This thesis asks the question What is quality in community based human services? The effect of privatization on the quality of services formerly run by government bodies is examined. Small northern communities in B.C. were the social context for this research. The conclusion is that 'quality' in human services is informed by both social policy and everyday practice. Quality is defined in terms of accessibility, openness and acceptability. Quality can occur in community based agencies when there is a balance between the standards and accountability crucial to government and the humanistic perspective essential to service providers and service users.
