About NOHS

The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) was founded in 1975 at the 5th Annual Faculty Development Conference of the Southern Regional Education Board. NOHS grew out of the perceived need by professional care providers and legislators for improved methods of service delivery. NOHS, with the early support of the National Institute of Mental Health and SREB, strives to promote excellence in Human Service delivery in an increasingly complex world.

Through the professional efforts of NOHS members, many programs of care have been developed to address unique social, behavioral, and educational issues in society. NOHS's focus improvements in direct service, public education, program development, planning and evaluation, administration and public policy.

Members of NOHS are drawn from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. Professional backgrounds and experience in corrections, mental health, child care, social services, human resource management, gerontology, developmental disabilities, addictions, recreation, and education reflect this diversity.

The applied philosophy of NOHS addresses the diverse needs of the society by supporting educators and professionals in developing innovative models of service and education.

NOHS's Accomplishments

Since NOHS's founding, the organization has grown to include membership from throughout the United States and Canada. Members include educators, students, direct care professionals, administrators, and organizations. NOHS publishes a professional journal with an applied focus and a quarterly newsletter. Additionally, NOHS publications provide members with reviews of texts and research in the field, information about members to facilitate communication among those who share common interests, and information about innovative courses and service delivery systems and special issues of concern to those working in the Human Service field. NOHS members keep abreast of research and special funding opportunities and, through its newsletter, provides that information to members. NOHS's annual conference has traditionally provided a forum which attracts a broad range of participants and focuses on both the applied and research areas relevant to NOHS members.

Purposes of NOHS

1. To provide a medium for cooperation and communication among Human Service organizations and individual practitioners, faculty, and students.
2. To foster excellence in teaching, research, and curriculum development for improving the education of Human Service delivery personnel.
3. To encourage, support, and assist the development of local, state, and national organizations of Human Services.
4. To sponsor forums via conferences, institutes, and symposium that foster creative approaches to meeting Human Service needs.