Social Service Privatization: Expansion Poses Challenges in EnsuringAccountability for Program Results

摘要

This report, which responds to your request that we examine issues related tosocial service privatization, focuses on the following three key questions: (1) What is the recent history of state and local government efforts to privatize federally funded social services; (2) What are the key issues surrounding state and local privatized social services; (3) What are the federal policy implications of state and local social service privatization. To answer these questions, the authors reviewed and synthesized selected studies and articles on social service privatization. In addition, we interviewed state and local officials in five states that have gained some experience in the privatization of social services (California, Massachusetts, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin).