Social Network Mapping
Social network mapping is used to capture and analyze relationships between agencies/organizations within the community to determine how frequently multi-sectoral partners are working together and sharing information, and to assess the level of integration of their work. This information may be collected through surveys and/or interviews with community agencies/organizations by asking questions such as: What agencies/organizations do you speak to most frequently to conduct your work? Do you share information? If yes, what types of information do you share? Do you deliver programs or services jointly? Do you depend on them for anything?
Relationships may be assessed on a continuum such as this:
| Relationship | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| No relationship | No relationship of any kind | All sectors, agencies/organizations are working independently in silos |
| Communication | Exchanging information to maintain meaningful relationships, but individual programs, services or causes are separate |
A school and hospital working together and sharing information only when it is required |
| Cooperation | Providing assistance to one another with respective activities |
The police visiting a school as part of their annual career day |
| Coordination | Joint planning and organization of schedules, activities, goals and objectives |
Community HUBs across Ontario – Various agencies housed under one structure to enhance service accessibility, with minimal interaction or information shared between services |
| Collaboration | Agencies/organizations, individuals or groups are willing to compromise and work together in the interest of mutual gains or outcomes |
Situation Tables across Ontario – Representatives from multiple agencies/organizations meeting once or twice a week to discuss individuals facing acutely elevated risk of harm to reduce risk |
| Convergence | Relationships evolve from collaboration to actual restructuring of services, programs, memberships, budgets, missions, objectives and/or staff |
Neighborhood Resource Center in Sault Ste. Marie – Agencies/organizations pool together resources for renting the space and each dedicate an individual from their agency to physically work in one office together to support wraparound needs |