Fact finding methods in the administration of social assistance

Abstract

As its title implies, this dissertation aims at examining the methods used for ascertaining the financial circumstances of households claiming or receiving social assistance, The plan followed in this exposition is a simple one. The general characteristics of the the problem of discovering the relevant facts are dealt with in the intrefuctery chapter. The next chapter discusses the methods of obtaining oral and documentary information directly from persons claiming assistance. The follows a chapter dealing with the rather awkward problem of establishing the fact that unemployed persons are in need of public assistance an ancient of circumstances beyond their control. The final chapter examines the methods of verification of facts as alleged b assisted persons. In the preparation of this work I have consulted the codes of departmental instructions on the details working of the assistance schemes administers by the Department of Emigration, Labour and Social Welfare. I am grateful to the Director who places at my disposal these codes and all the records of the National Assistance Division of his Department, without the dissertation could not have been written.