EMERGING TRENDS IN ORGANIZING AND FINANCING HUMAN-SERVICES - UNEXAMINED CONSEQUENCES FOR ETHNIC-MINORITY POPULATIONS

Examines major innovations underway in the allocation of responsibilit y for public-sector human services, as well as in design, financing, a nd delivery. Developments expressing this trend include state-county r ealignment, various mechanisms for bringing about the integration of s ervices, and financing schemes involving capitated funding. Going hand -in-hand with these reforms are attempts to identify high-cost users o f service. Owing to their reliance on public-sector services and speci al patterns of need, clients from ethnic minority backgrounds have a g reat stake in what transpires. The innovations taking place are well i ntentioned and promising, but equal benefit for minorities and an equa l avoidance of harm cannot be taken for granted. Researchers, policy m akers and advocates must give special attention to the impact of new d evelopments on the well-being of ethnic minority clients.