service integration (SI)

The comprehensive process of coordinating the activities of social services organizations in communities to meet a range of needs by client groups so that duplications and service gaps are minimized. This process also includes establishing new organizations and service provider systems, identifying current and future unmet needs, and facilitating the efforts of various organizations to reach mutual predetermined goals. Communities include neighborhoods, geographical regions, ethnic groups, and other identified groups. SI is not synonymous with agency collaboration; in the latter, different organizations communicate with one another to provide services while retaining their own goals and methods.