Students will complete a basic policy analysis that is designed to help students

Students will complete a basic policy analysis that is designed to help students make the connections between social problems, claims-making, policy choices and strategies, and how policies impact daily practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Emphasis is placed on consideration of strength-based and sustainablepolicy. Please refer to the Chapin and Rapp, C.A., Pettus, C. & Goscha, R.J. articles on strength-based policy. These readings are listed in Week 4. Please refer to these resources for sustainable policy: * New Jersey Institute of Technology. (2021). What is sustainable policy? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBXEYC3eZWE * International Federation of Social Workers. (2021, April 1). Social work and the united nations sustainable development goals (sdgs). IFSW.org. https://www.ifsw.org/social-work-and-the-united-nations-sustainable-development-goals-sdgs/ 1. Ensure you use citations for each section to cite your sources. 2. Students should select an existing or proposed policy area that has implications for programs and services clearly related to the field of social work. This can include policies from any area (basic needs, economic development, economics and taxes, environmental, education, healthcare, criminal justice, etc.). However, it needs to be clear that the student is able to see the connection to our field easily. 3. Pro Tip: when making your selection for a policy area to look at consider ways to make the assignment a bit easier on yourself: * Choose something you really care about * Choose something that you are familiar with * Choose something that is small enough in scope you can understand it and research. For instance, it is much easier to research a state law about fentanyl test strips or a new proposal for a subsidized housing program in your town as these are relatively new and focused. Compare this to something like looking at food security in the broadest sense with something like SNAP (supplementation nutrition assistance program or ‘food stamps’) that has been around for decades, is federal, has changed many times over the years, and then has federal and state relationships and policy variations. You can do either, but if you are looking for something more manageable in a few weeks, a more scoped assignment is helpful. Likewise, if you stick with more contemporary conversations or ‘hot topics’ there is often more accessible info. Part 1: Strengths and Needs: Description of the Resources of Your Area of Focus and Description of Social Problem Necessitating a Social Policy Suggestion – you should not need more than 6 pages to complete this if you write in a condensed manner. Present the ‘Facts’ * Clearly define the social issue you are focused on. Offer a definition of the problem as you see it. Provide supporting data and identify whether the issue exists at the local, state, or federal level. * Provide at least five ‘facts’ substantiating your claim (this is claims making!) that your issue is relevant, impacts a significant number of people, and is socially meaningful (meaning, it is seen as an issue by a large number of people). Consider things like statistics about those impacted, and a discussion of the root issues. * Provide at least two ‘facts’ applying an intersectionality lens. How are different people and groups affected differently? What population groups are more affected, and why is this so? This ensures that you see that different populations experience social problems in different ways and with different impacts. * Resources and strengths: Provide an overview of the current resources and strengths that the populations most impacted by this issue possess. Consider personal and environmental strengths and resources. Name at least three. * Provide an overview of the current resources and strengths that are already in place to mitigate this issue (for example, existing policies, agencies, programs, etc.). Name at least three. * Describe how you see these resources being able to be better used to address this social issue. * What barriers to change exist? Consider things like geography, access to resources, economic and health resources, and social factors like stigma. Describe at least two. * Truly strength-based and sustainable policy is inclusive of those it purports to help. Identify the following: * Research how people impacted by this issue have been included in offering feedback on how to address this issue, whether through polls, focus groups, case studies, advocacy, documentaries, etc. Get creative. List at least one way. * If you were to move this issue forward, how would you engage in claims-making? How would you ensure participation of those impacted? What barriers might you have to overcome yourself? What about those whose voices you are trying to help be heard – what barriers might need to be overcome? * Identify at least two policy alternatives that could help address your chosen social issue. What are they? Be clear if you are proposing changes at the organizational, local, state, or federal level, or some combination. For instance, your suggestions might include changing how intake works at your agency or more mobile services. Does anything like this already exist somewhere to your knowledge? Keep this section BRIEF as you will have time to dig into this in Part 2. To prepare for Part 2, think about the barriers to creating this change, or what else might need to change to make it happen (like funding changes). Think about both intended and UNINTENDED consequences of your policy change.