 |
||
 |
 |
|
|
MA/PhD Theses Abstracts of Current Students & Alumni |
 |
|
Lampinen, Linda M. 1991. - Children's Services Coordination Study.
Abstract. Children's services
in Hillsborough County have grown extensively over the past twenty
years. This growth is responding in part to an increased demand for services
and an increased awareness by the community of the risks affecting the
physical and mental health of the younger generation. Children's services
have become a national issue, to which several states and local governments
have responded by instituting service coordination strategies to provide
for more comprehensive services. The Children's Services Coordination
Study was developed to: (l) present a picture of existing coordinating
activities among agencies which provide services to children; and (2)
develop recommendations for improved coordination which would facilitate
a more effective collection and allocation of resources. My internship
involved the collection and analysis of data on existing coordinating
activities. The collected data were used to formulate recommendations
for improving coordination in Hillsborough County. Significant changes
have occurred over the past decade in the structure of the American family
and in the communities in which they live. Many children are growing
up healthy and strong but too many are not. Key indicators document that
poverty, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, violence and neglect are increasing
the number of children at risk in Florida today. Complex issues are facing
children and families and effective policy development and funding are
closely tied to the ability to know the true needs of the community.
The present systems of support for children in Hillsborough County are
a combination of public and private services and programs delivered by
diverse groups. The design and delivery of services often reflect different,
if not conflicting, orientations although, in many cases, they serve
the same children. The results of the coordination study indicate the
need for the development of a community wide comprehensive approach to
children's services. A comprehensive plan would encompass the entire
range of children's needs and assist agencies in meeting the growing
demands for services.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|