Until now very little research has been carried out on the performance of health and human services networks in evolution. In particular, previous studies mainly referred to “centrally governed services networks” in the US context. According to Provan and Kenis (2008), these networks are “lead organization‐governed”, and are different from the “participant‐governed” model or the “network administrative organization (NAO)” solution. We focused our attention on the Apulia region care services networks (Italy). In the last few years, the governance of these networks has passed from the “participant‐governed” model to the NAO approach. We examined how the integration mechanisms work in this type of networks, and if there were challenges to tackle in order to improve their overall performance. These networks were examined at their initial stage, exactly when their governance model moved to a more integrated solution. We collected survey data from 17 health and human services networks out of 45 (38%). The research is carried out by means of statistical methods (OLS). The analysis is cross sectional. The implementation of “rational/technocratic” factors is important but not sufficient to enhance collaboration. The integration at the “professional level” should be kept in mind. In particular, the role of network (case) managers is paramount. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.