A methodology for mapping and analyzing community social services as a system

Over the last decade the U.S. social services system has experienced difficulties In adequately providing services to all of those in need. This has resulted in a significant need for tile coordination of community social services at a "macro management" level. The lack of current coordination is partially due to the inability to analyze social services as a system of interconnected components. Existing models either do not address system-wide issues, or cannot accurately describe the behavior of the social services network as a system of interconnected resources. Ih new and practical methodology for addressing social services as a system was developed called the Community Services Model (CSM). This approach applies industrial engineering and information modeling Pools in a unique and practical way. The CSM identifies the information exchange links between service providers, finders, consumers, and support agencies. The CSM provides a framework for social service network analysis and management by macro practitioners (managers of social services networks).