Research Project CHAD100-05 Fall 2019 If You Are ✓ Solved

Research Project CHAD100-05 (Online) Fall 2019 If you are

Research Project CHAD100-05 (Online) Fall 2019: If you are naturally drawn to the profession of child advocacy, it is likely because you have strong opinions about some of the policies that govern the lives of children and have some ideas about the way you would like to see things change. This research project will help you become the most forceful child welfare advocate you can be by giving you practice in the skills required to persuade others to adopt your position on a public policy of interest to you and one that affects children. You will follow the six steps for successful child advocacy as depicted in your textbook.

Directions:

1. Conduct research on a child welfare issue you would like to develop an advocacy campaign for.
2. You will start off with a planning blueprint. Goals or Outcomes, Objectives, Activities, Who, Time, Performance Measures/Indicators, Budget, Evaluation
3. Go through the six steps to successful child advocacy. Steps one and two should take up the majority of your paper. The remaining steps should each take up about half a page to a full page of your paper, and should detail what you expect would be happening at the specific stage in the process.

Section 1: Knowing your issue - Introduction to the issue

Introduce your topic/child welfare issue, include a problem statement, why you chose this topic, its importance, current status, impacts on individuals and society, and your goals for change.

Section 2: Planning Blueprint

Create a planning blueprint with goals, objectives, activities, who, time, performance measures, cost, and evaluation.

Section 3: Research for Background and Impact

Describe all the research conducted on the issue with references to scholarly sources, utilizing both secondary research and existing resources like textbooks and policy documents.

Section 4: Preparing Effective Materials

Describe the purpose of preparing effective materials, its importance, and create a summary sheet.

Section 5: Making Meetings that Work

Detail the gatekeepers and decision makers, and explain your approach for outreach and the information you would present.

Section 6: Conducting Strategic Follow-up

Discuss the importance of follow-up, engagement strategies with gatekeepers and decision makers, and the role of social media in your advocacy project.

Section 7: Reinforcing Successful Advocacy Outcomes

Conclude with potential obstacles, evaluation metrics for your advocacy plan, and your thoughts on conducting an advocacy project.

Paper For Above Instructions

Child welfare advocacy is a critical area of concern, reflecting societal values and priorities regarding the protection and development of children. One pressing issue within this domain is the need for comprehensive mental health support services for children within the foster care system. According to the United States Department of Health & Human Services (2018), children in foster care are often exposed to trauma, instability, and mental health challenges. This research paper aims to outline an advocacy campaign for improving mental health services for children in foster care, detailing the necessary steps to effect change.

Section 1: Knowing Your Issue

The issue at hand is the profound mental health needs of children in foster care, which often remain unaddressed due to systemic failures. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2015), children in foster care experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder compared to their peers. These mental health issues are exacerbated by the instability tied to frequent placements and the uncertainties surrounding their futures.

I chose this topic because it resonates personally; I have witnessed the impacts of inadequate mental health support on children in foster care through volunteer experiences. It is imperative to address this issue to ensure that these vulnerable children receive the support they need to thrive. The current status reveals that many children in foster care do not have access to qualified mental health services, resulting in significant long-term effects on their emotional and psychological well-being. My goal is to advocate for the implementation of comprehensive mental health services specifically tailored for children in foster care.

Section 2: Planning Blueprint

Section 3: Research for Background and Impact

This section is fundamental to the advocacy plan, as it provides the necessary background on the issue. Numerous studies underscore the importance of mental health services for children in foster care. A study by the Child Welfare League of America (2016) revealed that children in foster care report significantly higher levels of emotional and behavioral problems than their peers. Furthermore, research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (Greeson et al., 2011) shows that addressing these mental health needs can lead to enhanced outcomes across multiple domains of functioning, including educational success and social relationships.

Secondary research will include reviewing scholarly articles and governmental publications. Engaging with databases such as PubMed and JSTOR will provide access to high-quality research studies that highlight the necessity for effective mental health support in the foster care system.

Section 4: Preparing Effective Materials

Preparing effective materials for advocacy is crucial for communicating the campaign’s goals and objectives. This step entails creating informative brochures, presentations, and summary sheets that succinctly convey the mental health challenges faced by foster care children, as well as the proposed solutions. Effective materials serve to engage stakeholders and decision-makers, ensuring they understand the significance of the issue and the rationale behind the proposed advocacy efforts.

The summary sheet will outline key statistics, facts, and figures that highlight the urgency of addressing mental health services for these children. For example, presenting data on the percentage of foster children with diagnosed mental health conditions can effectively illustrate the need for immediate action.

Section 5: Making Meetings that Work

Identifying gatekeepers and decision-makers is a vital part of the advocacy process. Key stakeholders may include local child welfare agency representatives, state legislators, and nonprofit mental health organizations. To reach out, I would propose formal meetings, request formal letters of support, and provide them with the summary materials prepared in Step 4. Establishing a relationship built on trust and respect will facilitate productive dialogues regarding potential policy changes and resource allocation.

Section 6: Conducting Strategic Follow-up

Following up after these meetings is critical to maintaining momentum in the advocacy effort. Regular communication via email, phone calls, or social media platforms can keep stakeholders engaged and encourage ongoing collaboration. Utilizing social media can be particularly effective for raising public awareness and garnering support for the campaign. For example, sharing success stories from foster children who have benefited from mental health services can highlight the impact of advocacy efforts.

Section 7: Reinforcing Successful Advocacy Outcomes

Anticipating obstacles is essential when planning for advocacy. Potential challenges may include lack of funding, legislative resistance, or pushback from agencies accustomed to existing structures. To evaluate the advocacy plan, I would establish specific metrics such as service utilization rates and feedback from children and families involved in mental health programs. My overarching thought on conducting this advocacy project is one of hope and determination; advocating for vulnerable populations is not only a professional obligation but a moral one that aligns with core values of justice and compassion.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2015). Mental health needs of children in foster care.
• Child Welfare League of America. (2016). Child welfare services and mental health.
• Greeson, J. K. P., et al. (2011). Mental health outcomes for youth in foster care. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
• United States Department of Health & Human Services. (2018). Children’s Bureau: The foster care system.
• Wright, A., & Jaffe, K. (2014). Effective strategies for child advocacy. Child Welfare Journal.
• Austin, M. J. (2016). Social worker's role in advocacy for children. Social Work, 61(2), 145-153.
• National Conference of State Legislatures. (2020). Mental health policy for foster youth.
• Huang, L. N., et al. (2015). Mental health service use among children in foster care. Pediatrics, 135(4), 751-760.
• Zima, B. T., et al. (2016). The role of mental health in child welfare. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 33(1), 67-78.
• American Psychological Association. (2019). Trauma and foster care: Addressing mental health needs.