Purpose: The findings presented here are part of a larger study by the same author. The overall purpose of this two-site study was to examine a faith-based model of intervention for families leaving welfare, and to understand the elements and processes of the model related to positive family outcomes. 31 semi-structured interviews were conducted with program participants, volunteer faith-based providers, and social services employees. Throughout the course of the study, the question that elicited the most feedback from interviewees is the one that asks “where the faith comes in” to this faith-based model of intervention. Findings related to this question, along with resulting implications for program development, are the focus of this oral presentation.

Methods: Grounded theory techniques of sampling, data collection, and analysis were utilized to develop substantive theory on faith-based services for families leaving welfare. Interview questions were designed to elicit in-depth responses from women leaving welfare, faith-based volunteers, and program coordinators. After interviews were coded, the researcher utilized the techniques of comparative analysis and conceptual category development to define the grounded theory.

Results: There were differences in the way that interviewees perceived the role of faith in this faith-based program and marked differences in the way that program participants perceived faith-based services as being different from traditional social services. Regarding differences in the perception of faith, four of the interviewees did not believe that the faith and spiritual practices of the volunteer service providers had any bearing on service delivery or program outcome, except for the volunteer's initial desire to be a part of the program. Families who see faith as operating in some manner saw it as evidenced in the nature of the program itself, and in the way that they were treated by the volunteers. The service providers, faith-based volunteers, who see faith as operating somewhere in the process view it as an extension of their faith in God or Higher Power. There are two major findings regarding perception of differences between faith-based and traditional services. One, program participants noted the individualized nature of support that was provided in the faith-based program as being different from traditional services. Two, participants emphasized that their relationships with faith-based providers were built on trust, communication, and reciprocity and that this interpersonal difference was markedly different from their relationship with traditional service providers.

Implications: Despite the emphasis that the current administration places on increasing faith-based services, little is known about how faith is actually integrated into programs and to what extent this impacts client outcomes (Scott, 2002). As such, this study contributes to the knowledge base in this area. Additionally, findings from this study contribute to the knowledge base in areas of faith-based program development and collaboration between traditional and alternative service providers. Implications for program development are a significant focus of this oral presentation.

Reference

Scott, J. D. (2002). The scope and scale of faith-based social services. Albany, NY: The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy. Retrieved from http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/docs/bibliographies/9-4-2002_scope_and_scale.pdf on March 2, 2003.