The Nature and Purpose of Human Service
The Nature and Purpose of Human Service Practice
Cynthia D. Morgan
BSHS/302
July 23, 2012
Teresa Levesque
The Nature and Purpose of Human Service Practice
Human Service is not a new concept. Historically the practice of helping others in need goes back as far as Biblical age. The modern-day role that Human Service plays in the world is basically the same as it did back then; to help people meet their basic needs in order to survive and live a productive life. The basic understanding of what human service must be achieved before one is able to comprehend the nature and purpose of human services practice. In this paper, the examination of the nature and purpose of human service, the goal of human services, the history of human services, and common intervention strategies are examined. Finally, the discussion of ethical considerations in the field of human services is examined.
According to the National Organization of Human Services (2012), “The field of Human Services is uniquely approaching the objective of meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations.” Everyone has basic needs. Some people are able to get those needs met through family, friends, community organizations or employment. However, some people are not blessed to have the support available to meet those needs. This is where Human Services plays a role. It is a resource for those underprivileged in getting their fundamental and emotional needs met. In addition, Human Services has always been committed to aiding people in becoming self-reliant.
THE GOAL OF HUMAN SERVICES Over the years, the goal of Human Services has been the aspiration of assisting individuals, families, and communities conquer obstacles that keep them from getting basic needs met. Everyone is not able to have their basic needs met for whatever
Cynthia D. Morgan
BSHS/302
July 23, 2012
Teresa Levesque
The Nature and Purpose of Human Service Practice
Human Service is not a new concept. Historically the practice of helping others in need goes back as far as Biblical age. The modern-day role that Human Service plays in the world is basically the same as it did back then; to help people meet their basic needs in order to survive and live a productive life. The basic understanding of what human service must be achieved before one is able to comprehend the nature and purpose of human services practice. In this paper, the examination of the nature and purpose of human service, the goal of human services, the history of human services, and common intervention strategies are examined. Finally, the discussion of ethical considerations in the field of human services is examined.
According to the National Organization of Human Services (2012), “The field of Human Services is uniquely approaching the objective of meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations.” Everyone has basic needs. Some people are able to get those needs met through family, friends, community organizations or employment. However, some people are not blessed to have the support available to meet those needs. This is where Human Services plays a role. It is a resource for those underprivileged in getting their fundamental and emotional needs met. In addition, Human Services has always been committed to aiding people in becoming self-reliant.
THE GOAL OF HUMAN SERVICES Over the years, the goal of Human Services has been the aspiration of assisting individuals, families, and communities conquer obstacles that keep them from getting basic needs met. Everyone is not able to have their basic needs met for whatever
References: Abramovitz, M. (April 2005). The Largely Untold Story of Welfare Reform and Human Services. Social Work, 50(2), 175-186. Martin, M. E. (2011). Introduction to Human Services: Through the Eyes of Practice Settings (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon Publishing. National Association of Social Workers. (2012). Code of Ethics. Retrieved from http://www.naswdc.or/pubs/code National Organization for Human Services. (2012). What is Human Services. Retrieved from http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=88:what=is-human-services?&catid=19:site-content&Item=89 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2010). Historical Highlights. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/about/history/html