This continues to be a controversial area for public-private partnerships, but one where the public debate is generating a clearer understanding of the options and benefits. The administrative and management skills of private-sector partners are clearly illustrating improvement in such social services as welfare delivery, child support payment tracking, worker retraining and health care. While this is still a small segment of the total partnerships market, modest growth can be expected.
In a related area, education may see significant growth. The new federal education initiative places an increased emphasis on the possible use of the private-sector resources, particularly in cases where public education systems have failed to meet new standards. Where there are already several years of experience in private-sector involvement in education, public attitudes are still hesitant and vocal opposition can appear in any one school district. Accordingly, while the atmosphere is improving, the outlook is still uncertain.