This study sought to explore the perceptions of stakeholders on the role and effectiveness of networking forums in promoting partnerships and integrated service delivery between government and non-profit sector organisations using the Nelmapius forum as a case study. The research adopted a qualitative research method and a case study research approach was utilized. The research population consisted of social workers and social work supervisors in both government and NGOs who participated in the Nelmapius forum. Purposive sampling which is a type of non-probability sampling was utilized to draw participants for the study. The sample consisted of 11 social workers and 4 social work supervisors who participated in the Nelmapius forum. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings reveal that participants understood the primary reason behind the establishment of the Nelmapius forum as to strengthen the relationship between the government and the NGOs in Nelmapius. It was also revealed that the Nelmapius forum was a platform for NGOs and the DHSD to share service delivery information. Findings of the study show that the forum is an effective platform for enhancing partnerships’ among organisations which enhanced integrated service delivery. The forum created a platform which enabled organisations to work cooperatively. This led to capacity building among participant members and their organisations. The forum also enabled organisations to work together to share service delivery channels and processes as well as demarcation areas of service which benefitted the community members. The forum did experience few challenges in its later stages of functioning such as poor attendance, lack of new member integration, and failure to honour commitments by some organisations which led to low of morale amongst forum members. As a way of invigorating the forum participants suggested that: All stakeholders should participate actively in the forum, facilitation of the forum should rotate among members, the forum must be open to all stakeholders, the forum must be attended by senior officials, meeting venues should rotate in different organisations and that there should be monitoring and evaluation systems in place. It is hoped the study will have impact positively on the functioning of networking forums.

The integration of mental health services in primary care settings has expanded rapidly in recent years with psychologists being at the forefront of efforts to promote healthy behaviors, reduce disease, and care for behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs to promote overall health and well-being for children and families (Asarnow, Kolko, Miranda,&Kazak, 2017; Stancin& Perrin, 2014). While there are many psychologists working in pediatric primary care (PPC), little is known about the specific activities that these psychologists engage in, the training they receive, or funding mechanisms that support their work. This study sought to address this gap in the literature through a survey of psychologists working in PPC. An anonymous online survey was disseminated to members of professional organizations and listservs who were identified as having interest in PPC. Psychologists (N-65) currently practicing in PPC completed the survey by reporting on clinical roles and practices, professional training, practice settings, and funding supports in PPC settings. Results indicate that psychologists assume a number of roles in PPC including providing individual and family therapy, conducting screenings for child mental health concerns, and providing consultation to medical colleagues. Many psychologists also provide supervision and offer educational opportunities for those in related fields, such as medicine and social work. Engagement in research activities was identified as a secondary activity. It was reported that a number of clinical activities were not billed for on a regular basis. Additional areas of research will be discussed along with implications for clinical services in PPC..

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