NADDP Quick Reference Guide Module 6: Collaboration

Segment 1: Identifying Key Community Partners & Building Collaboration
Learning Objective:

  • Adult Services Director can identify key community partners and assess the current level of collaboration and relationships.
Key Content:

  • Community partnerships and collaboration are essential for Adult Services success.
  • Staff at all levels develop relationships, but the Director is the public face of Adult Services.
  • Partnerships with families, communities, and tribes help identify needs and build trust.
  • Strong partnerships require meaningful engagement, active listening, and consistent follow-through.
  • Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) are a primary way Adult Services builds partnerships.
  • Director’s presence and role in conversations with community, Tribal, and cross-agency partners is critical.
  • Ongoing post-system analysis ensures collaboration remains effective.
Activities:

  • Listen to YouTube videos on collaboration and MDTs.
  • Read NCEA briefs and issue papers on APS partnerships.
  • Identify key contacts in public partner agencies and important non-public partners.
  • Complete the “How Well Are We Partnering” tool.
  • Review the Three Levels of Listening framework.
  • Review list of agencies and identify current partners.
  • If applicable, read Detente and Decorum guidance.
Coaching Session:

  • Complete and review the “How Well Are We Partnering” sheet.
  • Discuss list of generic key community partner agencies.
  • Explore importance of listening, follow-through, and Director’s presence in partnerships.
  • Review results of the partnering tool and discuss strengths, improvement areas, and challenges.
  • Reflection questions:
    • Who are your community partners (internal/external)?
    • How do you feel about being the public face of Adult Services?
    • What surprised you in the assessment?
    • What areas will be most challenging?
    • Would you engage your team in this effort?
  • Wrap-up reflections: strengths, worries, next steps.

Materials & Resources

  • Tools/Slides:
    • Building Multidisciplinary Teams
    • List of Key Partners
    • How Well Are We Partnering? Tool
    • Detente and Decorum guidance
  • Reference Resources:
    • The Three Levels of Listening Cheat Sheet (Bay Area Academy)
    • Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program & APS Collaboration (NORC YouTube)
    • APSWI Leaders Institute MDT Nuts & Bolts (YouTube)
    • NCEA Issue Briefs: APS Partnerships, Faith Communities, Reframing Elder Abuse, Guardianship Reform, Law Enforcement Collaboration
    • NAPSA research study: Stages of Research Collaboration with APS Organizations
    • NACo article: Bridging Divides: Tools for County Leaders to Overcome Division and Foster Collaboration (July 2024)
    • DOJ Elder Justice Initiative (EJI) MDT Webinars: From Good to Great; MDT Guide and Toolkit
    • Community Toolbox: Understanding Culture and Diversity in Building Communities (University of Kansas)

Preparation for Next Module

  • Review Module X content.
  • Identify familiar and unfamiliar areas before coaching.