Service Users and Personal Social Services in Israel

Abstract

This article presents both the perspectives of social service clients (participants) living in poverty and dependent on Israel's personal social services and the participatory research method used in this study. Discussion topics were determined by the participants, who described their experiences with personal social services providers, their perceptions and attitudes towards personal social services, and their recommendations for improvements in service concept and delivery. The participants referred to the social services as institutional bodies, and defined inadequate versus “good enough” treatment. They discussed issues such as bureaucracy, procedures relating to material assistance and the combination of material and emotional assistance. This paper discusses the implications of the participatory research method and of the findings regarding social work with people living in poverty.