Intake policy as a community organization tool

Abstract

The intake policy of an agency is presented as an integral part of an agency's impact upon community organization and hence as crucial in the effectiveness and efficiency with which it carries out the mission of total community care. Three possible models for intake policy are elaborated: direct service, extended community management, and extensive community development. Under the latter model the judicious development, communication, and implementation of intake policy are evaluated in terms of impact in creating productive community ferment and thus fostering a community-wide examination of and involvement in the development of adequate services.