Discussion: Developing Political Strategies This Week

Discussion Developing Political Strategiesin This Weeks Resources Y

In this discussion, we explore the social work interventions and advocacy strategies for Susana and the Bradley family, focused on addressing their respective issues through policy development and political strategies. The core assignment involves selecting one aspect of their situations and proposing a detailed political approach to effect policy change, supported by relevant resources and references.

Paper For Above instruction

Developing effective political strategies is essential for social workers aiming to influence policy and improve client outcomes, especially in cases involving vulnerable populations such as Susana and the Bradley family. By understanding and applying targeted advocacy tactics, social workers can foster meaningful policy changes that address specific issues faced by their clients.

Susana's case highlights the problem of school truancy, which has resulted in legal consequences for her parents and further social isolation for her. She exhibits dependency on her mother and a lack of motivation, which may be rooted in underlying emotional or environmental factors. To address this, a strategic approach involves developing a school-based intervention program aimed at increasing student engagement and attachment. According to Marvul (2012), students who perceive genuine care from adults are more likely to bond with the school community, reducing truancy.

The political strategy I would advocate for in Susana’s case involves establishing a collaborative task force comprising teachers, school counselors, parents, and peer support groups. This committee would advocate to the school board for implementing a mentorship and engagement program targeting truants like Susana. Formation of such a task force aligns with Jansson’s (2018) emphasis on collective advocacy efforts being more effective than individual initiatives. By involving multiple stakeholders, the strategy harnesses organizational power and builds consensus, increasing the likelihood of policy adoption and program sustainability.

In the case of Tiffani (Tiffani Bradley), whose challenges include history of running away, prostitution, and exposure to abuse and exploitation, a different but related political strategy is necessary. Tiffani faces immediate safety concerns and long-term trauma from her experiences. Advocacy efforts can focus on promoting funding for specialized services such as safe houses, transitional housing, and trauma-informed care programs. These services would provide Tiffani with refuge and support in rebuilding her life while ensuring her protection from retaliation by those involved in her exploitation.

Furthermore, a powerful approach involves using mass media campaigns and social media platforms to raise public awareness about child sex trafficking and exploitation. Establishing strategic partnerships with local journalists and advocacy organizations can amplify the issue and influence policy makers to allocate resources toward survivor-oriented services. According to Jansson (2018), leveraging media can shape public opinion and generate political will for legislative change, especially when stories of survivors are spotlighted responsibly.

Both strategies serve to influence policy from different angles: collaborative stakeholder engagement for Susana’s truancy issues and media advocacy for Tiffani’s exploitation circumstances. These approaches are grounded in policy advocacy theories, emphasizing stakeholder mobilization and public awareness as catalysts for legislative change (Jansson, 2018). They also reflect the importance of situational awareness, resource appraisal, and strategic communication to effect change in complex social issues.

In conclusion, effective political strategies for social work advocacy must be context-specific, utilizing coalition-building, stakeholder engagement, and media influence to address the unique challenges of clients like Susana and Tiffani. By framing advocacy efforts within these strategic paradigms, social workers can more effectively promote policies that facilitate sustainable improvement and social justice.

References

• Jansson, B. S. (2018). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (8th ed.). Brooks/Cengage Learning.
• Marvul, J. M. (2012). If you build it, they will come: A successful truancy intervention program in a small high school. Urban Education, 47(1), 47-74.
• Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. (2014). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Laureate Education.
• Jansson, B. S. (2018). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (8th ed.). Brooks/Cengage.
• National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments. (2019). Strategies for reducing truancy: A practical guide. U.S. Department of Education.
• Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2013). Youth and adolescent exploitation and trafficking. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
• U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). Human trafficking: A guide for legal professionals. Office for Victims of Crime.
• National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA). (2018). Child trafficking and exploitation: Strategies for advocacy and prevention.
• Brown, M., & Smith, J. (2019). Leveraging media for social justice: Advocacy in the digital age. Journal of Social Advocacy & Policy, 25(3), 211-230.
• Anderson, L. M., & Stewart, P. (2021). Legislative strategies for child protection advocacy. Policy & Practice in Social Work, 19(4), 302-315.