The Community-Oriented Needs Assessment (CONA) model presented by the authors demonstrates that effective two-way communication between providers of human services and the community is necessary for effective and efficient social services. The (CONA) model uses data from demographic/statistical profiles, key informants, and random community members to define needed services, to develop programs, to enhance interagency cooperation, and to improve accountability. The authors both outline the logic behind the use of this model and sketch a step-by-step approach for developing the model for use in a variety of settings.

In 1995, Witkin and Altschuld proposed a three phase process model of needs assessment: - Preassessment (learning as much as possible from existing, inexpensive sources) - Assessment (collecting new information about the needs in consideration) - Postassessment (prioritizing needs, understanding their causes, and translating priorities into action plans for organizations). The model has been extensively re-conceptualized and forms the basis for this book. The content includes a user-oriented approach to a comprehensive overview of the three phases and the 14 key steps necessary to implement them. Numerous examples and practical illustrations are given throughout the text as guidance for needs assessors and those who do research on the topic. An extensive glossary of needs-related terms and an outline of a final report are also provided. The book is the first one in the Needs Assessment KIT with connections to the other four.

This thoroughly revised edition of the best-selling book Conducting Needs Assessment offers a brief, how-to guide that demystifies the process of planning a community intervention by helping both students and practitioners understand how to plan and conduct a needs assessment. Coverage includes planning the needs assessment, including the variety of methods used, survey methods and sample sizes, data collection and analysis, and reporting the findings. To aid students' understanding, Soriano engages the students in the process of planning a community intervention by using clear, real-world examples and basic terms that have been updated to reflect current issues and HIPPA regulations.

How do communities protect and improve the health of their populations? Health care is part of the answer but so are environmental protections, social and educational services, adequate nutrition, and a host of other activities. With concern over funding constraints, making sure such activities are efficient and effective is becoming a high priority. Improving Health in the Community explains how population-based performance monitoring programs can help communities point their efforts in the right direction. Within a broad definition of community health, the committee addresses factors surrounding the implementation of performance monitoring and explores the "why" and "how to" of establishing mechanisms to monitor the performance of those who can influence community health. The book offers a policy framework, applies a multidimensional model of the determinants of health, and provides sets of prototype performance indicators for specific health issues. Improving Health in the Community presents an attainable vision of a process that can achieve community-wide health benefits.