Required Readings SOCW 6361 Webliography: These Websi 390218

Required Readingssocw 6361 Webliographythese Websites Will Be Required

Describe a current social problem. How might this problem be incongruent with social work values/ethics? How/when has this problem been identified historically, and what were the actions taken to address this concern? How have the groups affected by this concern changed over time?

Describe the policy area related to this social problem. Is the policy identified by your group dictated by local, state, or federal statute—or a combination thereof? What are the different aspects of the policy? How long has the current policy been in place? Who supports and who opposes the policy?

What changes/amendments have been made to the policy? Explain how this policy affects clients you might see in a clinical setting and why, as a clinical social worker, it would be important to advocate for change. Make sure that your assertions are supported by appropriate research and reputable resources.

Paper For Above instruction

The social problem selected for this project is homelessness, a pervasive issue that impacts millions across the United States. Homelessness is characterized by the lack of stable, safe, and adequate housing, and it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including minorities, veterans, and those with mental health disorders. This problem challenges social work values such as dignity and service by highlighting systemic barriers to housing, healthcare, and employment that often marginalize the homeless population. Historically, homelessness has been recognized as a social issue since the early 20th century, initially associated with urbanization and poverty. Early responses included temporary shelters and urban renewal projects, but over time, advocacy and policy interventions emerged, such as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, which aimed to address homelessness more systematically at federal levels (Kuhn, Culhane, & Bainbridge, 1998). The affected groups—primarily low-income individuals, families, veterans, and those with disabilities—have seen their circumstances worsen or improve depending on policy changes and economic conditions. These groups have become more vocal over time, advocating for comprehensive support services and housing-first initiatives (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD], 2020).

The policy area related to homelessness primarily falls under federal legislation, notably the McKinney-Vento Act, which mandates federal funding and programs to prevent and address homelessness. Some states and local governments also have their own policies, which may include zoning laws, affordable housing initiatives, and shelters. The McKinney-Vento Act has been in place since 1987, with various amendments to expand funding and scope, such as the HEARTH Act of 2009, which emphasized rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention (HUD, 2020). The policies are supported by advocacy groups and service providers but face opposition from some local officials and residents who resist new shelters or zoning regulations, citing concerns about neighborhood character and property values (Culhane & Metraux, 2010). Amendments over the years have aimed to increase funding, improve coordination among services, and enhance housing options.

The policy directly impacts clients in clinical settings by shaping the availability and stability of housing, access to services, and overall well-being. Homeless clients often struggle with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues, which are exacerbated by unstable living conditions. As a clinical social worker, advocating for policy changes—such as increased funding for permanent supportive housing, expanded mental health services, and policies reducing barriers to housing—is crucial for addressing systemic causes of homelessness. Supporting research indicates that Housing First programs significantly reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes for homeless individuals (Padgett et al., 2016). Therefore, social workers play a pivotal role in policy advocacy to ensure that systemic and policy-level changes support holistic, client-centered care.

References

• Culhane, D. P., & Metraux, S. (2010). Providing supportive housing for large populations experiencing homelessness. The Housing Policy Debate, 21(2), 213-235.
• Kuhn, R., Culhane, D. P., & Bainbridge, J. (1998). Homelessness Politics and Policy. In J. Hage (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Social Work. Oxford University Press.
• Padgett, D. K., Henwood, B. F., Abrams, C., & Davis, L. (2016). Housing First: Exploring the approach and the evidence. Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless, 25(1), 24-29.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). (2020). The 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress. https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/homelessness_assistance/haal