Assignment 2 Policy Identification According To The Council ✓ Solved

Assignment 2 Policy Identificationaccording To The Council On Social

Assignment 2: Policy Identification According to the Council on Social Work Education, Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice: Social workers understand that human rights and social justice, as well as social welfare and services, are mediated by policy and its implementation at the federal, state, and local levels. Social workers understand the history and current structures of social policies and services, the role of policy in service delivery, and the role of practice in policy development. Social workers understand their role in policy development and implementation within their practice settings at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels and they actively engage in policy practice to effect change within those settings.

Social workers recognize and understand the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy. They are also knowledgeable about policy formulation, analysis, implementation, and evaluation. Social workers: · Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services; · Assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services; · Apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. This assignment is intended to help students demonstrate the behavioral components of this competency in their field education.

To prepare: Working with your field instructor, identify, evaluate, and discuss policies established by the local, state, and federal government (within the last five years) that affect the day-to-day operations of the field placement agency. The Assignment (1-2 pages): · Describe the policies and their impact on the field agency. · Propose specific recommendations regarding how you, as a social work intern, and the agency can advocate for policies pertaining to advancing social justice for the agency and the clients it serves.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

As a social work intern at the Downtown Community Services Agency, I have engaged in analyzing recent policies enacted at local, state, and federal levels that significantly influence the agency's operations and its ability to serve vulnerable populations. This paper describes relevant policies, evaluates their impacts, and proposes advocacy strategies aligned with promoting social justice and human rights.

Identification and Description of Policies

At the federal level, one prominent policy influencing the agency is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) reauthorization act, enacted in 2018. This policy set the funding structure and eligibility criteria for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, a vital program supporting low-income families. Its modifications aimed to incentivize employment, but critics argue it has tightened eligibility, reducing access to benefits for many vulnerable families. Consequently, the agency observes increased demand for emergency resources and a rise in client hardship cases.

At the state level, California implemented the Housing First policy in 2020, prioritizing rapid permanent housing solutions for homeless individuals without preconditions. This policy has drastically changed the agency’s outreach and case management approaches, emphasizing housing stability as a foundation for addressing other social needs. The impact has been positive, with increased client retention in services and improved mental health outcomes.

Locally, the city government adopted a Community Land Trust policy in 2021 aimed at promoting affordable housing. The policy supports community-owned land development projects, which help protect residents from displacement and speculative real estate practices. The agency actively collaborates with local organizations to secure funding and advocate for expanded affordable housing options through this policy.

Evaluation of Policy Impacts

The TANF policy's restrictive measures have limited access to aid, placing additional burdens on social service agencies to fill the gaps in support. As a result, clients face heightened economic insecurity, impacting their mental health and overall well-being. The agency has seen an uptick in the need for food assistance and emergency financial aid, stretching its resources.

The Housing First approach has enhanced service delivery effectiveness, fostering stability which is critical for other interventions like employment or mental health services. It aligns with social work principles by promoting dignity and capacity-building among clients.

The community land trust policy has empowered the local community by safeguarding affordable housing, though challenges remain regarding funding and land availability. The agency advocates for increased municipal support and partnerships to expand this model.

Recommendations for Advocacy and Policy Practice

As a future social worker and intern, I advocate for policies that enhance access to comprehensive social services while promoting social justice. First, I recommend engaging in direct advocacy by collaborating with local policymakers to amend restrictive TANF policies, advocating for increased benefit levels and expanded eligibility criteria. This could involve organizing community forums and policy briefs to highlight the lived experiences of clients impacted by these policies.

Second, I propose expanding partnerships with housing organizations to leverage federal and local funding effectively, advocating for the integration of Housing First principles into broader city planning initiatives. Engaging clients in participatory policy development ensures that their voices inform comprehensive strategies to reduce homelessness.

Third, I recommend the agency adopt a proactive stance in policy analysis, staying informed about upcoming legislative changes and actively participating in local public hearings. This proactive advocacy can facilitate timely responses and help shape policies toward greater social justice and equity.

Finally, social workers, including interns, should engage in policy education to raise awareness among clients about their rights and the policy landscape affecting their lives. Empowered clients can become active advocates, creating a bottom-up approach to policy change aligned with social work values.

Through these strategies, interns and agencies can play a vital role in advancing social justice, ensuring policies serve the most vulnerable, and fostering systemic change aligned with the core values of social work.

References

• Bachrach, C. A., & McDougall, E. M. (2019). The influence of federal social policies on vulnerable populations. Journal of Social Policy Studies, 45(3), 245-262.
• Drake, R. (2020). Housing First and policy implementation in urban settings. Urban Social Work Journal, 12(4), 33-45.
• Garrett, P. M., & Martin, S. (2021). Policy advocacy and social justice: Strategies for social workers. Social Work Review, 58(2), 134-148.
• Hanlon, N., & Reader, S. (2022). The impact of state-level policies on homelessness. State & Local Government Review, 54(1), 21-30.
• National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2023). Policy solutions to homelessness. https://endhomelessness.org/policy
• Schwartz, R. A., & Clark, P. B. (2018). Federal policy reform and social service delivery. Journal of Policy Analysis, 24(2), 160-176.
• Silver, H., & Wendel, S. (2019). Social policy analysis: A guide for practitioners. Routledge.
• United States Department of Health & Human Services. (2022). TANF reauthorization and agency responses. https://hhs.gov
• Wilson, R., & Adams, T. (2020). Community land trusts and affordable housing policies. Housing Policy Debate, 30(5), 789-804.
• Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage publications.