What is a primary force driving increased collaboration within the human services field?

The primary force driving increased collaboration within the human services field is indeed influenced by overarching policy changes like those introduced by congressional legislation, most notably the Affordable Care Act. This Act, enacted in 2010, significantly reshaped the healthcare landscape in the United States by expanding health insurance coverage and increasing the demand for coordinated care.

As organizations seek to comply with regulations and effectively serve a growing number of clients with diverse needs, collaboration becomes essential. It allows different service providers—such as healthcare, mental health, and social services—to work together to create a more seamless and integrated approach to client care. This ensures that individuals receive comprehensive services that address multiple aspects of their well-being.

In contrast, stable community funding, enhanced competition for clients, and a reduction in service programs do not primarily promote collaboration. Stable funding can promote some degree of stability, but it does not inherently encourage collaboration between disparate agencies. Enhanced competition may actually lead to silos rather than collaboration, as organizations may prioritize market share over cooperative efforts. Similarly, a reduction in service programs can force agencies to compete for fewer resources rather than encouraging them to work together.