Protecting the Rights of Vulnerable Citizens: Is it a question of structure- internal vs. external rights enforcement?

Dennis Dull

  Non-profits, government agencies, churches, service organizations and many other types of organizations provide valuable assistance to vulnerable citizens in the United States. This assistance may range in form from the provision for basic necessities, to employment and training services at an institute of higher education. Within each organization are employees and volunteers who perform “front-line” (or direct) services, support tasks, and administrative functions; at each of these levels within the organization, there is a commonly held belief that the citizens who receive services, need to be assured that their rights are being protected. Front line staff question: Are the recipients of services receiving the services that they need? Support and administrative staff develop “best practices” policies to help protect vulnerable citizens and question whether services are provided in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Overall, organizations do an excellent job of protecting their recipient’s rights. However, we need to question whether or not the resources designated for ensuring the rights of vulnerable citizens are being utilized properly- even “maximized.” Are the recipients of services best served under the current organizational practice and structure?