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36 <br /> Adult Workgroup Members: Here are some thoughts as I've gone back through notes <br /> from these past weeks. I make no claim to their being in any way complete or accurate as <br /> to the disminsions of the group, but offer them as a jumping off place for our last meeting <br /> before the interim report. If you cannot make that meeting, will you please respond by <br /> sending any suggestions you may have. Many, many thanks! Louise Baker. <br /> SOME SUMMARY NOTES FOR THE ADULT WORKGROUP <br /> TASK FORCE ON WELFARE/HUMAN SERVICES REFORM <br /> GIVENS: <br /> 1. Any changes/improvements in the human services delivery system must provide <br /> positive incentives for both agency/provider and client. No aid recipient will <br /> be motivated to change behavior unless such change involves perceived rewards. <br /> No agency will work its hardest for long term client progress if its efforts <br /> are judged negatively because of different expectations. <br /> 2. Layers of bureacracy have not appeared overnight. Although some changes can <br /> be effected quickly, most will required thoughtfid evaluation, planning , and facili- <br /> tation--and up-front money. <br /> 3. The morass of paperwork and service guidelines evolved from good intentions to <br /> ensure accountability, equality and confidentiality. The result, however, <br /> has tended to obscure the major purpose of serving human beings in need. <br /> 4. "Self sufficiency" may never be possible for some persons. Indeed the fact that <br /> government entities exist at all is tacit admission that no individual/family/group can <br /> provide for all its needs alone. <br /> 5. Resistance to change from all parties is to be expected. Uncertainty is always <br /> threatening, and revamping any system means there will be a period of chaos until <br /> adjustment to changes has been made. <br /> 6. If"reform" means simply cutting resources and targeting services which can show the <br /> greatest savings(i.e. clients dropped from benefits)the quickest, agencies serving the <br /> most vulnerable will naturally seek to defend their and their clients' interests. <br /> 7, No human enterprise can be immune from cheating and corruption: the best <br /> mane@ corporations have to contend with dishonest employees and customers. <br /> Human services agencies should never focus more on weeding out the cheaters than <br /> on helping persons in need. <br />