The overall purpose of this research project is to try to describe and analyse processes, decisions and considerations which contribute to well-functioning services for the benefit of young people who for different reasons and through no fault of their own have got into difficulties. The research has two main parts. The quantitative study is based upon questionnaire data collected from 60 local municipalities who all took part in an innovative work aiming at increasing effectiveness in the co-operative work among children and youth at risk. Results from this study indicate that co-operation among local bodies is a demanding task which has to be well planned and organised. There needs to be a balance between professional independence and professional collaboration. Where this balance is made explicit, effectiveness and high quality outcomes appeared to be frequent. The qualitative study, which is in progress, aims at describing and analysing co-operative activities in one local municipality and focuses the professional work around four 12-13 year old boys whose life is complicated in different ways. Data have been collected during a period of one year from officials representing the local political level, municipality bureaucrats, district officers for schools, health and social services. School staff and social workers (when relevant) as well as the pupils and their parents (or those who have custody of the pupils) have also been interviewed. Our tentative results indicate that instead of organizing collaboration between different local bodies such initiatives should become supported on the floor level involving and engaging professionals as well as laymen.