The community is where macro practice takes place (Netting, Kettner, McMurtry, & Thomas, 2012, p. 131). In today’s connected world, people will identify with many different types of communities, and social workers must understand this interconnectedness in order to effectively assess and determine appropriate courses of action (Netting et al., 2012). According to (Netting et al., 2012, p. 168) there are three reasons why macro practitioners need a systematic approach to assessing a community: the person-in-environment view, understanding significant events, and recognizing and interpreting change. In order to conduct a proper assessment, the social worker must focus on target populations, determine community characteristics, and identify community structure (Netting et al., 2012). In doing so, the social worker can form a picture of the community from which to base decisions in regards to appropriate courses of action. This understanding of the community allows the social worker to evaluate resources needed by the target population, as well as needed change which must occur (Netting et al., 2012, p. 203).
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These include the aforementioned public housing program, and head start. Lutheran Social Services provides family and child counseling free of charge to low income residents. The Family Counseling Center works off of an income based fee schedule as well. Most services available there are geared toward the intellectually or developmentally disabled population. Residents can take advantage of filing for unemployment benefits online, however to speak with a financial counselor the resident must rely on the Ministerial Alliance or drive approximately 42 miles to the nearest office. This can be a challenge for poorer families due to limited availability of transportation. The community would benefit from a local financial and career counselor to help residents secure meaningful and long term
II. …show more content…
These include the aforementioned public housing program, and head start. Lutheran Social Services provides family and child counseling free of charge to low income residents. The Family Counseling Center works off of an income based fee schedule as well. Most services available there are geared toward the intellectually or developmentally disabled population. Residents can take advantage of filing for unemployment benefits online, however to speak with a financial counselor the resident must rely on the Ministerial Alliance or drive approximately 42 miles to the nearest office. This can be a challenge for poorer families due to limited availability of transportation. The community would benefit from a local financial and career counselor to help residents secure meaningful and long term