As An Astute Social Worker And Professional Policy Advocate ✓ Solved
As An Astute Social Worker And Professional Policy Advocate You
As an astute social worker and professional policy advocate, you must be adept at identifying social problems that exist in your community or in an agency or organization with which you are acquainted. Once you have selected a social problem, you begin the process of creating and implementing a policy that addresses that social problem. In this assignment, you identify and describe a current social problem. You also identify a policy created and implemented to address the problem. This is the first part of your Social Change Project final assignment.
Address the following items in a 4-page paper: 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 you 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 Instructions
Social work, an inherently value-driven profession, necessitates the identification and addressing of social problems affecting communities and vulnerable populations. One pressing social problem today is homelessness, a multifaceted issue that influences numerous aspects of individuals' lives and intersects with various social work values. This paper aims to explore the problem of homelessness, its incongruence with social work values, its historical background, the policies addressing this issue, and the implications for clinical social work practice.
Current Social Problem: Homelessness
Homelessness is a pervasive issue that not only represents a failure in social systems but also embodies significant human suffering and social injustice. According to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD, 2022), over 600,000 individuals experience homelessness on any given night in the U.S., with various factors contributing to this problem, including poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, and substance abuse.
Incongruence with Social Work Values and Ethics
The social work profession is grounded in values such as service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, and the importance of human relationships (National Association of Social Workers, 2017). Homelessness starkly contrasts with these values, particularly social justice and the dignity of individuals. The persistent inadequacies in providing housing, healthcare, and social support for those experiencing homelessness illustrate a failure to uphold these fundamental ethics. Social workers frequently encounter ethical dilemmas when advocating for changes in policies and practices that perpetuate homelessness, navigating a field that grapples with systemic barriers and societal stigma.
Historical Context of Homelessness
The identification of homelessness as a social problem has evolved over time. Historically, homelessness was often viewed as a moral failing rather than a societal issue. The mid-20th century saw a shift in this perception, particularly after the establishment of the Community Mental Health Act of 1963, which aimed to deinstitutionalize individuals with mental illnesses (Grob, 1991). Unfortunately, the lack of adequate community support and services resulted in many individuals being left without stable housing. Action has taken various forms, from the establishment of emergency shelters in the 1980s to the implementation of permanent supportive housing models in the 2000s, aiming to address both the symptoms and root causes of homelessness (Tsemberis, 2010).
Changing Groups Affected
Over the years, the demographics of those affected by homelessness have changed significantly. Initially, homeless populations predominantly comprised single men. However, contemporary homelessness encompasses diverse groups, including families, women, and youth (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2020). Each subgroup faces unique challenges and necessitates tailored approaches in policy and services to effectively address their specific needs.
Related Policy Area: The HEARTH Act
The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009 represents a critical federal policy aiming to address homelessness in the U.S. The HEARTH Act consolidates several programs and emphasizes a Housing First approach, which prioritizes providing permanent housing before addressing other issues such as mental health or addiction (U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, 2010). This policy shifts the focus from managing homelessness to eradicating it, aligning more closely with social work principles of empowerment and client-centered practice.
Policy Jurisdiction and Aspects
The HEARTH Act is a federal statute, but it is implemented at the local level through Continuums of Care, which are collaborative networks of community stakeholders. The policy encompasses various aspects, including the provision of funding for emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive services, designed to prevent individuals from falling into homelessness and assisting those currently experiencing it (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2019).
Support and Opposition of the Policy
Support for the HEARTH Act comes from numerous advocacy groups, including the National Alliance to End Homelessness, who recognize the need for comprehensive approaches to prevent and alleviate homelessness. Conversely, some critics argue that the focus on rapid re-housing does not adequately address the systemic issues contributing to homelessness, such as affordable housing shortages and access to mental health services (Burt et al., 2010). Changes and amendments have been made to the policy to enhance flexibility and ensure that funds are effectively allocated towards best practices in combating homelessness.
Impact on Clinical Social Work Practice
As a clinical social worker, understanding the implications of homelessness policy is vital for effective practice. Policies like the HEARTH Act significantly influence the resources available for clients experiencing homelessness, affecting access to housing, healthcare, and supportive services. Advocating for policy changes becomes essential in addressing barriers faced by clients. By engaging in policy advocacy, clinical social workers can ensure that the voices of those affected by homelessness are heard and that systemic changes are pursued to create a more just society. Through this advocacy, social workers fulfill their ethical responsibility to promote social welfare and empower individuals to achieve stability and improve their quality of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homelessness is a critical social problem that challenges the core values of social work. A thorough understanding of the historical context, current policies such as the HEARTH Act, and the evolving demographics of affected populations provide essential insight into advocating for sustainable changes. As clinical social workers, it is our duty to identify these issues, advocate for effective policies, and work towards a society where all individuals have access to housing and the support they need for a dignified life.
References
- Burt, M. R., Aron, L. Y., Lee, E., & Valente, J. (2010). Estimating the Incidence of Homelessness in the United States. Urban Institute.
- Grob, G. N. (1991). The deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill: pathologies of progress. The American Historical Review.
- National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2020). The State of Homelessness in America 2020.
- National Association of Social Workers. (2017). Code of Ethics.
- Tsemberis, S. (2010). Housing First: The Pathways Model to End Homelessness for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness and Addiction Disorders. European Journal of Public Health.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2019). HEARTH Act Overview.
- U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. (2010). Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). The 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report.