Inadequate utilization of volunteer social service workers

The potential social service work-force of volunteers is under- utilized. Universities, extension and adult education opportunities, community colleges and local institutions, offer little in the way of training for the thousands, and in some countries tens of thousands, of volunteers who render or who wish to render aid to the disadvantaged. The institutionalization of the handicapped often produces de-humanizing circumstances, especially in overcrowded, understaffed situations; neglect and superficial attention has the same effect. The trained volunteer is required at every point where social service is needed, in homecare, at institutions and at social service centers.