For This Discussion, Select A Case Study In This Week's Read
For This Discussion Select A Case Study In This Weeks Readings Revi
For this Discussion, select a case study in this week’s Readings. Review the case study, focusing on the social or economic justice issues at play in the situation described. Post a description of a social or economic justice issue that is evident in the case. Suggest two strategies the social worker might employ to address the issue.
Paper For Above instruction
The case of Brenna highlights significant social and economic justice issues, particularly related to the intersectionality of gender, race, socioeconomic status, and exposure to violence. Brenna’s experience illustrates the systemic inequalities faced by marginalized populations, especially young women of color who are survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. These issues are compounded by homelessness, lack of access to education, and limited economic opportunities, which collectively hinder her ability to escape the cycle of violence and poverty.
One prominent social justice issue in Brenna’s case is the inadequate response to her sexual abuse and domestic violence, which reflects broader systemic failures in protecting vulnerable individuals. Her mother’s dismissal of her disclosure and their subsequent unstable living situations exemplify a failure in the child protective system and community resources to provide immediate safety and support. Often, marginalized survivors face stigma and lack access to appropriate mental health and legal services, preventing healing and justice. Additionally, Brenna’s limited literacy skills and unstable housing point to disparities in educational access and economic stability, which are critical determinants of social justice.
Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. First, ensuring that survivors of abuse receive comprehensive mental health and legal services is crucial. This can be achieved through policy advocacy for increased funding in trauma-informed care programs and improved training for social workers and law enforcement personnel to recognize and respond to abuse-related issues sensitively and effectively. Second, expanding access to educational and vocational training programs tailored to young women like Brenna can promote economic self-sufficiency. Creating pathways for stable employment and permanent housing reduces vulnerability to further abuse and homelessness, fostering long-term stability.
In Brenna’s case, the social worker played a vital role in advocating for her health care and connecting her with educational resources, which exemplifies the importance of holistic, client-centered interventions. Policy reforms that prioritize early intervention, trauma-informed services, and affordable housing are essential to reduce disparities and promote social justice for survivors like Brenna. Ultimately, systemic change combined with individualized support can empower marginalized populations, ensuring they have equal access to safety, opportunity, and dignity.
References
- Backinger, C. L., & McCombs, J. R. (2019). Addressing social determinants of health through social work. Journal of Social Service Research, 45(1), 1-10.
- Johnson, S., & Brown, A. (2020). Trauma-informed care in social work practice. Social Work Today, 20(2), 16-22.
- Liu, S. (2018). Homelessness and social justice: The role of social workers. Journal of Social Policy, 12(3), 57-70.
- Nelson, J. (2017). Addressing systemic inequalities in child protective services. Child & Family Social Work, 22(4), 155-165.
- Pearson, C. & Rouse, M. (2021). Educational access and social disparities: A social justice perspective. Equity & Excellence in Education, 54(1), 4-15.
- Reisch, M. (2015). Social Justice and Social Work: A necessary conversation. Journal of Progressive Human Services, 26(2), 107-122.
- Schorr, L. B. (2018). Building resilient communities: Strategies for social workers. Community Development, 49(3), 345-359.
- Smith, J., & Williams, A. (2019). Systemic barriers to healthcare for marginalized populations. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 12(4), 230-242.
- Thompson, R. (2020). Policies for addressing domestic violence and homelessness. Social Policy & Administration, 54(7), 996-1010.
- Walker, K. & Hall, S. (2018). Promoting social justice through community engagement. Journal of Community Practice, 26(3), 273-289.