Ressearching_Human_Services

Researching Human Services Agencies The first agency researched is called Washington Protection & Advocacy System or (WPAS). As of June 1, 2007 the name of this organization will be called Disability Rights Washington. This agencies primary function demographically is to serve a group of people with physical and/ or mental disabilities. Those who have seen institutionalized abuse and/or neglect of patients may have influenced this. According to the WPAS mission statement, the agency serves to (WPAS, 2007) “ advance the dignity, equality and self-determination of people with disabilities” (WPAS Mission, para 1). The agency may do this several different ways. WPAS may provide legal information or assistance for those meeting their criteria. This organization is very strong on fundamental human rights for people institutionalized or not, and believes that the disabled person should have input into their treatment and living arrangements. Further WPAS may offer intervention where abuse or neglect is apparent. Although the website did not go into detail as to what types, the WPAS agency may offer other services such as training for those who qualify. Those who qualify must meet certain federal guidelines and mandates as the WPAS receives federal monies. The second agency researched is Washington State Employment Security or (WSES). Demographically speaking WSES exists to deal issues regarding employers and employees in Washington State. At this particular time in the nation wide economy slump WSES mainly provides services to the unemployed or displaced workers. This is equates to services in two different ways. The first and primary goal of this agency is to get those who are unemployed back to work. The agency offers a searchable job bank that tone can contact the employer directly for jobs. The agency may help the displaced worker by setting up training. This is not in the form of “higher education” (university) but rather by vocational or other classes that may help the displaced worker be more desirable to a potential employer. The second goal of WSES is the distribution of funds to the displaced worker. There is a very stiff criterion that must be met before one can collect unemployment benefits. Almost no one who has been fired off a job or quit can collect these benefits. Only in very rare circumstance will money be distributed under those conditions. All states have an employment security office. Some may differ in the way that each operates or rules it observes. I believe WSES fulfills its mission to assist displaced workers, because I have had direct experience with this agency. In comparison these tow different agencies have one common denominator. They both exist to serve the needs of people in difficult situations. How effective they are may be another matter. With the funds allocated I believe that WSES meets the needs of most people in that demographic group. I have no experience with WPAS, but they do have litigation pending. This and the fact they receive federal funds tell me that there must be some degree of effectiveness. The biggest challenges for both of these agencies may be funding. Because we are living in difficult times there has been help available from the federal government. I don’t feel this is either practical or sustainable given the economic hardships we are now facing as a nation. References Washington Protection & Advocacy System , (2007) Washington Protection & Advocacy System Website Retrieved November 10, 2009 from http://www.wpas-rights.org/index.htm Washington State Employment Security Department, (2009) Washington State Employment Security Department website Retrieved November 10, 2009 from http://www.esd.wa.gov/