Week 3: Analyzing Social Problems ✓ Solved

Week 3 Analyzing Social Problems

In Week 3, you are reintroduced to the family case studies you have seen throughout your concentration year. You will analyze the social problems within each family and apply the skills you would use in working with these family members as clients. You are provided with additional media for each family that allows you to use your skills to identify the policy and social problems that are impacting these families. Additionally, you explore policy advocacy skills in relation to your clinical social work skills. This week you also will complete Part I of your Social Change Project.

Students will: Analyze social problems related to social work practice, Apply policy advocacy skills to address a social problem, Analyze the impact of social problems on social work populations, and Analyze social policies.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Social problems are complex issues that significantly impact individuals, families, and communities, requiring the intervention of social workers guided by their values of social justice, dignity, and respect. In this analysis, I will examine a specific family case to identify the social problems at play, explore the policy context shaping these issues, and discuss how social work and policy advocacy skills are essential in addressing them.

The family I have chosen for this case study is that of Tiffany Bradley, a 16-year-old girl whose experiences of trauma, exploitation, and victimization exemplify many of the critical social problems faced by at-risk youth. Tiffany’s case vividly illustrates issues such as youth trafficking, child abuse, and the systemic failures that often leave vulnerable populations without adequate support. These issues manifest within her family dynamics, social systems, and policy environment, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive social work approach.

Identification of Social Problems

At the core, Tiffany's problems include trafficking, trauma, lack of adequate protective services, and systemic neglect. Her running away from home to escape sexual violence from her family underscores the family-related issues of abuse and neglect. Moreover, her subsequent exploitation by a pimp reflects broader societal failures to protect children from trafficking and exploitation. These social problems are compounded by systemic barriers, including insufficient enforcement of youth protection laws and lack of accessible trauma-informed services. Furthermore, the social problem is also rooted in societal attitudes toward victimized youth, often stigmatizing rather than supporting them, which hinders recovery and reintegration.

Values and Ethical Considerations

The social work values of social justice, dignity and worth of the person, and service are reflected in the focus on Tiffany's safety, recovery, and empowerment. The use of trauma-informed care and advocacy aligns with the NASW Code of Ethics. However, these values sometimes clash with societal or institutional policies that prioritize punishment over rehabilitation, especially when minors are involved in criminal activities such as prostitution. This incongruence points to the ongoing need for advocacy to align policy practices with core social work values.

Historical Context and Actions

Historically, youth trafficking and exploitation have been recognized as significant issues, but policy responses have evolved slowly. The enactment of laws like the Safe Harbor laws exemplifies a shift toward treating trafficked youth as victims deserving services rather than offenders. Over time, advocacy efforts have influenced the expansion of trauma-informed policies and services targeted at at-risk youth. However, gaps remain, especially concerning prevention and comprehensive services that address root causes such as poverty, family dysfunction, and social marginalization.

Policy Analysis

The policy area relevant to Tiffany’s case primarily involves state and federal laws aimed at protecting children from trafficking and exploitation. The Safe Harbor laws, enacted in several states, aim to divert sex trafficking victims from criminal justice systems into supportive services. These policies usually include provisions for trauma-informed care, legal protections, and specialized courts. The duration of these policies varies; some are recent, reflecting increased awareness, while others have been amended to expand protections or clarify procedures.

Supporters of these policies include child advocacy groups, social workers, and legal entities committed to protecting youth rights. Opponents may include certain law enforcement agencies that prioritize criminalization, or political groups resistant to policy reforms perceived as lenient on offenders. Amendments over time often address issues related to jurisdiction, funding, and the scope of services offered, reflecting ongoing debates about the most effective approaches.

Impact on Clients and Advocacy Significance

From a clinical perspective, policies like the Safe Harbor laws directly impact clients like Tiffany by providing access to necessary support services. However, gaps still exist, such as limited availability of trauma-specific treatment, housing, or vocational programs. As a clinical social worker, advocating for policy improvements becomes crucial, not only to ensure access but also to foster systemic changes that prevent such trauma in the first place. Active advocacy can involve participating in legislative processes, raising awareness, and collaborating with community stakeholders to push for comprehensive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive services.

Conclusion

In summary, analyzing social problems within this case underscores the importance of integrating direct social work intervention with policy advocacy. Tiffany’s experience reveals the intersections of family dysfunction, systemic neglect, and societal attitudes that perpetuate her trauma. Addressing these issues requires a multi-layered approach—therapeutic, systemic, and policy-level—to ensure that vulnerable youth are protected, supported, and empowered to rebuild their lives. The role of social workers as advocates for social justice remains pivotal in transforming policies to better serve the needs of at-risk populations.

References

• Jansson, B. S. (2018). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice. Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.
• National Association of Social Workers. (2017). Code of ethics. NASW.
• Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (2014). Sessions: Case histories. Laureate International Universities Publishing.
• Williams, R. (2017). Safe Harbor: State efforts to combat child trafficking. Journal of Public Policy & Ethics, 25(4), 123-135.
• Midgley, J., & Livermore, M. M. (2008). The handbook of social policy. Sage Publications.
• Community Toolbox. (n.d.). Chapter 5, Section 3: Social planning and policy change. Retrieved from https://ctb.ku.edu
• Community Toolbox. (n.d.). Chapter 5, Section 4: Social action. Retrieved from https://ctb.ku.edu
• Levy, L. (2013). Videos in Sessions. Laureate Education. Retrieved from https://sessions.laureate.net
• Jansson, B. S. (2018). Becoming an effective policy advocate. Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.
• Williams, R. (2017). Safe Harbor: State efforts to combat child trafficking. Retrieved from https://journalofpublicpolicyandethics.org