NCJ Number
81263
Date Published
1980
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Nature and causes of the indigent problem are discussed and methods described for the integration of West German indigents.
Abstract
Indigents are defined as individuals without their own residences, living marginally in ghetto-like conditions. Although the causes of indigence are basically economic, they are compounded by a multitude of personal factors precluding consideration of these individuals as a homogeneous group. Integration is considered desirable because indigents tend to commit serious crimes and the rate of commission is high. Integration is to be achieved by focusing on the removal of external reasons for indigence rather than on resocialization of the indigent personality. Community efforts should be exerted to forestall eviction cases and enable individuals to remain in their accustomed quarters until acceptable alternative arrangements can be made. The best solution is the resettlement of indigents into normal housing accommodations without disrupting existing social ties. Concentration into a renewed ghetto-like setting must be avoided. The classical social work model alone cannot solve the problems of indigents. Public opinion must be changed to lessen the stigma attached to vagrancy. Footnotes are provided.