Introduction
Although interpersonal difficulties are inevitable, they can harm vulnerable members of the community. Governments have established public welfare agencies to promote human rights by helping people with their interpersonal difficulties. George Hoshino, in his work, “Social Services in a Public Welfare Agency”, explores how a typical child neglect case is handled by social workers. The overall goal of social service in a public welfare agency is to promote social well-being by investigating a case and offering solutions to interpersonal difficulties identified.
Chapter Summary
Social services are crucial for community members who are in need. Public welfare agencies offer a wide range of services to members of society. People living in poverty, with mental health problems, and facing neglect, among other problems, benefit from social services in public welfare agencies. Hoshino (1903) uses Mrs. Smith and her two children’s negligent case to illustrate the functions of a public welfare agency and the social workers’ role. Mrs. Smith was accused of neglecting her parenting roles by subjecting her children to poor diet.
Public welfare agencies conduct their functions based on statutory provisions and are expected to adhere to principles of equality when handling various cases. Social workers are involved in various activities from the time a case is reported to the time an action is taken. For instance, in Mrs. Smith’s case, social workers investigated the allegations by interviewing her and her neighbors (Hoshino, 1903, p. 246).
Additionally, they established that the children were subjected to poor nutritional needs. Consequently, a preschool program for the children was provided, and Mrs. Smith was subjected to a professional nutritionist. Therefore, public welfare agencies are central in promoting social well-being by handling interpersonal difficulties.
Conclusion
Interpersonal difficulties can be hurting to children and other negligent members of society. Public welfare agencies are established under law to promote social well-being by helping individuals overcome their interpersonal difficulties. Mrs. Smith was accused of child neglect, and her case was brought before a public welfare agency. Social workers established the difficulty she was facing and offered her solution for the interest of her two children.
Reference
Hoshino, G. (1903). Social services in a public welfare agency. In: The field of social work.