Policy Identification According To The Counsel On Social

Policy Identification according To The Counsel On Social

Assignment 1: Policy Identification According to the Counsel 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. To prepare: Identify a social problem that is common among the organization (or its clients) and research current policies at that state and federal levels that impact the social problem. Then, from a position of advocacy, identify methods to address the social problem (i.e., how you, as a social worker, and the agency advocate to change the problem). You are expected to specifically address how both you and the agency can effectively engage policy makers to make them aware of the social problem and the impact that the policies have on the agency and clients.

The Assignment (2-3 pages): · Identify the social problem · Explain rational for selecting social problem · Describe state and federal policies that impact the social problem · Identify specific methods to address the social problems · Explain how the agency and student can advocate to change the social problem

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Addressing social problems through informed policy advocacy is fundamental to effective social work. The present analysis focuses on a prevalent social issue within the context of healthcare and social services: the challenges faced by individuals living with HIV/AIDS, especially those with significant co-morbidities, such as mental health disorders and substance abuse. By exploring existing policies and proposing advocacy strategies, this paper aims to delineate actionable pathways for social workers and agencies to mitigate these issues and promote social justice.

Identification of the Social Problem

The central social problem highlighted in this context is the inadequate support and services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS who also suffer from complex health and social challenges. Patients like Paula Cortez exemplify individuals facing multiple intersecting issues: chronic illness, mental health conditions, substance use history, social isolation, and economic hardship. Such multifaceted problems lead to adverse health outcomes, social marginalization, and hindered access to necessary care and resources.

Rationale for Selecting this Social Problem

The rationale stems from the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on marginalized populations, including racial minorities, women, and people with comorbid mental health and substance use disorders. These populations often encounter systemic barriers such as stigma, discrimination, limited healthcare access, and inadequate policy support. Furthermore, the complexity of managing co-morbidities necessitates comprehensive, integrated policy responses to improve health outcomes and social integration for affected individuals. Addressing this problem aligns with social work’s core tenets of justice, human rights, and client empowerment.

Current Policies Impacting the Social Problem

At the federal level, policies such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) facilitate expanded healthcare coverage, including Medicaid expansion, which benefits many with HIV/AIDS and comorbid conditions (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2023). The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides targeted funding dedicated to improving healthcare access and support services for people living with HIV (HRSA, 2022). State policies, including New York State’s Medicaid managed care programs and HIV-specific initiatives, further enhance access to specialized care, testing, and prevention services (New York State Department of Health, 2023). However, these policies often face challenges related to funding disparities, implementation barriers, and stigma-related exclusion, which impede comprehensive support.

Methods for Addressing the Social Problem

Effective strategies include advocacy for policy expansion and reform to ensure equitable access to healthcare, mental health, and substance use treatment. Social workers and agencies can engage policymakers through direct lobbying, testimony at legislative hearings, and participation in advisory committees. Grassroots mobilization and coalition-building with community organizations can amplify the voices of marginalized populations affected by HIV/AIDS. Implementing culturally competent, integrated care models that coordinate health, social services, and legal aid can mitigate systemic barriers. Additionally, deploying educational campaigns to reduce stigma and increase awareness about the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS can influence policy priorities and resource allocation (Sidney et al., 2022).

Advocacy Strategies for the Agency and Social Worker

At the organizational level, agencies can establish ongoing communication channels with policymakers, provide expert testimony, and publish policy briefs highlighting the gaps and needs of their service populations. Developing formal coalitions with advocacy groups and health coalitions can strengthen lobbying efforts. For individual social workers, engaging in policy practice involves educating clients about their rights, facilitating participation in public hearings, and participating in professional associations that advocate for policy change (Mullainathan & Shafir, 2013). Building rapport with policymakers through community forums, policy briefings, and direct meetings is essential. Maintaining culturally sensitive, survivor-informed, and trauma-informed approaches enhances credibility and efficacy in advocacy.

Conclusion

Addressing the social problem of inadequate support for individuals with HIV/AIDS and co-morbid conditions requires a comprehensive, multifaceted approach that combines policy analysis, community engagement, and professional advocacy. By actively participating in policy development and implementation, social workers and agencies can help shape responsive systems that promote health equity, reduce stigma, and empower marginalized populations. Continued advocacy at all levels remains essential to bridging gaps in services and ensuring that social justice principles underpin health and social care policies.

References

• Kaiser Family Foundation. (2023). Medicaid and HIV/AIDS. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-and-hivaids/
• HRSA. (2022). Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Annual Data Report. Health Resources & Services Administration. Retrieved from https://hab.hrsa.gov/data-reports/
• New York State Department of Health. (2023). HIV/AIDS surveillance report. Retrieved from https://health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/reporting/
• Sidney, L., Moser, D., & Thomas, J. (2022). Reducing HIV-related stigma: Policy and community approaches. Social Science & Medicine, 300, 114%%. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114166
• Mullainathan, S., & Shafir, E. (2013). Scarcity: Why having too little means so much. Times Books.
• Congress, E. (2013). Assessment of adults. In M. Holosko, C. Dulmus, & K. Sowers (Eds.), Social work practice with individuals and families: Evidence-informed assessments and interventions (pp. 125–145). Wiley.
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• Additional scholarly articles on policy and social work practice can be incorporated to deepen analysis.