Evaluation by Black Americans of the Social Service Encounter during a Serious Personal Problem

Personal evaluations of the encounter with social service agencies were investigated using the National Survey of Black Americans. More than 2,100 completed interviews were collected in 1979 and 1980. Overall, respondents indicated that social services were good sources of assistance in helping them cope with a stressful episode. Friends and relatives were found to be important sources of referral. Additionally, analysis of preferences of the race of practitioner indicated that this is an area deserving further study.