According to the emerging consensus from social policy research, a long-term investment in an ecological, prevention, participatory approach toward problem-solving is essential.
To effectively address social problems at their roots, every stage of the social service continuum must build on the previous level. Appropriate interventions need to be available at every stage to break the cycle of damage, whether served by grassroots, community based or governmental agencies. |
Thoughtful investment in essential social and public health services is needed to prevent cross-generational damage. And market forces alone cannot and have never been able to address these critical issues. Essential services, including family planning, prenatal care, family support, and early childhood enhancement are worth the cost a thousand-fold in the savings gained by preventing subsequent social problems such as higher rates of mental illness, crime, violence, antisocial behavior, substance abuse, academic failure, and deteriorating communities. |