History of Human Services
Human services as a field encompasses a wide range of services that aim to improve the overall well-being of communities and the individuals that are within them. This is an evolving career that is noted to be traced back to early civilizations where it was seen as essential for everyday life. This commitment to social hospitality is at the core of what humanity is built on, leading to a more compassionate sense of interaction among people in a community.
19th Century
In the 19th century, human services were developed more heavily following the Industrial Revolution as people relocated within big cities to make a living. From this, there was a clear population issue that produced community health issues, limited housing, and limited jobs which led to large populations of people in poverty. In turn, social reformers were established leading to institutions that serviced people regarding health care, job opportunities, education, and childcare.
20th Century
In the 20th century, the role of human services expanded considerably with the creation of various government agencies whose goals were to support the various needs of the population. For instance, in 1935 Social Security was established to benefit disabled and elderly people in order to provide financial support as they were unable to work. The School of Social Work of the University of Michigan states, “It expanded and improved standards of social welfare throughout the country and provided recipients with some sense of individual freedom and dignity” (Tannenbaum & Reisch, 2001) Other agencies including family services were established to provide people with counseling, child welfare, food support, and income. Also, it was seen that cosmetology started gaining traction due to its benefit of boosting self-esteem for the individual getting the service.
Modern Human Services
Today, human services have continuously evolved with the advancements of technology and the increasing need for these services. For instance, these social services target mental health, education, family services, youth services, rehabilitation care, and elderly care. There have also been improved efforts in helping those who are without a job, homeless, and in other unfortunate situations. These services are provided by government agencies and non-profit organizations to provide a range of services for people of need. Cosmetology trade schools has also been seen to be one of the most demanding career clusters with faster job growth than the national average. Overall, modern human services provide an easier way to support a community by providing resources to help them stabilize health and economic security.