Examines how - and why - social and human services programmes can function even though they are monitored by written communication instead of face-to-face interaction. Jill Lackey draws on her experience as a consultant for more than 50 social programmes and as director of two non-profit organisations to demonstrate the strong need for accountability mechanisms and more ethics-based leadership when running social service programmes. This unique book walks you through the process of how "paper programmes" emerge and operate, the monitoring mechanisms that are - and aren't - in place during program operations, and recommendations to increase accountability in the social service delivery system. The surprise is not that social service programmes exist only on paper, but that these programmes - some, very effective, others, out-and-out frauds - are able to serve consumers again and again without any accountability. While demands for responsibility have actually increased virtually none of the monitoring in this system is done in person, so that paper reports, in essence, become the programme - a "programme in a box." "Accountability in Social Services" uses case studies to better understand the failures of the four main sources of accountability for individual programmes (potential service consumers, funding sources, program evaluators, and sponsoring or "parent" organisations) and how entire networks of organisations and groups are removed from accountability. "Accountability in Social Services" concludes with recommendations for organised action by consumer groups to increase responsibility in the social service delivery system. This book is invaluable as a resource for students, teachers, and practitioners working in social work and welfare, evaluation, organizational leadership, public policy, applied anthropology, and consumer science.