Assignment: Position Paper

Sometimes, during heated discussions and debates about social policy, the underlying reasons for the policy go unnoticed. Advocates and policymakers may become so committed to their perspectives and to winning the debates that they lose focus on the larger context surrounding an issue. The purpose of policy is to improve the lives and well-being of individuals and groups in our society. As you assume the role of a social work policymaker, consider the importance of keeping the needs and experiences of vulnerable populations at the forefront of your mind in your advocacy efforts. This can help to assure effective policy practice.

For this Assignment, you will analyze a state, federal, or global social welfare policy that affects an at-risk, marginalized, oppressed, underrepresented, or over looked group population. Finally, consider the impact of social policy from the perspective of the group you selected.

Assignment (7 double-spaced pages, APA format). In addition to a minimum of eight scholarly references, which may include electronic government documents and reputable websites, your paper should include:

• A      description of the current policy approach for addressing the social issue      you selected
• A      description of the current policy goals for addressing the social issue      you selected
• A      description of the population the current policy approach covers
• An      explanation of the funding levels for the current policy approach and      whether they are sufficient to address the issue
• An      explanation of how this policy may affect at-risk, marginalized,      underrepresented, overlooked, or oppressed populations. Identify a      specific at-risk population.
• An      analysis of whether or not the policy meets the needs of the population      groups most affected by the policy.
• Recommendations      for alternative policies that would address the gaps identified in the      policy. Please be specific in recommendations.

Required Readings

Acker, Gila M. (2010). How social workers cope with managed care. Administration in Social Work, 34(5), 405–422.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Retrieved November 14, 2013, from http://www.ahrq.gov

Concannon, L. (2009). Developing inclusive health and social care policies for older LGBT citizens. British Journal of Social Work, 39(3), 403–417.

Follow Rubric

Responsiveness to Directions

51.3 (27%) – 57 (30%)

Paper fully addresses all instruction prompts.

Content

51.3 (27%) – 57 (30%)

Paper demonstrates an excellent understanding of all of the concepts and key points presented in the text(s) and Learning Resources. Paper provides significant detail including multiple relevant examples, evidence from the readings and other sources, and discerning ideas. Paper demonstrates exemplary critical thought.

Competency Engage in Policy Practice – Knowledge

8.55 (4.5%) – 9.5 (5%)

Student demonstrates excellent knowledge related to policy and policy implications. Student is able to identify a specific policy, goals of the policy, and funding for policy.

Competency Engage in Policy Practice Cognitive and Affective Processes

8.55 (4.5%) – 9.5 (5%)

Student demonstrates exemplary critical thought when analyzing policy implications. Student demonstrates excellent analysis of policy impact and recommendations for alternative policy.

Writing

51.3 (27%) – 57 (30%)

Paper is well organized, uses scholarly tone, follows APA style, uses original writing and proper paraphrasing, contains very few or no writing and/or spelling errors, and is fully consistent with graduate level writing style. Paper contains multiple, appropriate and exemplary sources expected/required for the assignment.