An Evaluation of social services for urban treaty Indians

Abstract

A number of assertions have been made regarding the inadequacy and ineffectiveness of social service agencies in the delivery of services to the increasing number of migrant Indians. Little documen­tation is available on the accuracy of these assertions. This study was designed in an attempt to fill information gaps by providing descriptive data on agency perceptions of social services available to treaty Inrlians residing in Calgary. In developing a theoretical framework for examining social services for migrant Indians, the author refers to criteria for assessment defined in terms of accessibility, suitability, adequacy, co-ordination, effectiveness and worker appropriateness. Primary attention is given to the availability and utilization of services, policies, procedures and attitudes regarding service needs of the Indian community. Three sample groups were chosen from the AID Directory, a list of 216 service organizations in Calgary. The 30 agencies included 7 Nati· ?? organizations; 7 frequently-used, non-Native agencies; and 16 non-Native agencies used very little or not at all by Indians. Four interviewers completed semi-structured interviews with representatives of the 30 agencies. The interview guide was designed by the researcher in consultation with several experts in the field of social welfare and with members of the Indian community. The instrument follows five topic headings: interviewer self-completion defining accessibility and suitability; programs; policies; procedures; and attitudes regarding service needs of treaty Indians. Results are reported according to these headings.