Breaking from the Pattern of Historical Evolution and Providing a More Functional Approach to Human Services

摘要

The Human Services Management Team of Anoka County, Minn. recommends the reorganization of the county's human services delivery system. Among the problems identified by the management team during its 1978 investigation were the need to improve communication among human service staff and the need to provide greater clarification of personnel roles and responsibilities. The major task in a reorganization of the system is to break from historical patterns and policies which emphasize optimum services at minimal costs. The system should be designed along clearly understood and functional guidelines. Arbitrary changes should be avoided. Specific recommendations provide for greater authority for human services management on the part of the county board, suggest that the board exercise its option to function under the Human Services Act, and urge that grants be sought to help integrate health services planning and budgeting. The resulting reorganization would be more efficient and would ensure maximum utilization of available funds, without increasing costs. A task force should study the feasibility of forming a joint intake unit for juvenile and adolescent services. Such a unit would improve communication and clarify personnel responsibilities. Appended material includes the results of staff questionnaires. Tabular data are provided.