This monograph summarizes the results of a study of the caseload of one social service agency--that of the Family and Childrens Service of Pittsburgh. The study is based on data collected on an extensive schedule of new clients who went to this agency over a four-month period and for whom appropriate casework was considered. The focus of the study is on the perceptions of the clients by the caseworkers.

The urban poor suffer many problems beyond pressing financial concerns, including those involving housing, health, and family relationships. Social welfare agencies struggle to cope with the enormity of need presented by individuals and families. The providers frequently lack a framework to guide their priorities and the delivery of services. This volume, based on the authors' close and extensive collaboration with New York's Lower East Family Union, affords a substantive, insightful, and effective approach not only to defining the services needed but also to the delivery thereof. It also...