SPA Collaborative 6 - Council

Experience with successful change efforts has demonstrated that translating innovative policy initiatives into productive opportunities must ultimately occur at the local level

Current community-based efforts require community residents and government officials to interact in new ways. They also mandate evidence of the effectiveness of these changes to sustain the support and commitment of local residents and service providers. In 1993, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors sought to improve service delivery and positive outcomes for children, youth and families throughout the County. In collaboration with the Children’s Planning Council, a set of eight service planning areas was adopted in order to create a more manageable approach to planning at a regional level. The children’s Planning Council worked with County departments, service providers, consultants and community leaders to establish the service planning areas (SPAs). The SPAs enable a greater coordination of services provided throughout the community.