Ina Epkenhans-Behr focuses on the field of child and youth welfare and examines the relationship between public and private providers. She explores the changes in relationship patterns in the context of administrative modernization and economic rationalization. In her study, the author analyzes the understanding of relationships that currently shapes youth welfare offices and private providers. Based on current empirical findings, she provides an explanatory model for the different relationships in practice. In doing so, she also contributes to a better understanding of governance in today's welfare state.