Human Services vs. Costs

Human services are programs that help people and families. Often those helped have limited income and resources, but these programs are not just important for poor people.  It is important that people who need help be connected to appropriate services for humanitarian reasons, and for economic reasons. Human services and social programs may include assistance with job training or job placement, emergency food, day care, health services, counseling services, and other specialized supports for seniors, veterans and others.

Recently, the Illinois Human Services Commission analyzed the value of human services and found that in many instances addressing problems before they become severe decreases the cost to the general community in the long run.  They noted that:

• Every $1 spent on child abuse prevention saves tax payers $19 in child abuse treatment.
• Every $1 spent on home care for the elderly saves tax payers $10.50 on nursing home costs.
• Every $1 spent on childhood learning generates $7 in tax payer benefits.
• Every $1 spent on drug treatment saves taxpayers $7 in reduced crime, and emergency room visits.
• Every $1 spent on job training returns $4.60 to the tax payer.

There is a great value in providing our community members with access to resources that assist people and families, and this in turn reduces the long term costs shared by all of us, from these preventable problems.

For information about local human and social services of all kinds call The Information Center (734) 282-7171 or visit us at www.theinfocenter.info.