Abstract
This paper offers a historical perspective and evaluation approach for technical assistance efforts in the Pacific provided by U.S. based agencies and two studies of outcome evaluation at the regional and local level. The first study focuses on the evaluation of outcomes of the introduction of the interagency concept and annual conferences to assist six U.S. Pacific jurisdictions to develop and implement interagency systems development at the regional level. The application and outcomes of the interagency concept at the local level in the Republic of Palau is the focus of the second study. The Palau Interagency Model, in particular, is discussed in depth as a model for change and improved interagency coordination. An interagency survey that included Likert-type/open-ended formatted questions was used in both studies to identify interagency effectiveness and areas for improvement at the local and regional level. Evaluation studies were multilevel, including perspectives of administrators, providers, parents, and consumers in order to identify stages of interagency development that included building an infrastructure, systems design, staff training, and implementation of services for families and individuals with disabilities. A template of benchmarks for creating an effective interagency team system is offered for further study and replication.