What Was The COS

The COS was developed in England 1869, considered to be the most effective. Its purpose was to 'fix' the flaws of the poor and bring order to improve overpopulation and vagrancy of poverty in urban areas and fit individuals back into society. The C.O.S separated the poor into two groups, the worthy and the unworthy poor, the unworthy poor were seen as lacking motivation. They believed that investigation was needed. This society believed that it was important to investigate the issues behind the poverty of the poor to avoid them from becoming dependent on the charities efforts. They included the help of the ''friendly visitors'' to keep in check and help clients' become self-sufficient. They viewed ''chronic beggars'' as hopeless. The COS also had a strong emphasis on a scientific approach which later evolved into what we now call casework. …show more content…
During the late 1800's as of immigrants from Eastern Europe began coming to the U.S, homelessness, poverty and unemployment increased. Unlike the Charity Organization Society, they believed poor people resulted from an unjust social order. They treated the clients as abled and didn't separate or categorize. Instead, it focused more on improving the community and taught people new skills. they did not see clients as hopeless and they use the technique of group work. Regardless, both organizations left a significant mark in the history of social welfare and on contemporary social work