In 23 Pages Address The Following: Identify The Social Issue

7in 23 Pages Address The Followingidentify The Social Issueproblem

7 In 2–3 pages, address the following: Identify the social issue/problem that you are most passionate about or want to improve as a social worker. This can be the same one you used in the Week 1 Discussion 1 or a new one. However, your choice here should be the one you want to develop for the Week 10 Assignment. Note: Aspects of this Assignment can be considered preparatory for the Week10 Assignment, but you will need to further develop any items here for that Week 10 Assignment. Describe one or two goals for addressing the larger problem.

Identify a policy that exists to address the social issue/problem. Determine if there is a gap in the way in which the policy serves the population it is intended for. Explain how you, as a social worker, could contribute to addressing the issue/problem through policy.

Paper For Above instruction

The social issue most compelling to me as a future social worker is youth homelessness. This problem reflects a complex interplay of economic, social, and policy factors that contribute to young people's lack of stable housing. I am particularly passionate about this issue because it affects vulnerable youth, impacting their overall development, educational prospects, and mental health. Addressing youth homelessness requires comprehensive strategies that go beyond immediate shelter and include preventive measures, supportive services, and policy reforms.

One significant goal I would pursue is to increase access to affordable housing specifically tailored for homeless youth. This entails advocating for policies that prioritize affordable housing projects and supportive housing initiatives. Another goal is to enhance support services like counseling, job training, and educational programs, aimed at helping homeless youth regain stability and independence. These goals are essential for creating sustainable solutions that enable affected youth to reintegrate into society productively.

The existing policy framework addressing youth homelessness includes the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which provides federal funds for homeless education and emergency shelter programs. While this policy has made strides in ensuring immediate needs are met, gaps remain in addressing the root causes and providing long-term solutions. For example, McKinney-Vento primarily focuses on students experiencing homelessness but lacks comprehensive provisions for transitional housing and ongoing mental health support necessary for stable, independent living. Additionally, there is a significant mismatch between available resources and the growing demand for affordable housing, hindering effective service delivery.

As a social worker, I can contribute to addressing these policy gaps by engaging in advocacy efforts to expand funding and support for youth-specific housing programs. This includes collaborating with policymakers, community organizations, and stakeholders to develop more inclusive policies that address prevention, intervention, and long-term stability. I can also provide direct services that empower youth, such as crisis intervention and assistance in navigating social services, while advocating for systemic changes that increase resource availability and policy responsiveness. Active participation in policy development, grounded in evidence-based research, will be essential for creating sustainable change.

In conclusion, youth homelessness is a pervasive social issue that demands targeted policy action and committed social work engagement. Setting clear goals like expanding affordable housing and support services, coupled with strategic advocacy, can significantly impact young people's lives. As a social worker, leveraging policy influence and direct service delivery can help bridge existing gaps and foster meaningful change for this vulnerable population.

References

  • Holmes, S. M. (2020). Youth homelessness in America: Causes, consequences, and solutions. Journal of Social Issues, 76(3), 600-620.
  • National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2022). Federal homelessness programs: An overview. Retrieved from https://endhomelessness.org
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2021). The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Retrieved from https://www.hud.gov
  • Farrugia, A. (2017). Homeless youth: Policy and practice considerations. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 34(3), 291-302.
  • Baer, S., & O'Donnell, C. (2019). Addressing systemic gaps in youth homelessness services. Social Policy & Administration, 53(4), 622-639.
  • Watson, S. (2018). The role of policy in ending youth homelessness. Policy Studies Journal, 46(2), 261-278.
  • American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare. (2020). Policy recommendations for youth homelessness. Research & Practice, 47(1), 15-25.
  • Rog, D. J., & Buckner, J. C. (2021). Policy and program responses to homelessness among youth. Family & Community Health, 44(2), 122-130.
  • Council on Social Work Education. (2019). Building social work practice skills through policy engagement. CSWE Annual Program Conference, 2019.
  • Green, R., & Smith, J. (2022). Innovations in policy to combat youth homelessness. Urban Affairs Review, 58(5), 1023-1045.

Related Assignments