This assignment provides you the opportunity to study in some degree, an issue of interest that is related to policy, program and service development in the area of social welfare policy. This issue can be at the local, state or federal level.
USE THE FOLLOWING OUTLINE AND ADDRESS ALL POINTS AND QUESTIONS TO DO THE MIDTERM PAPER:
Issue
State/discuss the issue (via Policy, ACT, Initiative) you are identifying? This issue can be at the local, state or federal level.
Literature Review (Research)
This mid-term involves conducting a literature review on the subject of interest and of relevance for policy, program and service development (what have others said about you issue). The following outline may be used for conducting the literature review and preparing the written paper.
Problem Identification and Definition
What is the specific problem within the issue being addressed? Define the issue. How do you define the problem and what makes this a social problem and of concern to the profession and of social work practice?
Rationale, timeliness (problem legitimacy)
What makes this an issue or problem of relevance to policy development for the target population at this time? Are there areas of unmet needs that raise questions of social justice, equity and access that heighten social work interest in finding solutions? Why should we care about this issue?
Scope, dimension, fiscal, social and human costs
Describe the nature and dimensions of the issue or problem descriptively and in statistical terms; history of the problem; interrelatedness to other social problems that compromise the well-being of the targeted population; and over-representation of certain groups. How large or small is the problem? How many people are affected? Who are the victims, perpetrators, gainers and losers? How is cost effectiveness used. Is it costing taxpayers, gov ect… (Can you insert a graph inside the paper showing statistics or financial stats?) If so do it within the paper not on a separate page. Thanks
Social Diagnosis
What are some of the typical models or paradigms used for understanding or addressing the problem? Past models of addressing the issue on a systematic level. Also compare past and present models.
