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DOCOMENT RESUME
05611 - i'B0825751]
Iaformation uud Referral for People Needing Human Services: A
Complex System That Should Be Improved. HRD-77-134; B-164031 (4).
March 20, 1978. 36 pp. * 14 appendices (25 pp.).
Report to the Congress; by Elmer B. Staats, Comptroller General.
Issue Area: Income Security Progrp.as: Programs fcr Special
Target Populations (1304).
Contact: Human Resources Div.
Budget Function: Education, Hanpowers and Social Services:
Social Services (506).
Organization Concerned: Department of Healthe Education, and
Welfare; General Services Administration; Veterans
Admiaistration; Community Services Atinistration.
Congressional Relevance: House Committee o,, Vay;. and deans;
Congress.
The Federal Government, as well as State, local, and
private agencies, offers a variety of programrs directed at
providing human servics to help improve the status of
individuals. More than $100 billion in Federal funds is spent
annually on health, rehabilitation, employment, income
maintenance, nutrition, education, and othe7: programs designed
to assist people. Although many such prograss are available,
linking people with appropriate services in difficult.
;L--formation and referral (ISE) services attempt to inform people
about programs available and help them link up with programb
appropriate to their needs. Findings/Conclusions: Because of
the number of ISE providers, the lack of coordination, and the
lack of quality controls in ISR systems, there is no adequate
assurance the individuals are receiving effectiv- and efficient
ISR or even getting the services they need. Inefficiencies
peraeate the system, and thousands of agencies repeatedlr
duplic t.e I&R functions. Lack of coordination amcng responsible
Federal agencies has contributed to the fragmentation and
ineffectiveness of I6. Instead of promoting the consolidation
of ISE activities into comprehensive community centers, most
Federal agencies have acted independently in establishing or
funding many types of ISR providers with limited scope and
function. Without strong leadership to coordinate Federal
support for ISR, local efforts to improve efficiency and
effectiveness through consolidation of IR programs are unlikely
to succeed. Recommendations: The Director, Office of Management
and Budget, the Secretary of Health, Education, and Velfare, and
heads of other Federal agencies funding ISE activities should
establish a task force to develop a national policy and plan
requiring coordination between agencies to consolidate IE
activities and promote the establishment of comprehensive
centers. The policy and plan should cover: actions required to
eliminate duplication of ISE services among Federal agencies;
ways ir which Federal resources can be redirected and pooled](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.gao/gaobaawzo0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)