Last Week You Completed The Literature Review Section Of You

Last Week You Completed The Literature Review Section Of Your Paper

Last week, you completed the Literature Review section of your paper. This week, you will complete the Description of the Program section of your paper, and then submit the work that you have completed to date. While you may only need to implement your program at the local level, understanding the state process will help you understand how you can take your policy another step forward and improve implementation of a specific program or solve a social issue. Explain the interaction of your state and local governments. Describe how significant policy issues get to the forefront of public opinion and subsequently on the radar screen of state legislatures.

You may use the Web sites provided in the Webliography or any other credible sites to collect data to understand the complexity of the issues that you are going to research. You can also collect useful information through South University online library resources, newspapers, journals, or any other print media. In addition, you can interview the local officials to gain more information on the topic. Based on your research, complete the Description of the Program section of the paper that should include: Any local, state, or federal governmental agencies that need to be involved in your program; Population; Community involved; Program goals; Method of program implementation; Expectations of results; Method of program evaluation. Submit area of interest and scope, literature review, and description of the program in a 2- to 3-page Microsoft Word document.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of translating social issues into actionable policies requires a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between various levels of government—local, state, and federal—and how these interactions influence the progression of policy issues into tangible programs. This paper aims to elucidate these dynamics, particularly within the context of public health initiatives aligned with the goals of programs such as Healthy People 2020, and focus on a specific social issue—adolescent mental health. The following sections will outline the scope and significance of this issue, the societal effects, the local governmental framework, and the detailed description of a proposed program to address adolescent mental health among targeted communities.

Scope and Importance of Adolescent Mental Health

Adolescent mental health remains a critical public health issue, with statistics indicating a rising prevalence of mental health disorders among youth. According to the CDC (2022), approximately 1 in 6 adolescents experience a major depressive episode annually, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among this age group. The significance of addressing adolescent mental health aligns with Healthy People 2030 objectives, emphasizing early intervention and prevention. The rationale for focusing on this issue stems from its profound impact on educational attainment, social functioning, and long-term health outcomes, thus necessitating coordinated efforts across government agencies.

Societal Effects of Adolescent Mental Health Issues

The societal effects of adolescent mental health issues are far-reaching, affecting individuals, families, and communities. On a macro level, untreated mental health disorders can increase the burden on healthcare systems, contribute to juvenile delinquency, and reduce workforce productivity in the future. Micro-level impacts include emotional distress within families and increased dropout rates among affected adolescents. These effects are cyclical; for instance, poor mental health can lead to academic failure, perpetuating socioeconomic disparities. Recognizing these aggregate effects underscores the importance of early prevention and intervention programs that can mitigate long-term societal costs.

Local Government Structure and Legal Framework

In the study area, local governance involves a municipal council supported by a mayoral office, with various departments responsible for public health, education, and social services. Laws relevant to adolescent mental health are enacted through city ordinances and local statutes, with collaboration between health departments and schools. The judiciary in this region primarily handles juvenile cases, with some informal involvement in community mental health initiatives. Legal processes are influenced by state laws, and local courts often work with social agencies to address youth welfare issues, demonstrating a hybrid model of formal and informal judicial involvement in societal issues.

Roles of Federal and Local Governments in Policy Development

The federal government plays a pivotal role through agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which provide funding, policy frameworks, and research support. Local governments are responsible for implementing programs, coordinating services, and engaging community stakeholders. Both levels contribute to policy development—federally through legislation and grant programs, and locally through community-based initiatives—ensuring efforts are aligned with broader public health goals. This multilayered approach enhances the capacity to address adolescent mental health effectively across jurisdictions.

From Public Opinion to Legislative Action

Fads in public opinion, often driven by media coverage, advocacy groups, and epidemiological data, influence legislative agendas. Issues that gain visibility—such as the rise in youth suicides or mental health crises—become prioritized on the legislative radar. Advocacy efforts by parents, teachers, and health professionals can amplify the urgency, prompting policymakers to allocate resources through budget appropriations or new laws. Public campaigns and community engagement are crucial to elevating adolescent mental health as a policy priority, demonstrating a feedback loop where societal concern informs legislative action, which in turn shapes public perception.

Description of the Program: Addressing Adolescent Mental Health

The proposed program aims to establish a comprehensive mental health initiative targeting adolescents within the community, involving collaboration among local health departments, schools, and federal agencies like SAMHSA. The population targeted includes high school students aged 14-18 in underserved neighborhoods with high incidences of mental health issues.

Program goals are to increase awareness, improve access to mental health services, and reduce stigma associated with mental health disorders among youth. Implementation involves school-based screening programs, training for educators and counselors, and community outreach to families. The program will utilize evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and peer support networks, facilitated by trained mental health professionals.

Expected results include higher rates of early detection, decreased incidence of depression and suicidal ideation, and improved academic and social outcomes. The evaluation method involves pre- and post-intervention surveys, tracking service utilization, and analyzing mental health outcomes via school records and health department data.

In conclusion, understanding the complex interplay between government levels and societal influences is key to effective policy development and program implementation. This initiative exemplifies how collaborative efforts can address pervasive societal issues like adolescent mental health with measurable outcomes that support broader public health objectives.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Youth Mental Health. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/data_publications/index.htm
• Healthy People 2030. (2023). Mental health and mental disorders. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/mental-health-and-mental-disorders
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2022). Behavioral Health Barometer: United States, Youth Report. https://www.samhsa.gov/data
• Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. (2020). Adolescent Mental Health. Journal of Adolescent Health, 66(3), 281-283.
• Gopalan, N., & McLoughlin, C. (2018). Governmental influences on adolescent health policies. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, 37(2), 229-238.
• Jones, S., & McCarthy, E. (2019). The role of local government in mental health initiatives. Local Government Review, 41(4), 243-251.
• Wang, P.S., et al. (2019). Mental health treatment preferences of youth and young adults: A national survey. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 80(4), 305-312.
• American Psychological Association (2021). Promoting adolescent mental health through policy. APA Policy Statements. https://www.apa.org/policy/
• O’Connell, M.E., et al. (2014). Preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders among young people. Preventing Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders Among Young People: Progress and Possibilities.
• Jennings, J., & Babul, S. (2017). Community-based approaches to youth mental health. Journal of Community Psychology, 45(7), 927-940.