for information Sharing Means for problem solving
26	Facilitation of Interagency Agreements Steps to undertake: Regular meetings between programs Letters of agreements that does the following: Define roles and responsibilities Defines specific criteria for admissions and conditions to service requirement Clearly defined boundaries between programs
27	Facilitation of Interagency Agreements (continued) Steps to undertake (continued): Continued assessment of resources’ availability internally as well as externally Develop a Directory of agencies/programs that provide similar services for referral and resource sharing purposes Education/Training of its’ staff Quarterly summaries of current programming Joint training programs on common issues Continual strategic planning Continued willingness to COMMUNICATE!!!!
28	Interagency Agreement Checklist They are as follows: Definition of outcomes Definite measurements of outcomes Internal Allies are in place External advocates are involved and committed Partnership of agreement is clearly defined Agreement is Action-oriented Built in Mechanism for Communicating and resolving potential Agency(ies) disputes and/or differences Promotes community inclusion
29	Remember! Collaboration is a mutually beneficial and well defined relationship entered into by two or more organizations to achieve a common goal Relationship includes a commitment to Mutual relationships and goals, Jointly developed structure and shared responsibilities Mutual authority and accountability Sharing of resources and rewards.