Practice Evaluation of Community Initiatives for Social Service Delivery in a Deprived Neighborhood in Scotland. Issue 44 (1st January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Meihua; Yao, Yuan; Whittam, Geoffrey
• Is Part Of: Journal of social service research. Issue 44:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 50
• Page End: 62
• Publication Date: 2018-01-01
• Subjects: Social service -- community initiatives -- deprived neighborhoods -- Scotland; Social service -- Research -- Periodicals; Social service -- Periodicals; 361.305
• DOI: 10.1080/01488376.2017.1395383
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-8376

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Improving social service in local communities is a complex undertaking. Over the past few decades, the performance and sustainability of community initiatives have been questioned, while such factors as a lack of funding, insufficient community involvement, unsatisfactory community service, and lack of awareness of the impact of community initiatives have restricted community development. From a case study of community operations in Scotland, this article provides insights into how social service delivery is organized in the absence of public capital. This study utilized data from semi-structured in-depth interviews with a sample of 76 participants from a deprived area in Scotland, including community management team members ( n = 6), local residents ( n = 52) and community partners ( n = 18). The findings illustrated how participants of all ages, local organizations, policy makers, funders and media came together to create a cohesive and responsive community environment. Residents' needs and funders' demands were identified. Results further revealed that a Community Partnership Mechanism helped strengthen the social service network and create flexible social services. Service benefits included improved resident wellbeing in the context of less government intervention. Future implications include suggestions for government and other stakeholders involved in community reform to focus on service recipient skill building and tracking changes between the indicators and service provision.