needs assessments (NA)

Systematic appraisals made by social workers and other professionals in evaluating their clients for problems, existing resources, potential solutions, and obstacles to problem solving. In social agencies, needs assessments are made on behalf of the clients who receive clinical services and in communities, on behalf of all the residents. The purpose of needs assessments is to document needs and establish priorities for service. The data come from existing records such as U.S. Bureau of the Census and local government statistics as well as from interviews and research on the relevant population.