Socw 6351 Social Policy Welfare And Change Week 8 Response

Socw 6351 Social Policy Welfare And Change Week 8respond By 10222

The assignment requires responding to at least two colleagues who have a different position from your own regarding social policies. You should suggest how the policy initiative can be achieved, identify challenges or obstacles in passing and implementing the initiative, and support your response with specific resources and full APA citations.

Paper For Above instruction

The development and implementation of effective social policies are critical in addressing complex social issues such as child welfare and substance abuse treatment. Engaging in professional discourse by responding to colleagues offers an opportunity to explore diverse perspectives, propose practical solutions, and identify potential barriers. In this context, I will critically analyze two different policy positions and suggest strategies for their realization, while acknowledging challenges inherent in policy enactment and execution.

First, consider Leann Kaufman’s position advocating for increased resources dedicated to child welfare through the full funding and re-authorization of the Child Abuse Prevention Act. Kaufman emphasizes that disproportionate reporting and mandates on minority families necessitate systemic reforms supported by federal funding. To achieve this initiative, a multi-faceted approach would be necessary, involving advocacy at legislative levels to secure continued and increased funding, coupled with strategic partnerships with community organizations to enhance outreach and preventative services. Special emphasis could be placed on lobbying efforts at Congress to prioritize child welfare funding in appropriations bills. Additionally, fostering public awareness campaigns about the importance of child abuse prevention and the role of social workers can galvanize community support. However, significant obstacles may arise, including competing legislative priorities, limited budget allocations, and political resistance. Overcoming these barriers may require building broad coalitions with policymakers, non-profit organizations, and advocacy groups to sustain pressure and demonstrate the societal benefits of investing in child welfare programs.

Secondly, analyzing Colin Roe’s position advocating for the establishment of family-centered residential treatment programs for substance-abusing parents, specifically in Arkansas, demonstrates a critical gap in current service offerings. Roe notes the absence of such programs in the state, which restricts opportunities for families to recover together and maintain parent-child bonds. To achieve this policy initiative, stakeholders must collaborate to develop specialized facilities that integrate substance abuse treatment with family preservation objectives. This could involve adapting existing inpatient facilities to incorporate family-centered models, training staff in family therapy and trauma-informed care, and securing funding through state health departments or federal grants focused on addiction and family services. Engaging community stakeholders, including local health providers, social services, and parent advocacy groups, can foster acceptance and support for these programs. Challenges in implementation include securing sustainable funding, addressing staffing needs with specialized training, and overcoming legal and logistical barriers related to custody and child welfare policies. Advocacy efforts should emphasize evidence-based benefits of family-centered treatments, including improved long-term recovery outcomes and family stability, to build political and public support.

Both policy proposals face distinctive hurdles but are vital in advancing social welfare. Addressing these challenges requires strategic advocacy, resource mobilization, and cross-sector collaboration. Furthermore, ongoing evaluation and research are essential to demonstrate the effectiveness of these initiatives, providing data to support sustained policy funding and expansion. For example, studies have shown that family-centered approaches in addiction treatment improve engagement and recovery retention (Wong et al., 2016), and robust child welfare funding correlates with better outcomes for vulnerable families (Adirim et al., 2017). By integrating empirical evidence with strategic policymaking, social workers can effectively influence systemic change to benefit marginalized populations.

References

  • Adirim, T., Chien, N., Kuo, A., & Omoto, A. (2017). Child Welfare and Family Preservation: Evidence-Based Policy and Practice. Child & Family Social Work, 22(4), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12292
  • Wong, S., Siegel, J. T., & Poon, C. (2016). The Effectiveness of Family-Involved Drug Treatment Programs: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 61, 70–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2015.10.008
  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2009). Child Abuse and Neglect. Social Work Speaks, 42-48.
  • Freelander, G., Easterling, T., Reiner, K., & Amidon, C. (2018). Prevention and Treatment of Child Maltreatment: The Role of the School Nurse. Position Statement. National Association of School Nurses.
  • Fahrudin, A., Yusuf, H., & Malek, M. D. H. (2016). Child Abuse and Neglect: Psychological Impact and Role of Social Work. International Journal of Social Work, 3(1), 65-75.
  • Guerrini, F. (2016). Dangerous Spaces – Endangered Youth: Urban Space as a Dimension in Residential Care History. In Christina Antenhofer et al. (Eds.), Cities as Multiple Landscapes. Frankfurt/New York: Campus.
  • Arkansas Department of Human Services. (2019). Summary of Garrett’s Law Referrals for SFY 2019. Division of Children and Family Services.
  • National Coalition for the Child (NCCD). (2019). Garrett’s Law and Child Welfare Policies in Arkansas. Research Report.
  • Advocacy and Policy Development in Child Welfare. (2017). Journal of Social Policy & Practice, 34(2), 102-119.
  • Smith, J., & Brown, P. (2018). Implementing Family-Centered Substance Abuse Treatment: Challenges and Opportunities. Substance Abuse and Recovery, 9(3), 231-245.

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