A community needs assessment identifies the strengths and resources available in the community to meet the needs of children, youth, and families. The assessment focuses on the capabilities of the community, including its citizens, agencies, and organizations. It provides a framework for developing and identifying services and solutions and building communities that support and nurture children and families.
A community assessment may be limited to a compilation of demographic data from census records, results of surveys conducted by others, and informal feedback from community partners. Or, assessments may be expanded to include focus group discussions, town meetings, interviews with stakeholders, and telephone or mailed surveys to partnership members and the community.
Assessing Community Needs and Resources
University of Kansas Community Tool Box
Focuses on community assessment for health promotion programs.
County of San Diego Community Action Plan 2018–2019 (PDF - 6,221 KB)
Community Action Partnership, Office of Strategy and Innovation, County of San Diego Health and Human Service Agency
Provides an overview of the comprehensive community needs assessment collected through surveys, key informant interviews, and a public forum. The plan also explains a model that was used to engage residents of low-income communities to lead the collection of direct feedback regarding the needs and priorities of San Diego’s economically disadvantaged individuals, families, and communities.
Planning and Program Development: Community Needs Assessment
Office for Victims of Crime
The HALOS Strategy
Provides an overview of community needs assessments, the challenges to consider when conducting a needs assessment, and some of the lessons learned from HALOS’ extensive needs assessment process. The webpage also provides a link to the Office for Victims of Crime’s web-based Guide to Conducting a Needs Assessment.
Supporting Early Childhood Success
National League of Cities
Designed to help city officials and other community leaders gain a better understanding of how young children and their families are faring and where assistance is needed.