NCJ Number
84833
Date Published
1979
Length
31 pages
Annotation
In this Philadelphia delinquency program, there is a general lack of agreement between client and agency on identification of client problems, selection of services to be provided, descriptions of services actually provided, and appraisals of service outcomes.
Abstract
The delivery of services consists of three interrelated components: (1) definition of a problem, (2) services or intervention strategies, and (3) outcomes of services. The literature suggests that the potential for disagreement on definitions and descriptions of these components may be great since they may reflect differences in perspective as well as the lack of definite knowledge about causal relations. Thus, the examination of these components from the perspectives of clients and providers has the potential to provide information on the degree to which their perspectives are congruent, thereby contributing to understanding outcomes resulting from clients' participation in the delinquency program. Sources of data were interviews with clients, questionnaires completed by paraprofessional workers assigned to clients, and agency reports of staffing reports on clients. Data collection points over the course of service delivery were intake and 6 months and 1 year after intake. Intake comparisons show a general lack of agreement between client and agency on the identification of client problems and selection of services to be provided. Similarly, the findings for 6 months and 1 year indicate a lack of congruence between clients and provider on descriptions of services actually provided and appraisals of service outcomes, including their helpfulness. Recommendations focus on enhanced communication through client participation in defining problems and setting goals, greater clarity in service arrangements, and clarity about the mission of the Youth Services Center. Tabular data and 12 references are provided. (Author summary modified)