Abstract:

This paper examines the forms of formal and informal interagency agreements and adminsistrative/staff interaction between four Area Agencies on Aging and Departments of Social Services as they serve older people. Interview & observational data obtained from 36 staff members of 21 social service agencies are drawn on to examine formal & informal interagency agreements & administrative/staff interaction between four federally sponsored Area Agencies on Aging & local departments of social services serving older people. Several factors appear to influence whether relationships are more or less formal: (1) service system characteristics, (2) divisions of service responsibilities & tasks, (3) interpersonal dimensions, (4) perceptions & attitudes of staff/administrators toward formal & informal agreements & interaction, & (5) historical occurrences. Suggestions are made for building on the existing balance between formal & informal interagency interaction for more effective service delivery & planning.