Preliminary results are given from a study of 10 programs that have developed alternative ways to link professional services with various forms of informal helping networks by serving a variety of populations including the elderly, children and families, the physically disabled and the general community. Characteristics of the different types of helping networks that have been identified are presented, along with information about the various relationships staff have developed with informal helpers. A typology of five emerging forms of collaboration is developed. Several sets of issues for policy and practice that have surfaced from the experience of staff in the 10 programs are discussed. (Author)