What We Mean by Low Barrier

What is Low Barrier?

It is an adjective used to describe a service or provider that makes help as easily accessible and
user friendly as possible, one that tries to minimize barriers such as paperwork, waiting lists,
eligibility requirements as well as physical and staff related characteristics that can stand in the
way of people getting their needs met. It is an entry point for a variety of services and approaches.

What it is not:

• A service model in and of itself

• A specific social work approach
• An outcome or a program goal
• A simple way of measuring a program’s success
• A no barrier or no rules or no expectations approach to social work.

What does it look like in action?

Place: the doors and space are open and accessible

Presentation: The people are open, friendly, engaging, making everyone feel welcome and tuning
in to different people’s needs and styles.
Practice: start where consumers present; accept challenging behavior; use assessment skills to
build on strengths and develop plans. Maintain an inclusive approach to the work.

How is it distinct from social work practice?

At Preble Street we view our work from a social work perspective and use social work ethics,
concepts, and values to implement our low barrier approach. We also acknowledge that social
work is practiced in a number of settings and good practice can occur in a variety of settings
including those with extremely high barriers (ie prison and hospital). A key aspect of social work
practice includes adapting your work to the setting and to the consumer. At Preble Street we
offer a range of services and, in fact, a range of settings. Each has different expectations and
therefore different level of“barriers” based on a variety of factors (services offered, population
served, facility/setting, etc)

What is most important is making certain that within each setting or program our effort is to be
inclusive and to set expectations at a place that will also foster success and empowerment for
consumers. Having a psychotic person join a workshop may or may not be a good idea. Sending
a chronic alcoholic actively using to a job site is probably a mistake. The best choices for
programs and setting are based on safety and respect and most importantly - a good assessment
of the individuals strengths and challenges.