Family Services: A Proposed Model for Coordinating Spouse Abuse Services

ABSTRACT

This article presents a proposed model to organize spouse abuse services within communities. It proposes that family service agencies take the lead in organizing and implementing the model program. The community team would consist of representatives from agencies and disciplines that serve spouse abuse families. The community would benefit from the coordination of both the direct services to affected families and the prevention and education activities designed to eliminate spouse abuse.     

Social Service Needs of Hispanic Immigrants

Abstract

Large numbers of poor Hispanic immigrants have come to the U.S. in recent years with many social service needs. This qualitative, pilot study of Hispanic immigrants in the Washington Heights community in New York City identifies their perceived needs and barriers for accessing services. Seven face-to-face interviews with community-based professionals and four focus group interviews with thirty Hispanic immigrants provide the data. Both groups of informants report many unmet service needs, especially in the areas of health care and housing. Data support the view that Hispanic immigrants often require micro-and macro-level advocacy that can best be performed by Spanish speaking social workers.     

Broadening the Array of Services: Integrating Legal and Social Work Services for Youth and Families

ABSTRACT

The Community Justice and Legal Assistance Clinic (CJLA) is a unique community-based legal clinic developed through a partnership between a law school and a child and family service agency embedded within a low-income community. This article describes the development of this clinic through a community assessment process; its unique multidisciplinary features; the services provided to clients in three of the agency's service areas; the benefits of the partnership for clients, the social service agency, the participating law students, and the law school; and lessons learned for replication of this type of clinic in other communities.     

Community Economic Development Organizations in Montreal

Summary

This chapter explores the dilemmas facing CED intermediary organizations as vehicles for progressive social change through an analysis of an urban Canadian model from Québec called corporations de développement économique communautaire (CDEC). CDECs are democratically controlled, not-for-profit, local development organizations that oversee and support CED efforts on three main levels: (1) job skills development and “employability” services; (2) business development; and (3) development of innovative partnerships among diverse groups to plan and coordinate CED strategies in their communities. These practices are analyzed and issues inherent to them are presented using specific contributions from CED literature. This analysis shows that within such organizations, contradictory practices and directions co-exist due to pressures exerted simultaneously by market, state, and community forces.     

A comprehensive health service evaluation and monitoring framework

ObjectiveTo develop a framework for evaluating and monitoring a primary health care service, integrating hospital and community services.MethodA targeted literature review of primary health service evaluation frameworks was performed to inform the development of the framework specifically for remote communities. Key principles underlying primary health care evaluation were determined and sentinel indicators developed to operationalise the evaluation framework. This framework was then validated with key stakeholders.ResultsThe framework includes Donabedian's three seminal domains of structure, process and outcomes to determine health service performance. These in turn are dependent on sustainability, quality of patient care and the determinants of health to provide a comprehensive health service evaluation framework. The principles underpinning primary health service evaluation were pertinent to health services in remote contexts. Sentinel indicators were developed to fit the demographic characteristics and health needs of the population. Consultation with key stakeholders confirmed that the evaluation framework was applicable.ConclusionData collected routinely by health services can be used to operationalise the proposed health service evaluation framework. Use of an evaluation framework which links policy and health service performance to health outcomes will assist health services to improve performance as part of a continuous quality improvement cycle.     

Leadership Dimensions,the Critical Link for the Evolution of Collaboration

Abstract

This article traces the history of one community's efforts to coordinate services to address family violence. The current mazeof organizations in communities is overwhelming to the professionals who work in them, the political leaders who authorize them, the foundations and United Ways who fund them, and, most assuredly, to the persons for whom the various organizations were established. A review of the literature on coordination and collaboration is included as well as a discussion of leadership challenges during the various stages in the evolutionary process to provide confidential, culturally sensitive, comprehensive, accountable, and user-friendly community social service systems.     

Local Housing and Service Decisions

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify factors associated with local housing and service decisions that support aging adults in rural communities. These decisions represent de factostrategies that affect the quality of life of older residents and their ability to age in place. Data were collected from 951 informants in 134 Midwest rural communities. Analyses were undertaken to identify the role of community characteristics in predicting the availability of a group of housing options and support services. Findings support the notion that the community context is important to the delivery of key housing and service needs. Population size, proportion of community residents 65 years and older, and housing planning processes promoted gains in housing and services.     

Program Design and Planning Strategies in the Delivery of Culturally Competent Health and Mental Health Prevention and Treatment Services to Latino Communities

SUMMARY

It is important that the delivery of health and mental health prevention and treatment services within Latino communities be culturally sensitive. This article outlines several ways in which agencies can develop programs that can meet the needs of Latino communities. The most important aspect of the provision of health prevention and treatment services is that the organization integrates itself into the community through outreach, recruitment, and inclusion in decision-making. In addition, the organization needs to be structured so communication and participation from the community and health professionals are open and mixed. Otherwise, the likelihood of success of the provision of services in the community will be diminished.     

Coordinated Service Delivery and Children's Well-Being

ABSTRACT

Interagency collaborations are uniquely suited to meeting the increased needs of communities in today's environment of reduced federal funding and devolution of services to the state and local levels (Gore, 1993). In Texas, interagency collaborations take place through Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCGs), which were created by the Texas Legislature to coordinate local service delivery for children and their families who often “fall through the cracks” due to having multiple needs. This article presents an evaluation of CRCG operations, with a focus on identified best practices, related obstacles, and suggestions for improvement. The researchers visited CRCG sites, and conducted semi-structured face-to-face interviews, as well as a mail survey, with CRCG staff. Overall, CRCGs appear to effectively enhance the delivery of coordinated services in an effort to meet the multiple needs of the children and families that they serve. Recommendations for policy and practice are discussed, such as spearheading community action structures (Poole, 1997) that may help CRCGs more effectively meet the needs of their respective local communities.     

Sharing Power

Abstract

This article discusses the notion of partnership as it relates to co-production and co-responsibility, and thus to community building and re-building. It begins with a brief review of the evolution of the role of helped/helper to that of consumer/producer of services. It argues that identifying professional services as complementing those services offered in the community by kith and kin facilitates power sharing, and can lead to stronger partnerships and stronger communities. Complementarity is understood as involving the division of labor or of tasks, which is essential to effective partnerships. The article contends that an empowerment oriented approach has a better probability of influencing the practice of social work when social work organizations integrate the notion of partnership and when social work education provides opportunities for students to experience partnerships, co-production and co-responsibility in the building of knowledge. An illustration from the author's application of power sharing in the classroom is provided.     

The Revitalization of Community Practice: Characteristics,Competencies, and Curricula for Community-Based Services

Abstract

A recent move toward community-based services on the part of direct service agencies presents a major opportunity for the revitalization of community practice. Driven by funding from major philanthropic foundations and also by recent changes in federal entitlement legislation, these efforts at system reform are designed to make services for vulnerable populations more effective, accessible, integrated, and comprehensive in the context of the local community. Although this service reorganization requires the type of methods typically found in community practice, direct service workers employed in these agencies usually have not been trained in community work. To begin to address this concern, this article uses a computerized word search to review the community practice and community organization literature. A working definition of “community-based” practice is developed. The extensive literature review yields six characteristics of community-based service delivery: (1) neighborhood-based and family-focused; (2) strengths- and empowerment-oriented; (3) cultural sensitivity and multi-cultural competency; (4) comprehensive services; (5) access to integrated services and supports; and (6) teamwork and leadership skills. The article reviews what scholars have recommended in each of these areas as a way of understanding the characteristics of community-based service delivery and the skills needed by direct practitioners working in community-based programs. The article summarizes innovative curricula and specific courses which demonstrate ways of teaching community skills to direct practice workers. Future work for community practice scholars and educators is recommended.     

Spirituality and Faith-Based Social Services

Abstract

Spiritual aspects of faith-based social services are rarely addressed in discussions of policy initiatives encouraging greater involvement of faith-based providers in service delivery. This article reports findings of a qualitative study of the values, beliefs, and practices of non-congregational faith-based service providers. Twenty-two providers in Midwestern and northwestern regions of the U.S. were asked about the spiritual bases of their programs, spiritual dimensions of service relationships, distinctions between service communities and programs, and distinctions between service ministries and social work. Implications for collaborations among providers with different beliefs are discussed.     

Assessing the Effectiveness of a Capacity Building Intervention in Empowering Hard-to-Reach Communities

ABSTRACT

This article focuses on hard-to-reach communities with weak histories of engagement and it explores whether facilitated community interventions can empower and develop community resilience. Drawing on data from 6 communities, the article indicates a need for tailored and context-specific support that matches local needs. Implementation of community projects is not linear and the delivery of interventions in hard-to-reach communities is associated with the risk of failure. Developing community resilience among communities that do not engage requires long-term interventions, on-going input, and a collaborative approach to working with communities to support equal and harmonized development.     

Social and Health Factors Affecting Community Service Use by Vulnerable Older People

Abstract

This article reports on Outcomes for older people with complex or chronic care needs, a study undertaken by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and La Trobe University, examining older Victorians’ use of community services following Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) recommendations that they remain living at home. The paper reports on interviews with older people and carers undertaken at three-monthly intervals, over 12 months. This paper contributes to understanding the factors that impede or facilitate uptake of community aged care services that are critical to meeting the needs of older people and their carers. The study found that among other factors social isolation, high carer burden, and the older person reporting low mood were important barriers to service uptake. Cost, waiting lists, and service satisfaction were also identified in qualitative data as influencing factors. The study concludes there is a need for better means of identifying and supporting older people and carers at risk to improve community service uptake.     

Sexual and Family Violence: Overcoming Barriers to Service Access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clients

ABSTRACT

Despite the fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities typically experience a high prevalence of sexual and family violence, service responses have mostly been culturally inappropriate and ineffective. This article reports on a collaborative, participatory research project aimed at exploring barriers to service access by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients when they have been affected by sexual and family violence. The findings reveal multiple barriers to service access, including justice system deterrents, social taboo, shame, and a lack of culturally appropriate services. The article highlights the importance of recognising and addressing the complex interplay of historic, social, and cultural factors influencing service access.     

Challenges to Employment in Newly Emerging African Communities in Australia: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Newly emerging African communities (NEAC) in Australia face challenges in accessing employment, with consequences for both the immigrant and Australian host communities. This article presents a review of the literature on challenges to employment for NEAC in Australia. It gathers together, synthesises, and analyses previously fragmented evidence that should be used to inform social policy change and social program improvement. It focuses on African refugees and immigrants from the Horn of Africa region (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan) who have settled in Australia in the past 10 years. The review documents the challenges to employment for this group and highlights policy and practice implications including: streamlining the qualification recognition process; introducing culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) specialised job networks; resisting anti-NEAC sentiments, challenging stereotypes, and promoting diversity; introducing incentives to undertake volunteer work; revitalising existing English as a second language pedagogy; empowering CALD-specialised counselling services; and establishing CALD-specialised research and advocacy entities.     

Immigrants,Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Abstract

This article reviews policies and services related to immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers in the U.S. Definitions of immigration categories are provided to clarify the context in which services operate. Particular attention is given to issues that are unique to populations of the Southwest. Historical information on this region is offered; immigration trends and recent statistics are presented. The article is based on published data; field interviews with personnel in selected immigrant and refugee serving social agencies are used to compliment the literature. The authors highlight the social consequences of the global phenomenon of migration, whether motivated by economic or political realities. Recommendations for those who serve immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers are offered.     

Family patterns and the politicization of consumption relations

There has been little sociological research on the processes of exploitation and the politicization of relations of consumption. This study examines the role that family structure plays in the development of a class‐based politicization of consumption relations in a community. I compare communities of the Lake Superior region at the turn of the 20th century that were settled largely by the male immigrants living without families with structurally‐similar communities from the same region and time that were settled larged by married workers and their families. Using local newspapers, corporate reports and federal and state investigations, I compare the level of politicization of consumption relations in family‐settled communities with those settled by male workers. I find some relationship between family settlement patterns and the politicization of consumption in a community, but the relationship is not constant across communities. Family‐based communities do have a greater ability to organize alternatives to corporate‐controlled consumption than do non‐family based communities.     

Latino Immigrants in a New Destination State: A Qualitative Study of Provider Experiences

ABSTRACT

Latino immigrants are settling in new destination states that have fewer culturally and linguistically competent health and social service providers. Social workers are in an ideal position to serve Latino immigrants. Yet, limited literature is available on the strengths and needs of this population specific to new destination states. To help fill this gap, qualitative data were gathered in individual interviews with providers serving Latino immigrants in one new destination state. Key themes emerged from the data, suggesting the importance of family and community, the challenges of immigration-related stressors, and the strengths and gaps in service provision. Implications for practice and social work education are presented.     

An exploratory study examining needs,access, and competent social services for the transgender community in Phoenix,Arizona

ABSTRACT

Phoenix is the sixth largest city in the United States, with a vibrant yet underserved lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) population. Despite an extensive community presence, social service delivery bias persists among members of the LGBTQ community, but more often among transgender individuals. Existing research has examined social services from the perspective of either the client or the practitioner. This exploratory study specifically examines social services in the Phoenix metropolitan area for the transgender community. Data collected from interviews with participants and providers contributed to an assessment of the current level of social services for the transgender community, with a specific emphasis on identifying service gaps and recommendations for culturally competent and comprehensive services.