This paper examines the concept of community, and defines it in terms
of boundaries, shared needs and social interaction. It considers types
of community and the functions they perform. After discussing differe
nt community resources the paper concentrates on the resources of auth
ority and legitimation, which may be achieved by the use of client inv
olvement and general community representation. An empiric test of the
connection between client representation and effectiveness is used to
illustrate the value of involving clients, their families and other co
mmunity representatives in community services such as home care.