Title: Research programs and services offered by public assistance agencies.
Course: GRADS: Family Focus (19905-36) > Section: Managing Economic Resources and Expenditures

Research should include

- determining when help is needed
- identifying the type of help or support that is needed (e.g., physical, cognitive, emotional, professional, social, medical)
- determining reliable sources of information about the help needed
- gathering information about resources
- investigating ways to access the resources
- determining if the resource is effective
- resuming the search if necessary.

Process/Skill Questions

Thinking

- What factors influence a person’s willingness or ability to seek help?
- What criteria should be used to evaluate the adequacy and reliability of a resource?
- What are the similarities and differences between informal support and professional help?
- What ethical concerns are present in the search for assistance?

Communication

- What communication skills do you need to articulate your need for help and to make effective use of resources?
- How do you feel about asking for help?

Leadership

- What can leaders do to encourage people to seek help when the need is evident?
- What leadership techniques are common to human services providers?

Management

- What management strategies can you use to ensure that individuals or groups seek appropriate help when needed?
- What resources do you need to find and select adequate, reliable help?
- What criteria can be used to determine when support is no longer needed?