NCJ Number
191625
Date Published
2000
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This paper considers how society should define a public philosophy and policy for the possibility of an increased role in social welfare delivery for faith- and community-based organizations.
Abstract
The paper summarizes the main points of Reweaving the Social Tapestry: Toward a Public Philosophy and Policy for Families, and presents a framework for justifying cooperation between faith- and community-based institutions and government, foundations, and the market. In addition, it illustrates the consensus reached in Strengthening American Families by 53 leaders from government, civil society, different religions, business, unions, the professions, and the military. The paper discusses the role of the social sciences, understanding Western family traditions, and charitable choice and the church-state issue. The paper concludes that faith- and community-based organizations are a fruitful area for the extension of social services, but their services likely will exceed the routine delivery of basic entitlements by professionals. Further, it observes that faith-based social service programs at the congregational level will be most successful when they are stimulated and supervised by intermediate organizations such as Faith and Families, Good Samaritan, and Family Pathfinders. Notes