Service delivery systems are stuck. Individuals enter the system and rarely seem to leave. This seems to be most evident in the developmental disabilities service delivery system where few if any individuals meet all of their annual objectives stated in their Individual Service Plans. In fact, it seems most of the plans are designed to maintain the status quo.
I believe that the best and most accurate measure of success in social service delivery, is when the individual seeking and receiving services no longer needs that service, or needs less and less of the service over time. This may be a threatening notion, however I really believe the best we can do is to in deed, put ourselves out of work and to serve as temporary supports and consultants in the lives of those who seek our services.
History has shown that it takes an inordinate amount of time to free individuals from services and to introduce choice as a lifestyle not a privilege that is earned for being good, which is often measured by someone else’s standards. Therefore, I believe there is a need for an array of services designed to lead to freedom of choice as to who serves an individual and how, as well as, freedom from the service system. People should have plans that are inclusive and have the individual challenged respectfully by setting measurable goals that are relevant and have meaning.
The leadership of organizations should be shared by individuals who determine when and if they move on to other supports, and which organizations eventually determine who serves them next. They and their families should have the power and right to determine what they need, want, and will best meet their needs. We as providers of services should help develop financial resources to allow individual choice by shopping for the services that they most need to be delivered, by those who can best deliver the needed services. Although this does and has existed in some service systems, the choices have been limited and influenced by those that have potential conflicts of interest i.e. case-mangers who work for funding sources.
This model is long overdue and should apply a set of values and components that are conducive to building quality services. The values and beliefs I speak of have been used as examples through assigning hands on human service development projects for my human service students, to help them determine the strength of services that are managed more directly by line staff,individuals and their families. This model is often in opposition to services where little choice is offered and too much control is exercised.
Ownership of the services one receives in terms of choice and decision-making is the primary route one can take to empowerment as opposed to the illusion most consumers experience today, in the name of empowerment. Choice is fundamental in a democracy and should be taught to individuals receiving services, their families and staff as well as the surrounding community members, the tools of participatory democracy. Not only should these methods be taught, we should practice them daily.
For far too long we have heard about choice and have seen individuals offered choices such as bowling and more bowling, or milk or more milk. I think it is a shame that we have to teach people at various stages of their development, about choice, simply because it has been historically denied, or suppressed in order to comply with an agenda that is presented in the name of service.
Be creative and break new ground its long overdue.
JBG
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