A multi-program cost analysis and planning model for social service programs.

Area of Science:

• Social Work Administration
• Public Administration
• Nonprofit Management

Background:

• Social service administrators face increasing fiscal and programmatic accountability from funders and clients.
• This necessitates improved methods for program planning and financial oversight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the trend of program budgeting in social services.
• To present cost analysis techniques for multi-program social service agencies.
• To demonstrate a practical model for enhancing program accountability.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of program budgeting techniques.
• Application of a cost analysis and planning model in a real-world agency.
• Discussion of the model's adaptability to diverse social service programs.

Main Results:

• The study illustrates how program budgeting aids accountability.
• A specific cost analysis model was successfully applied in an agency setting.
• The model demonstrated potential for broader application across social service sectors.

Conclusions:

• Program budgeting and cost analysis are vital for accountable social service administration.
• The presented model offers a practical framework for enhancing fiscal and programmatic oversight.
• Effective planning and analysis tools are crucial for meeting stakeholder expectations.