Class 3: Problem Definition, Theories of Need, Capacities & Needs Assessment Overview

UTA SSW, SOCW 6371Community & Administrative Practice

UTA school of social work Dr. Dick Schoech

Copyright 2009 (permission required before use)

Suggest printing slides for class using: Print | Handouts | 3 slides per page | grayscale options

Summary of Classes Class 1: Review of generalist macro practice

history, change process, roles, levels of intervention

Class 2: Key theories, perspectives, values

Class 3: Problem Definition, Theories of Need, Capacities & Needs Assessment Overview

Next week: Capacities and needs assessment

Learning Objectives of Class

Define community well functioning Difference between condition and problem Assessment goals and steps (review) Function of needs and capacities Learn the logic of presenting data/information Learn other ways of presenting data/info Community vs. organizational assessment §

Community Well Functioning--review

Begin assessment with a vision of community well functioning.

Well functioning communities are problem solvers. If a community has problems, something must be

wrong with the community. One measure of well functioning: Social Capital-

Putnam http://www.infed.org/thinkers/putnam.htm Assessments focuses on what is wrong (need) and

what resources stakeholders have which can help (capacities).

http://www2.uta.edu/cussn/courses/3306/coursepack/community_well_functioning.pdf

Basic Definitions & Functions

Needs/opportunities Help focus solution Try to base needs in outcome is strongest Summarizes what is the need & who has need Using 1 need per statement for easy communication

Capacities Helps design a solution – you build on capacities Cover individuals experience/knowledge/skills,

associations, and organizations

Barriers Identify roadblocks during solutions

Definitions: Condition vs. Problem

Condition (Kettner, p. 42) A statement of fact E.g. = Divorce rate is 60% in DFW

Problem (Kettner, p. 38) Adds the political context to condition such

as who impacted, who concerned, etc. E.g. = Older children of divorced parents

have a difficult adjustment period

Other Assessment Definitions Incidence = number during a time period

Example: 5000 people were homeless in 2008 Prevalence = number at any one time

Example: on 1 Dec 2008, 500 were homeless Valid = measures concept under study,

nothing else Reliable = consistent over time Baseline data = starting point from which to

measure results §

Goals of an assessment

Understand a condition/problem Collect information on

condition/problem/needs/capacities Provide information to design a solution for your

community Identifies gaps based on data analysis, model programs, or

comprehensive system of services Find the evidence on solutions that work in other communities

Provide baseline data to measure progress & see if vision realized

Unite, educate, coordinate, mobilize people/institutions (political)

Steps in an Assessment--review

Identify the condition of concern Developing a vision and principles to guide action Identify and mobilize stakeholders Explore condition, why problem, history, causes, politics Develop baseline measure to measure future impact Identify best practices, intervention models, guidelines Profile community (client) Document existing solutions/service system Develop list of capacities/resources to build on Develop list of needs (gaps in services, felt need, etc.) Identify barriers to solutions Make report understandable/politically acceptable §

Need/capacities section of assessment

Most critical section of assessment – says why solution is needed and how builds on strengths

Provides stats for last several years (waiting lists, etc.) Identifies gaps based on data analysis, model

programs, or comprehensive system of services Provides baseline data for measuring progress Determines whether solution is a replication or pilot

program Shows stakeholder involvement Clients already know needs, funders do not.

Logic of Needs/Capacities

Example of an IF-THEN logic model format People in community with characteristics c Live with condition w Which results in problem k due to politics/values p & q Have capacities a & b Have needs v and w, caused by x, y, and z Have service programs e, f, & g, that work together to

address needs with mixed results because service gaps m and n still exist

So given community characteristics, capacities, needs, & services

The most promising approach is jAlso, see template logic box help and example

Organizational assessments vs. Community assessment Community assessment usually focused on

needs/capacities of the population of a geographic area

Org assessment usually focused on needs/capacities of an organization/program

Org assessment often conducted through the strategic planning process, e.g., looking at capacities, vulnerabilities, and opportunities

Conclusion

Well functioning communities/agencies solve problems

If your community/agency has problem, assessment is needed as to why, the nature of the problem, etc.

Not all conditions are problems in your community/agency

Assessment should be logical & understandable

Minimum data collection, maximum use

Assessment should present a picture/tell a story Credibility is hard to regain--get 2nd opinion to avoid

misinterpretation of information §