Analyzing Community-Based Services & Social Capital General Approaches

Martin B. Tracy, Ph.D. Social Insurance Research International 1519 Canterbury Drive Murray, Kentucky

Conduct Needs Assessment  Assess community and regional needs using surveys, focus groups, interviews, existing research.  Obtain input from consumers, service providers, local government, trade unions, faith community, NGOs, etc.

Determine Who Receives What, When, and How?  Who provides services?  Who receives services?  What services are provided?  When?  How?

Assess Levels of Collaboration  Assess levels of collaboration and cooperation among major stakeholders.  Models of partnerships among NGOs, government providing services.  Role of Civic (service) organizations.  Role of trade unions.

Assessment Continued  Role of volunteers.  Role of social workers in planning and providing services.  Role of existing education and training programs.  Models of monitoring and evaluating programs.

Analyze Outreach  Identify agency approaches to outreach (links to consumer and community.  Identify how program information is disseminated.

Assess Communication Processes  Are there procedures for inter- and intra-agency communication?  Are there formal meetings among service providers?  Are there informal networks among service providers?  How is information shared?

Assess Program Flexibility  Is there flexibility in programs related to differences in geography, populations (ethnic, age, gender, religion)?  To what extent can direct service providers make decisions?

Assess Level of Integration to Work  Does the program link personal social services to the labor market, informal work sector, and sustainable employment?  Are there provisions for child care, job training, skill development, life coping strategies, individual and family support programs, etc.?

Assess Level of Social Capital  Social capital is defined as: “Features of social organizations, such as networks, norms, and trust that facilitate action and cooperation for mutual benefit.” Source: Robert Putnam 1998

Assess Level of Social Capital  Are there interactions and networks among providers and community?  Is there a strong level of trust in the community?  Does the program enhance learning, economic development, social mobility, or community vitality?

Other Indicators of Social Capital  Levels of participation in decision making.  Inclusion in planning and implementation.  Development of human, physical, financial, and cultural capital.