Towards Multi-level Needs Assessment

Abstract

The term “needs assessment” has been used previously to describe a variety of concepts relating to the relationships between service provision and users/consumers. Different meanings have been attached according to the means by which service agents have attempted to identify relevant services; limitations have been observed in needs assessments that have tried to define the need for change solely within individuals. An effort is made to extend the scope and range of such needs assessments beyond a consideration of the individual consumer and to enable assessors to make concurrent statements relating to the behaviour of both workers and service systems. An attempt is made to locate behaviourally-based work within an understanding of human need.