NCJ Number
47343
Journal
EVALUATION Volume: 4 Dated: (1977) Pages: 96-98
Date Published
1977
Length
3 pages
Annotation
PROBLEMS HINDERING ATTEMPTS TO INTEGRATE AND DECENTRALIZE THE ADMINISTRATION OF HUMAN SERVICES IN FLORIDA AND FIVE OTHER STATES ARE OUTLINED, AND STEPS TOWARD EVALUATING SERVICES INTEGRATION ARE NOTED.
Abstract
FLORIDA'S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, DESCRIBED AS 'IN TROUBLE WITH THE STATE LEGISLATURE,' HAS ATTRIBUTED A SERIES OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS TO THE INEVITABLE DIFFICULTIES OF CARRYING OUT AN EXTENSIVE DEPARTMENTAL REORGANIZATION. COMPLAINTS FROM THE STATE LEGISLATURE APPARENTLY CENTER ON PROBLEMS WITH ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES RATHER THAN ON PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SHIFT OF LINE AUTHORITY FROM CATEGORICAL SERVICE DIVISIONS TO THE FIELD. IN ARIZONA, WASHINGTON, AND GEORGIA, ATTEMPTS TO SHIFT LINE AUTHORITY OVER SERVICES DELIVERY FROM STATE PROGRAM OFFICES TO REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS HAVE BEEN THWARTED BY OPPOSITION FROM FEDERAL OR LOCAL OFFICIALS PROFESSIONAL GROUPS, OR STATE LEGISLATURES. IN MINNESOTA AND PENNSYLVANIA, INTEREST IN SERVICES INTEGRATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM IS STRONGEST IN A FEW COUNTIES BUT LIMITED AT THE STATE LEVEL. STUDIES OF THESE STATES POINT TO THE IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVE POLITICAL SUPPORT FOR SERVICES INTEGRATION EFFORTS. THE APPOINTMENT OF WELL QUALIFIED ADMINISTRATORS AND THE AVOIDANCE OF COMPLEX ADMINISTRATIVE UNDERTAKINGS EARLY IN THE REORGANIZATION ARE OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS. THE LINKAGE OF SERVICES INTEGRATION TO POLITICAL PROCESSES IS PARTICULARLY TROUBLESOME TO EVALUATORS. EVALUATIONS OF SERVICES INTEGRATION MUST INCORPORATE OUTCOMES THAT ARE MEANINGFUL TO DECISIONMAKERS IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS AND MUST EMPLOY EFFECTIVE METHODOLOGY. INITIAL STEPS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CAPACITY FOR EVALUATING HUMAN SERVICES INTEGRATION EFFORTS ARE BEING TAKEN. (LKM)