Perspectives on Access to Social Services

Expansion of social services does not necessarily assure that these services will reach all those who need them most. A total effort must assure access, open up opportunity, end administrative abuses, and eliminate the existing dual system of law and policy. There has recently been an encouraging development of information, advice, advocacy, and referral resources under a variety of auspices, but these lack the range of coverage and degree of expertise essential to a truly universal service. They represent islands of experiment rather than a movement. However, the author states this may be a beginning: we may be on the verge of a coherent movement.