As An Astute Social Worker And Policy Advocate

As An Astute Social Worker And Professional Policy Advocate You Must

Describe a current social problem. How might this problem be incongruent with social work values/ethics? How/when has this problem been identified historically, and what were the actions taken to address this concern? How have the groups affected by this concern changed over time?

Describe the policy area related to this social problem. Is the policy identified by your group dictated by local, state, or federal statute—or a combination thereof? What are the different aspects of the policy? How long has the current policy been in place? Who supports and who opposes the policy?

What changes/amendments have been made to the policy? Explain how this policy affects clients you might see in a clinical setting and why, as a clinical social worker, it would be important to advocate for change.

Paper For Above instruction

The social problem I have chosen to analyze is homelessness, a persistent issue affecting communities globally, including urban centers in the United States. Homelessness involves individuals lacking stable, safe, and adequate housing, leading to numerous social, health, and economic challenges. This problem is deeply intertwined with systemic inequalities, mental health issues, and economic instability. Addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive understanding of its origins, the policies enacted to mitigate it, and the implications for social work practice.

Historically, homelessness has been recognized as a social concern for centuries, but the modern approach gained prominence in the 20th century amidst urbanization and economic shifts. Early social reforms, such as the Social Security Act of 1935 and the establishment of welfare programs, laid foundational groundwork. Campaigns like the War on Poverty in the 1960s, propelled by President Lyndon B. Johnson, aimed to reduce poverty and, by extension, homelessness. In recent decades, the emphasis has shifted towards multifaceted strategies, including affordable housing initiatives and mental health services. Despite these efforts, homelessness persists, reflecting enduring systemic issues.

The groups most affected by homelessness are diverse, including Veterans, individuals with mental health or substance use disorders, families, and youth. Over time, demographic shifts reveal increasing diversity among the homeless population, with notable rises in veterans and youth. Changes in social policies, economic factors like rising housing costs, and limited social safety nets have contributed to these shifts. The stigma surrounding homelessness also influences societal response and policy effectiveness.

The primary policy area relating to homelessness involves housing and social welfare laws at the local, state, and federal levels. For instance, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act at the federal level provides funding and support for homeless services. State and local governments implement specific programs aligned with these frameworks, often focusing on emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and healthcare access. The policies have been in place since the 1980s, with amendments over the years to broaden eligibility and resources. Supporters include advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and social service agencies, while opponents often cite budget constraints or political ideologies favoring limited government intervention.

Amendments to homelessness policies have expanded funding, enhanced priorities for vulnerable populations, and integrated mental health and substance use treatment. For example, the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act (HEARTH Act) of 2009 reauthorized and amended the McKinney-Vento Act, emphasizing rapid rehousing and prevention strategies. These policy modifications aim to improve housing stability and reduce chronic homelessness, though challenges remain in implementation and resource allocation.

In clinical practice, these policies significantly influence the populations encountered. Clients experiencing homelessness often face barriers such as lack of healthcare, stable employment, and social support, which are directly impacted by existing policies. As a clinical social worker, advocating for policy change is essential—particularly for increased funding for affordable housing, expanded mental health services, and integrated support programs. Policy advocacy ensures that systemic barriers are addressed, enabling better health and social outcomes for clients. Implementing evidence-based policy reforms can reduce homelessness prevalence and foster more equitable access to resources.

References

• Bassuk, S. S., DeCandia, C. J., Tsertsvadze, A., & Tsertsvadze, A. (2015). The effectiveness of interventions to address homelessness: a systematic review. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 49(2), 188-201.
• Fisher, P. A., & Friedman, S. R. (2013). Homelessness and social work practice: Advocacy and policy. Journal of Social Work Education, 49(4), 491-501.
• Kuhn, R., & Culhane, D. P. (1998). Applying cluster analysis to examine patterns of homelessness. American Journal of Community Psychology, 26(2), 183-204.
• National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2020). State of homelessness: 2020 edition. Retrieved from https://endhomelessness.org
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). The Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress. HUD.
• Shinn, M., & Flett, R. (2014). Addressing the root causes of homelessness. Journal of Social Policy, 43(4), 711-732.
• Mares, A., et al. (2015). Housing and mental health: A review of literature. Journal of Social Service Research, 41(5), 634-648.
• Sosin, M., & Rashid, R. (2011). Homelessness policy reform: Challenges and opportunities. Policy & Society, 30(2), 179-192.
• Levin, B. (2013). The politics of homelessness policy. Urban Affairs Review, 49(3), 418-435.
• National Coalition for the Homeless. (2017). Homelessness in America: Overview and policy options. Retrieved from https://nationalhomeless.org