NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL-SERVICES - MEETING SOCIAL NEEDS IN LOCAL-COMMUNITIES IN POSTCOMMUNIST HUNGARY

This article describes and evaluates the role of non-governmental orga nizations in responding to social care needs in post-communist Hungary through the development of new forms of social services. It compares and contrasts this with the lessons arising from the similar role that non-profit organizations undertake in relation to public services in the western market economies. II argues that the key factor determinin g the success or otherwise of this role is the relationship, and its m anagement, of these organizations to government in Hungary. It conclud es by exploring this relationship in detail and by highlighting the ke y issues to be addressed in the future. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Lt d.