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This chapter explores how various environmental factors influence human services agencies, including governmental, non-profit, and private organizations. It examines resources, political climates, community concerns, and technological advances all impacting service delivery. The text discusses service rationing methods, such as queuing and triage, while stressing the role of professional associations, public opinion, and ethical values in shaping agency responses. Key questions encourage reflection on agencies' environmental relationships and strategy adaptations, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the social services landscape.
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Chapter 1 The Environmental Context Affecting Human Services
Agencies • Single and Multi-Service Agencies • Governmental Agencies • Private, Non-profit Agencies • For-profit Agencies • Voluntary and Self-Help Organizations
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING SOCIAL AGENCIES • Resources • Public Opinion and the Media • Political Climate • Concerns of the Community • Professional Associations and Unions • Educational and Theoretical Perspectives • Religious and Moral Values • Special Circumstances • Technological Advances • Response of Other Agencies • The Environment of the Host Organization • Effects of the Environment on Clients
A TWO WAY STREET: INFLUENCING THE ENVIRONMENT • RATIONING SOCIAL SERVICES • Queuing • Service inaccessibility • Triage • Creaming • Equal parceling • Protecting society • Preferred recipients • Market rationing • Serving the neediest • Setting boundaries
USING RESOURCES IN THE ENVIRONMENT • Involving Volunteers • Information and Referral Service
DEALING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES • 1) To what extent should we make our services accessible? • 2) How can we balance conflicting demands from our environment? • 3) How can we prepare for the continuous changes that are bound to occur in our environment?
SUMMARY • The environmental context within which all agencies must operate will greatly influence the formation and functioning of human services. A variety of forces impinge upon organizations that can affect directly or indirectly how staff respond. At the same time agencies can take steps to influence environmental forces.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • 1) What are some of the most important environmental factors affecting your agency? • 2) With which organization does your agency relate? • 3) What kinds of rationing does your agency use? • 4) What are some ways your agency influences its environment?