Title: Analyze community resources and systems of formal and informal support available to individuals and families.
Course: Introduction to Family and Human Services (19001-18) > Section: Balancing Work and Family

Analysis should include

- defining formal support (e.g., community agencies, churches, organizations, other targeted support groups) and informal support (e.g., school-based programs, friends, teachers, and social network)
- determining areas in which family or work support is needed
- identifying professional support agencies and the services they provide
- developing a series of questions to ask agencies about the services they provide
- matching the need to one or more agencies (e.g., eligibility requirements for services, directions to the agency, steps necessary to initiate services)
- recording the name of the agency or organization and its contact information.

Analysis should include an awareness that availability of and access to community resources varies.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- Why are resources outside of the family or work setting sometimes necessary?
- Why do some families refuse to seek outside help? Why do some workers refuse to recognize their need for outside help?
- What are the consequences of seeking help when it is needed? What are the consequences of not seeking help?
- When should families seek help? Who qualifies to receive it?

Communication

- What communication skills does a person need to access professional support services?
- How can technology aid in a search for professional support agencies?
- What communication skills can help one evaluate various sources of support?

Leadership

- How can community agencies make themselves known to families in need?
- What factors influence one's attitudes and beliefs about seeking support?
- What happens when individuals or families cannot afford professional support?

Management

- How can an individual examine family and work support resources and services?
- What factors contribute to one's ability to put resources into the hands of those who need them?
- What steps can one take to initiate assistance from a support agency?