Understanding Service Fragmentation 

What is Service Fragmentation?

• Disruption, instability, and inconsistency in accessing services meant to support wellbeing. 

Service fragmentation occurs when supportive services DO exist, but are difficult to access on a consistent basis due to instability, disruptions, or systems-level barriers. 

Examples include:

• being turned away from a service unexpectedly

• losing shelter with little notice

• receiving conflicting information from providers

• repeated intake processes

• eligbility changes that disrupt care

• provider turnover 

COUNSELOR REFLECTION PROMPT

How much of my client's distress may be influenced by instability in the systems they are navigating rather than their individual symptoms alone?