An analysis of Delaware old age assistance
Date
1942
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The purpose in writing this paper was to give a complete, composite picture of the organization and operation of one very limited form of public assistance. It is felt that it will be helpful to students of social welfare to have under one cover, the facts pertaining to the foundations upon which a welfare agency administering categorical relief (1) is built; the actual construction of that agency; and a survey of that agency at work. Most material on this subject is scattered through texts, articles and reports and is, therefore, disjointed and without coherence. This paper has the advantage of having come from inside the agency itself, being based on two years of experience in the Social Service Department of the Old Age Assistance Unit of the Delaware Old Age Welfare Commission.(2) For this reason, it may not be as objective as many other studies along these same lines, but should demonstrate some of the stresses and strains within agencies at hinder efficient functioning. Such material, recorded by a person outside the agency, is likely to lay the emphasis on outside factors which disrupt the work. The Writer feels that both inside and outside factors should be taken into consideration. ☐ However, as a unit in the Social Welfare Program of the State and the Nation, such an agency can, and should provide the means for dealing with one group of the many which form our Democratic (in theory, at least) Society. That the Agency is not functioning in a broad social sense, will be apparent. Vested interests, such as wealth, politics, prestige, family and the like, all play a part in corrupting agency practices. In this respect, Delaware in no exception. ☐ This paper attempts to illustrate these points in their proper perspective in relation to the whole State and National programs for Social Welfare; and points out the Social factors which have given rise to the need for Old Age Assistance. ☐ Notes: 1. Categorical relief is that form which gives assistance under certain classifications, as, Old Age Assistance, Mother’s Pension, Aid to the Blind, and Unemployable Relief. This practice is fast falling into Disrepute. The newer and more satisfactory plan is to administer public aid generally. This eliminates overlapping of agencies’ functions, jealousies between agencies, differences in personnel standards and agency policies; and makes for more efficient rehabilitation work with the persons receiving help. • 2. The Old Age Welfare Commission administers Old Age Assistance and the Relief Unit, which are entirely different forms of categorical relief.