I. Introduction (2 points) In this section, briefly introduce your specific policy (this is your chosen current policy).
Be sure to include:
The dates of the policy,
Specific Code/Statute citations, and
Source(s) of the policy within the governmental structure. Cite the specific Code/Statute. Sources:
For Federal Codes, see www.law.cornell.edu/uscodeLinks to an external site.
For federal legislation pending in Congress, see www.thomas.govLinks to an external site.
For Texas State Statues, see www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/statutes.htmlLinks to an external site. (The Texas Legislature website also has links to federal policy.)
II. The Historical Background of the Policy. (2 points) The Who, What & Why of the history of the policy. (1-2 pages)
In this section, students will provide a historical background of the chosen policy and introduce some of the problems/issues that led to its development. **This is only an introduction to the problems, as the next section will highlight and detail the historical events that led to the policy’s implementation.
III. Description of the Problem that Necessitated the Policy. (2 points) What was happening that made the policy necessary? Expand here and include stats and research to support the policy that needs to be adopted. (1-2 pages)
This section will detail the problems, including statistics, demographics of the target population, and/or local events that influenced the development of the policy. Expand on the events that impacted the nation wherein policy was needed.
IV. Description of the Policy. (5 points) This is your chosen policy.
Students will succinctly describe their chosen policy. This section will detail and analyze the policy goals, priorities, aims, etc., that the policy outlines, including the following components:
How will the policy be implemented?
Who will administer, oversee, coordinate, and determine if the policy is effective (doing what it is supposed to)?
What is the knowledge base or scientific grounding of the policy? Use your research and sources to develop this section.
V. Policy Analysis. (15 points) This is your chosen policy.
Policy Goals. List and summarize each policy goal/priority/aim (2-4 goals). If more than 5, please feel free to summarize the primary goals/priorities/aims, etc. Are the Goals of the Policy:
Realistic in attempts to solve the problem?
Just and Democratic?
Contributing to Greater Social Equality?
Consistent with the Values of Professional Social Work?
Consistent with recovery-oriented social work practice?
‘Spirit of the Policy.’
What is the policy hoping to achieve?
How is this different from the original policy (see historical background)?
For example, The ESSA seeks to further the aims of the ESEA and address the inequity and accessibility to quality education. Additionally, one of the goals of the ESSA is to expand support services, increase funding for ‘disadvantaged’ students, and ensure qualified teachers are placed in low-performing schools.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Policy.
Are there any unintended consequences of the policy?
Are there any opposing viewpoints (e.g. pro-faith-based programs vs. anti-faith-based programs)
Comparative and International Analysis.
What Can Be Learned About This Problem from the Experiences of another country (other than the U.S.) OR another state (other than Texas)
Social Thought and Ideology.
What are the Major Ideological Suppositions Contained in the Policy (Libertarian, Centrist, Conservative, etc.)?
What is the Perspective on the Role of Government; What is the nature of society (based on research, what is society’s response to the policy)?
What Dynamics and Patterns of U.S. Social Policy are Evident in the Policy (from class lectures/activities)?
VI. Conclusion. (8 points) Provide a concise conclusion of your findings related to the Policy.
Definitions of Key Terms. (1 point) These are listed on a separate piece of paper. Define terms that have a bearing on what you are writing about, e.g., “home health care,” “Safe Haven,” and “Medicaid Carve-Out Program.”
References. (1 point) These are listed on a separate piece of paper, following the text of the paper. Use APA 7th ed. guidelines. At least 8 references are required, 6 of which must be from peer-reviewed professional journals.
Using APA guidelines, the Karger/Stoesz policy analysis model (access model here), and additional parameters provided by the professor, present and analyze the policy. Include your recommendations related to the policy issue as part of your conclusion. The paper and presentation (if applicable) may be completed in groups of up to three people. **Groups should be established by Module/Week 3 of the semester.
Length: 8-10 pages, double-spaced. This does not include the title, key-terms definitions, or reference pages. There must be a minimum of 8 references, 4 of which must be from professional journal articles.
****** The mental health policy that I selected is Bill H.R. 3180-RISE from Trauma ACT. I’ve used this policy in all of my other assignments. The professor has encouraged us to use the same policy through assignments. However, if there is difficulties with this one. Feel free to utilize another policy but please ensure that it relates to children and mental health, as that has been my theme throughout the semester. 🙂
