Community Development: Territory Families

Answer

Community Development: Territory Families

Understanding the concepts of community development and its applicability to address both local and global development issues is critical.  Different categories of people in society have distinct needs that require community support to enable them lead normal lives. Nevertheless, despite the existence of theories that define the concept of community development, a gap between the theory and the practice may exist in some organizations. This paper deliberates on the concept of community development, focusing on the gap between theory and the practice, using Territory Families as the point of reference.

Background Information

Territory Families is a good illustration of community development theory transformed into practice. The institution was established by Northern Territory Government in the year 2016 with the intention of creating strong communities devoid of injustices and suffering (Territory Families, 2017). The community focuses on ensuring safety of the children, their happiness and wellbeing. It also provides equal opportunities for men and women from all linguistic and cultural backgrounds at the same time appreciating the elderly in the community (Territory Families, 2017). The agency has various divisions that together serve to meet the set objectives. The divisions include; children and families, youth, multicultural affairs and seniors, youth justice, senior and pensioner concessions, offices of women’s and men’s policy, domestic violence directorate and children’s policy (Territory Families, 2017). The minister of the agency is Honourable Dale Wakefield while the chief Executive Officer is Ken Davies (Territory Families, 2017).

Overview of the Context

The agency conducted a placement and rafts of issues were discussed illuminating the challenges and concerns experienced on the ground while endeavouring to render services to the community. Some of the issues included, need to understand the context they operate in and how emerging trends impact it and operational issues as well as ethical dilemmas they encounter and their effect on service delivery. Community development theories provide a framework on understanding and providing tangible solutions to the practical concerns that affect the agency, especially in this world where trends keep changing (Mendes, 2008). However, it becomes a challenge sometimes to fill these gaps using the theories developed because of the different contextual challenges that such agencies experience.  Having a grasp of these theories is important to understand their shortcomings and strengths when put into practice.

Discussion of Theories in Relation to the Context

Community development theory, is one of the theories with practical framework for the social workers that offer services to the vulnerable and those in need; individuals, communities and societies. The theory focus on those oppressed as they seek to overcome external imposed social problems. Social work stands at the periphery of the theory, hence shares similar tenets of community development.  Social work allows application of professional interventions aimed at addressing situations of crisis and personal distress through changing and shaping the social environment. Whereas, according to Schiele (2005), community development basically is the employment of community structures to address various societal needs and at the same time empowering various groups of people (Mendes, 2008). Therefore, community existing frameworks are deployed to ensure that various issues that face the people are met. Territory Families, under application of this theory, has to understand the target audience and the context in which they are operating to be in a better place to meet the demands and the needs of the individuals and the communities they serve. The ecological theory as well supports the quest for an agency to understand the environment it operates in. Ecology systems theory brings out the important of scrutinizing the immediate environment to ensure success (Mendes, 2008).  Understanding environment allows the agency to appreciate the diversities, the cultural aspects, and behaviours of the target audience, aiding tin delivery of tailored solutions.

The focus on the community structures according to Mendes (2008) emanates from the theory and is rooted in sociology as opposed to psychology-based theories on social work practice. When people and structures are engaged appropriately, definitely, the role of a social worker becomes that of facilitator and not an expert (Mendes, 2008). Therefore, this means that the people and the facilitators have an obligation to facilitate achievement of the desired change.

Even though, much research has been conducted and documented, focusing on the tenets of the theory, more so, the values and priorities, they are helpful in making agencies understand the applicability of the theory. York (1994) summarizes the concept of community development theory as organization of community agencies that come together to develop their local competencies as well as political action with the aim of spearheading change. On the other hand Pandey (1981) refers to strategies to community development as being participative, distributive and aimed at fostering human development. The community have to take part in the strategies and efforts; they also have to share as they endeavour to experience growth and development. Similarly, according to Schiele (2005), the work of social worker in community development initiatives is to collectively solve problems, empower one another and ensure self-help. Furthermore, Payne (1997) summarises community development as including the act of developing social capital, capacity building and ensuring social inclusion and exclusion (Schiele, 2005). Even though, these authors use different language and terminologies in describing the concept of community development, the tenets of the theories manifest similar meanings and truths.

The use of some of the tenets of the community development theory makes the process of addressing the concerns of Territory Families simple. Appreciating that context of operations will differ from one agency to another is important to adapt to appropriate strategies (Pizzi, 2006). Territory Family operates in a diversified environment, serving people that have different needs.  The purpose of community development is to help the community or individuals oppressed to regain their worth and achieve fulfilment.  Relocation is one of the tenets that will help the agency to meet its objectives.  Relocation in the context of community development framework concerns transferring power back to the community, best explained using empowerment theory (Pizzi, 2006). Empowerment theory holds that when working with communities and for this matter Territorial Families, the focus should be directed on empowerment of individuals’ initiatives, strengths and on systems to bring about change. Therefore, the agency has the audacity to empower the people within the communities they operate to help them develop their own community. Similarly, building powerful community organizations is also a key theory in community development (Brown & Arlington, 2006). In many societies, imbalance of power exists and this affects the smooth coexistence of people. Therefore, creating leeway and opportunities for the community members to have power to control the lives of others can help in achieving Territory Families objectives.

The agency serves many people; hence administering services from a central point will not have desired impact. Therefore, to ensure that maximum impact is achieved, it becomes prudent to take power to the oppressed communities by collaborating with the community members (Schiele, 2005). This however, requires an investment as well as to have a belief and to have confident that the people that the power would be vested in, will have the audacity and the potential to solve their own community problems and in the end lead to a transformed community (Schiele, 2005). This remains prudent because, cases such as child abuse in the communities are known by the community members. Having a leader that has the motivation and the passion to ensure safety of the vulnerable children will help to solve such a problem (Pizzi, 2006). Using indigenous leaders would be a prudent idea in helping communities address some of the problems they face. Indigenous leaders would however be empowered, trained and educated to be in a better position to spearhead changes in their communities and neighbourhoods.

Concerning Territory Families, the tenet of redistribution is also key in community development. The tenet concerns the principle of working on behalf of the unfortunate or disadvantaged people, in striving to ensure that resources are redistributed. In most cases oppressed communities and individuals lack resources and power. Hence, through redistribution, such vulnerable people can lead healthy and independent functioning lives. However, it becomes essential to survey and understand the needs, emotions of the target population. Positivism theory helps in appreciate the need to understand the target audience.  The theory focuses on measuring human behaviours to inform the right course of action (Westoby, 2014). The feelings, emotions and the intangible intuitive aspects in general are evaluated before providing or commending a tangible solution. Therefore, individuals or communities are dealt with like objects or part of the problem solving. Some of the decisions and course of actions are taken through legal action without necessarily consulting the people. For instance, when dealing with issues of child molestation, the agency formulates law as that bide the offenders. It does not need to consult the offenders on which course of actions to take but it takes actions it deems appropriate. Positivism is objective and scientific and decisions are taken after doing or carrying out scientific research/ surveys and then considering how change is likely to affect the people.

Since Territory Families deals with such individuals in society, using this tenet would go miles in ensuring that resources are well distributed and the underclass are able to develop their skills and businesses. However, it is important for the agency to identify the injustices and gaps in resources before initiating collective advocacy of the community to avail the required resources. In the initial stages, social workers are required to invest on the individuals within the community for them to handle their problems effectively. Redistribution can be very transformative and powerful way of ensuring that resources are equally distributed (Gilchrist & Taylor, 2016). The people involved such as social workers, clinicians among others must remain open to and execute their roles as facilitators by believing in the potential and capabilities of the people to change their own situations.

Reconciliation is also crucial in Territory Families in developing and reaffirming the belief in dignity and worth of all persons. It is also one of the best approaches that can be used to mend fences and enable people to forget about their dirty past. Territory Families has to focus on forgiveness and repentance among the people to be achieved through effective communication. Communication theory is relevant and applicable in the social work practice. There is need to understand the issues that target audience face as well making people understand the actions or the policy undertaken to solve their problems (Westoby, 2014). Social workers therefore, have to be good communicators to ensure that the objectives are met. Social workers need to engage in social work intervention with diverse and oppressed people with care and professionalism to have desired implications (Ife & Fiske, 2006). It is also important for the social workers to demonstrate equality as opposed to imperialism to create ambience environment for parties to solve their problems. Reconciliation in community development must cut across all oppressed groups including the gay, racial minorities, bisexual, lesbian, and transgender populations among others (Westoby, 2014). Honest dialogue is key between the social worker and the client. Therefore, the Territory Families must be able to understand the target audiences so that when they assign duties, the social workers must be able to build relationship through rapport, be transparent, have self-awareness, and remain consistent.

Lack of evidence on the effectiveness of the theory remains one of the compelling criticisms of these theories in the contemporary and future social work practice. Government accountability in the contemporary days, marred with limited resources has become a challenge in ensuring that enough funding is provided to support provision of various services to the target audiences. Reliance on evidence based practice has also remained a challenge especially securing enough funds to help the agency expedite its mandates and roles. Regardless of the hiccups, community development theories remain legitimate theoretical and practical models that social work profession cannot ignore. For instance, examining the community development theory using Joel Fischer’s criteria helped to appreciate the value of the theory in social work practice (Fischer, 1971). The theory is relevance to the social work assignments an individual engages in, it converges with the social work profession, and it has empirical validation, has teachable principles and has specific prescriptions that direct action. The theory furthermore, is applicable to all levels of social work practice including micro, mezzo and macro.

Operational Issues and Ethical Dilemmas

Operational issues and ethical dilemmas are critical aspects that affect service delivery of any organization. Territory Families has laid down procedures and code of professional conduct that bide social workers. Community development involves mutual working of social workers and any other personnel with the communities and individuals (
Gilchrist & Taylor, 2016). Such working relationships must be built on values and principles to ensure that the objectives are met.  Any unethical programs that compromise the conduct of staffs may affect the credibility and hamper achievement of the set objectives. Ethical dilemma also known as moral dilemmas are situations where an individual is supposed to make a choice between two options; neither of the choices addresses the situation in an ethically acceptable way (Ife & Fiske, 2006). Making the right choices when faced with a compromising situation can be problematic when faced with conflicting situations. Ethical dilemma arises due to lack of competence, and due to conflict of interest between the parties. Some of the ethical dilemma cases that the social workers of Territory Families should keep watch include exploiting people that you have professional relationship for financial gains. For instance, social worker may take bribe and allow an individual not eligible to a certain program for their own personal gains. Other examples include, discriminating when providing services because of personal reasons, defrauding funders through billing of non-existent services, denying necessary medical services to people that refuse to give bribes even though they may have the leeway or authority to access to such services (Ife & Fiske, 2006).

Conflict of interest arises due various factors such as political, position, social, family or financial interest influence ones judgement or actions (Flint, 2013). In community interventions, conflicts of interest may arise to a disadvantaged community. The way programs ought to run and money spent should be in an open and transparent way to avoid compromise of parties that may have vested interest. Many of the cases involving child molestation and mistreatment face this hurdle as many of the people close to the child or community members deny the Agency information. This act hampers smooth operations and performance of the daily activities or duties of an agency.

Furthermore, inadequate training and skills in community development initiatives may hamper smooth operations leading to unethical dilemma issues. A social worker or medical practitioners with inadequate training is likely to engage in unethical issues that compromise the quality of the services they provide (Rabonowitz, 2017). Territory Families should endeavour to employ competent staffs that can provide high quality and professional services to the target communities (Rabonowitz, 2017). Other important ethical issues that social workers and any other person in community development initiatives such as medical professionals, clergy, mental health professionals, educators, public officials, youth workers, child protective services, mediators, lawyers and paralegals, non-professionals line staff and administrators and sponsoring organizations should consider include, confidentiality, disclosure, trust and objectivity.

Operational issues rage from the general functioning and day to day running of the agency and looking after the welfare of the employees and the target communities (Rabonowitz, 2017). It becomes critical to appreciate the dynamics involved when delivering these services. Territory Families must come up with clear budgets and plans on how to carryout heir operations to reach the intended objectives. The operations usually run at a cost, therefore logistics must be in place to ensure proper execution of services. The welfare of the children and men and women, as well as elderly and any other targets should be well addressed. Appropriate policies and procedures regarding training, recruitment and general standards of employees should be put in place to ensure that objectives are achieved.

Knowledge, Skills and Capabilities

Social workers in community development must possess requisite Knowledge, skills and capabilities to be able to deliver quality services and to work effectively as a community development worker & development professional (Rabonowitz, 2017). Having acquired requisite academic qualifications by undertaking or pursuing humanitarian courses will help equip any social worker with relevant knowledge. Social workers must have understanding of their functions to be able to deliver positive results.  They must be trained on the Agency’s mission vision, objectives and the scope of responsibilities for them to align their work with the expectations. Some of the values that social workers need to possess include hardworking, trust, courage, and sense of responsibilities and must uphold to the codes of ethics and professional standards. For instance, staffs handling issues of children must have the interest and passion of children welfare. They must as well understand behaviours and the general conducts of children to effectively render their services. Legal minds may also be required hence; deeper understanding of the law becomes important in the success of these staffs.

Learning is a continuous process and staffs must be privy to this, hence must undertake continuous training and courses to keep updated on the current emerging issues. The agency has to support these courses by designing suitable training programs that will positively impact on the employees’ personal and holistic development (Flint, 2013). Some of the trainings will require consultation with the staffs to establishing their training needs done through training needs assessment.

Areas of Personal and Professional Development

Social workers have to develop personally and professionally to be of value to the operations of an entity. Personal development will require personal input on the part of the employee.  Every employee will demonstrate this through their performance. Performance management systems will help to evaluate the general development of employees. Professional development of employees will be achieved through various trainings organised by the agency and from external partners (Rabonowitz, 2017). Similarly, employees have the duty to pursue further studies in the areas of their interest to improve their skills and knowledge for them to render satisfactory services.

In conclusion, community development concept is paramount in the smooth operation of an agency that renders its services to the community. Various theories such as community development, empowerment, positivism, ecology, communication and building powerful community organizations among many others provide theoretical platforms of understanding the aspect of community development.  Community development theory however, stands out as the most adopted by the social work practice. Territorial Families has embraced the concept of community development theories in its operations, helping it render better services to different clients.  It is prudent as these theories postulates, for agencies to understand their context and aspire to offer services to communities at the same time empowering the communities to be the change and transformational agents. Putting to consideration   ethical consideration, operational issues as well as mechanism to foster personal and professional development of social workers remains critical in the smooth running of community development entities.