Integration vs. Generic Approach
Born in the 1960s, efforts at human services integration (SI) seemed to subside during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Today, the SI movement is alive and flourishing in a variety of forms throughout the country. Integration is about practical questions on how to deliver services to those that need them. Human Services Integration Concept has an emphasis on integrating various human services systems under one organizational umbrella. It is a way to offer more comprehensive services to the public at a savings and to expand service. Human services integration refers to the development of systems that are responsive to the multiple needs of person at risk. A strong desire to help others is an important consideration for a job as a human services worker. To have comprehensive services, communities often require integration across the entire field of human services. Funding integration may require pooling of all resources (human and material, from public, private, non-profit and volunteer sectors) to facilitate and encourage development. Comprehensive community services should be integrated at the point of delivery. Supporting integrated services does not mean that everything has to be integrated into one package.
Managing change in the way services are delivered may require a mix of political, technical and administrative action. It may require action at several levels,
Integration is not a cure for inadequate resources. It may provide some savings, but integrating new activities into an existing system cannot be continued indefinitely without the system as a whole being better resourced. We need people to live adequate and rewarding lives.
The generic concept is where the worker does whatever is needed for the person and to get that person functioning, right now. It is whatever it takes to get that client on their feet and helping them with whatever it takes using a variety of biological, social, and psychological...