The purpose of this study was to get an increased understanding of student health-personneland social workers experiences of collaboration between school and social services. Accordingly, two questions were designed, which aims were to get a deepened understandingof perceived success factors, obstacles, challenges and what the consequences regardingfunctioning, as opposed to non-functioning collaboration are. We also designed our study tocapture the professionals' risk-assessment of non-functioning collaborative relationships withprofessionals of the opposing organization regarding pupils or clients, as well as themselves.This was conducted through a set of semi-structured interviews, with each interview dividedinto four themes; general questions regarding profession and collaboration, challengesregarding collaboration, success factors, and lastly, consequences of successful versus nonsuccessful collaboration. 

Our analysis of the results found that professionals from both organizations viewcollaboration as a crucial method for helping young people with complex social issues. Keycomponents of a successful collaborative working relationship were identified as long-lastingrelations between professionals with a thorough understanding of each other, both in regardto one's professional capacity and individual characteristics. Other identified key factors weredescribed as distinct platforms for collaboration such as SIP- and SSPF-meetings, as well asdedicated professionals finding practical ways to collaborate closely and with candidnessoutside of these meetings. Challenges were described as a lack of resources and tight secrecy,unclear structures and division of responsibilities, a lack of understanding of each other'swork roles, and personal differences as well as a lack of chemistry. Lacking, or nonfunctioning collaboration was described as a hindrance for both professions to help theindividual as best as possible. Consequences for the individual were described as not gettingneeded social interventions, developing a lack of trust for school-and social workers, andunderperforming in school.