THE SUCCESS of public policies depends on several factors, including the overriding need to understand reality in order to define the content and management of programs for the common good. When knowledge is grounded on actual reality, that is, on the circumstances people must face on a daily basis, and attention is focused on the "individual" and his or her life experiences, efficiency is greatly enhanced and a new form of intervention becomes possible - one that values positive aspects and the attempts to fulfill the needs already established by individuals and their community. Therefore, strengthening such attempts may constitute an important and innovative decision in the public programs environment.
Public policies; Person; Health; Education; Urban development
