My Knowledge of Intervention Resources
Human Services Professionals (HSPs) should be aware of the services available to clients with specific needs. According to my knowledge, York Pennsylvania has different organizations that support many citizens. Such agencies are available in every part of the county. The institutions address different problems such as substance abuse, homelessness, and domestic violence (Crosson-Tower, 2012).
Accessibility of Such Services
I think that it would be difficult for many people to access most of the above services. This is the case because many victims do not report such social problems. Many people are also unaware of it. However, this assignment will equip me with more details about the intervention services available in York, Pennsylvania.
Child Abuse and Family Preservation
The York County Children’s Advocacy Center (YCCAC) is an agency that addresses the issue of child abuse in the county. The agency liaises with social workers in order to support more children. The center collaborates with other groups in order to provide adequate services.
Pros and Cons
Parents and guardians are empowered in order to support their children (The York County Children’s Advocacy Center, 2015). The roles of the agency promote the idea of family preservation. The agency acquires different resources from various donors in order to deliver quality results. The services have some disadvantages. For instance, such services do not prevent new cases of child abuse.
Accessing Services
The YCCAC collaborates with different health institutions in order to address the problem of child abuse. Members of the society can contact the center using different hotline numbers. Individuals can visit the agency’s offices to report any form of child abuse (The York County Children’s Advocacy Center, 2015). The center takes appropriate measures in order to deal with child abuse.
Domestic Violence
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) offers adequate services across the state. This agency offers appropriate programs to support victims of domestic violence in the state (The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2015). It also collaborates with attorneys in order to formulate better policies.
Pros and Cons
The services provided by the PCADV have some advantages. For instance, the agency supports more people in the state. The organization also responds quickly to every issue. The only disadvantage is that such services are not available to many people.
Accessing Services
The PCADV has a hotline number that encourages more people to report every case of domestic violence (The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2015). Individuals can also visit the agency’s office in order to get the required support. The agency’s online presence encourages more people to get quality services.
Substance Abuse
York County has several agencies whose role is to deal with substance abuse. Crosson-Tower (2012) believes that substance abuse is one of the biggest problems affecting many Americans. The York-Adams Drug and Alcohol Commission (YADAC) seeks to protect, support, and mentor individuals affected by substance abuse. The agency also offers free counseling and training (The York-Adams Drug and Alcohol Commission, 2015).
Pros and Cons
Some pros are associated with these services. For instance, the agency supports every family. Beneficiaries are encouraged to embrace new lifestyles. More resources are used in order to empower every person. The only disadvantage is that the institution does not collaborate with other agencies. This affects the quality of services available to different citizens.
Accessing Services
The YDAC encourages more victims of substance abuse to dial 911. This approach makes it easier for the organization to deliver the required services. Individuals and families can also “contact the agency in order to get the required information” (The York-Adams Drug and Alcohol Commission, 2015, para. 4).
Homelessness
Changing Lives Shelter (CLS) is an agency providing human services to homeless citizens in York, Pennsylvania. This agency has been operating since 2007. The organization provides adequate services to homeless persons and families. The agency also uses various resources in order to transform the lifestyles of the targeted persons.
Pros and Cons
The services provided by the agency have some advantages and disadvantages. Many homeless people acquire new skills in order to have better lives. Such “services address the root cause of every situation” (Crosson-Tower, 2012, p. 38). The services provided by this agency are disadvantageous because they fail to support many families.
Accessing Services
Clients can access the services availed by the CLS. To begin with, they can visit the office in order to have the issues addressed by the agency. Individuals who encounter homeless children in the streets are also encouraged to inform the agency (Crosson-Tower, 2012).
Why Families May Not Seek Out the Above Services
Several factors can make it impossible for different families to get the above services. To begin with, some members of the family might threaten their victims from getting the best services (Crosson-Tower, 2012). This occurs when children and women become victims of domestic violence. The unavailability of agencies can also discourage more families (Crosson-Tower, 2012). Some abusers threaten their victims. This issue explains why more victims fail to report their problems.
Changing the Situation
HSPs should use different campaigns to improve the rate of reporting. Members of the community should be encouraged to report various incidences, such as domestic violence. They should also be informed about the available human services in their respective communities. Threatened persons should be protected in order to get the best services (Crosson-Tower, 2012). Citizens should be encouraged to report every form of abuse.
Reference List
Crosson-Tower, C. (2012). Exploring Child Welfare: A Practice Perspective. New York, NY: Pearson. Web.
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (2015). Web.
The York County Children’s Advocacy Center. (2015). Web.
The York-Adams Drug and Alcohol Commission. (2015). Web.