Effective Services

The most effective services are intensive, comprehensive, and flexible. In general, they:

• Approach the individual as part of a family and a community.

• Offer a wide range of services that are easily accessible.

• Circumvent bureaucratic barriers when necessary to provide services.

• Allow reasonable staff discretion.

• Employ staff members who respect clients and whom clients trust.

• Provide assistance over a sufficiently long period of time to make a difference (Schorr with Schorr, 1988).

References