Related Terms

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Background

• In a broad sense, the term "welfare" refers to the well-being of an individual or group. "Welfare" is also used in reference to a set of government programs meant to provide assistance when circumstances threaten the well-being of an individual or family. Groups other than the government also provide social services. Some, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, provide social services as part of their main mission. Provision of social services is a side issue for other organizations such as churches. However, many church denominations operate dedicated social welfare organizations, such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society (Catholic) and the Jewish Family and Children's Services. In times of crisis, some of the groups that provide social welfare services also provide disaster relief.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) forms a link between health and the distribution of money, power, and resources. According to the WHO, the conditions in which people live influence a population's health. These circumstances are influenced by the distribution of money, power, and resources. The WHO's concern is that unequal distribution of money, power, and resources contributes to unfair and avoidable differences in health. The WHO takes the position that social welfare systems ought to address social and economic conditions that contribute to illness and prompt the need for medical care in the first place. The WHO aims to improve poverty, social exclusion, unemployment, and poor housing, which prompt the demand for medical care.
• In 2002, at the Social Determinants of Health Across the Life Span Conference held in Toronto, Canada, social scientists identified 11 social determinants of health: early life, education, employment and working conditions, food security, gender, healthcare services, housing, income and its distribution, social safety net, social exclusion, and unemployment and employment security.
• A sampling of nongovernmental programs offering social services in the United States includes Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services, Lutheran Social Services, the Salvation Army, Volunteers of America, Habitat for Humanity, Prison Fellowship (assistance for prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families), and Teen Challenge (recovery programs for addicts.)

History

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Technique

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Theory/Evidence

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Health Impact/Safety

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Future Research or Applications

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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