The Pathways Initiative
Pathways is an initiative of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) and its members to transform how health and human services are administered and delivered. Public human services must move in new directions – down new pathways – if we are to meet increased demand for assistance at a time of tight budgets and heightened public expectations for effective outcomes in the work we do.
Through Pathways, which was developed in coordination with APHSA's state, local, and affiliate leaders, we are articulating our vision for a transformed human service system and for the outcomes such a system can help achieve, and are building support for concrete action to make that vision real.
This is a vital and urgent task. The human service system is now on an unsustainable path; its current policy and funding rules make its operations too fragmented, too focused on process, and too inefficient to deliver the results we seek. Through policy changes, flexible use of funds, and leveraging the resources and knowledge of private and community partners, we can transform the current system into one that delivers meaningful and lasting results.
The Outcomes We Seek
Our solutions will require changing health and human service programs and funding streams so that they become integrated, outcomes-focused, and centered on how we can support people to achieve sustainable, meaningful changes in their lives rather than complying with bureaucratic outputs. While APHSA has put forth robust policy agendas in the past, they have concentrated more on specific programming needs instead of outcomes that strengthen families and communities.
At the center of Pathways are four major outcomes that we seek – and that a revitalized system can support. Click on the following individual links to learn more about each outcome:
What you can do
We cannot do this alone. The work ahead will depend on the partnership and support of many other stakeholders who, like us, are concerned about the future role and effectiveness of human services. Getting there will require not just improving government – although that is a key part of our vision – but must involve the private sector, the nonprofit and faith communities, and most of all, the strengths and resources of families and the communities in which they live. Join us throughout this initiative to identify and follow the Pathways that will benefit all Americans.
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Achieving Gainful Employment and Independence
Stronger families, adults, and communities
Healthier families, adults, and communities
Sustained Well-being of Children and Youth
