Human services professionals are those who facilitate and empower those in society who need assistance in meeting their basic human needs both emotionally, mentally and physically. Human services professionals work with diverse cultures in many different contexts to provide prevention, education, and resources to individuals, families, groups, and communities. Some of the populations served include children and families, adolescents and the homeless. To support groups in crisis, human service professionals must be committed, patient, possess listening skills, and have the ability to be empathetic without reducing their ability to be empowered (Martin, 2011). Children and families have various issues that need to be addressed when they are in difficulty. The family dynamic offers multiple perceptions and needs, these may require addressing issues individually as well as on a group level. There may be issues such as domestic violence or substance abuse that require both individual and family counseling and resources. In times of crisis, families need education and coping strategies to regain their lives. Family needs may involve emotional and medical support needs depending on their situation. When a possible case of violence occurs, the focus may shift beyond medical and emotional support and removal of children from the home may be necessary. Single mothers' needs may include work, education, housing, food, child care, and medical and child support assistance. In some cases, counseling and a support resource may be all that is needed. When a divorce occurs, the needs that were once met by a two-parent family now rest on the shoulders of… middle of paper… grant: background and financing. Retrieved from http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/94-953.pdf Virginia Beach Department of Social Services. (2013). Temporary assistance for needy families. Retrieved from http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/tanf/Virginia Beach Department of Social Services. (2013). State plan for child and family services. Retrieved from http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/cfs_plan.cgi Virginia Beach Department of Social Services. (2013). State plan for child and family services. Retrieved from http://www.dss.virginia.gov/geninfo/index2.cgi Virginia Beach Department of Social Services. (2013). Start with a head start. Retrieved from http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/cc/headstart.htmlSeton Youth Shelters. (2012). Annual report. Retrieved from http://www.setonyouthshelters.org/page/seton-annual-report/