Working in integrated child and family services : a case for specialised skills and understanding

This article discusses the importance of professional training in the successful establishment of an integrated service. It is argued that effective multidisciplinary and multi-agency collaboration requires professionals to have: (1) a shared knowledge base on issues relating to child development, parenting, the family in context, and the ways in which quality is defined across different sectors; (2) an understanding of inter-agency tensions around different theoretical models, policy, and cultures of practice; and (3) advanced skills in communication and information sharing. It is important that there are opportunities for this kind of professional training within Australia, especially for those who will play leadership and management roles in integrated service settings.