Needs of Todd County Families 1 An Exploratory Study of the Needs of Todd County Families Applied Social Work Research

The research study conducted analyzed needs assessments from the Todd County Youth Services Center to examine needs of Todd County families. The study consisted of six variables of which included demographic information, childcare service needs, basic care needs, health and mental health needs, and parent support needs. Out of these variables, only certain variables were analyzed to show the increased need for services. Results of the study showed evidence that Todd County is in need of assistance in all areas assessed, except for childcare service support (showing only 2 in need out of 25). Out of 200 assessments, only 25 were analyzed to show quick data on the needs in the county. Having this baseline data showing increased needs in Todd County, encouraged the researcher to continue running statistical tests in the future for the purposes of having research-based data of needs to present to important key stakeholders within the school and community. Acknowledging that more programming is needed by showing evidence may help to prove to others that families struggle in the county. The research study also provided results that the basic needs variable was high in validity and reliability to prove effectiveness of the assessment in this key area. Having this knowledg