Assignment:
Research a social problem and policy initiative and write a paper describing the nature and severity of the social problem as well as the goals and effects of the social policy implemented to address the problem. This assignment requires that you utilize current information and scholarly research about a social problem that is recognized as being national in scope and about federal or state social policy legislation.
Your policy paper will be drafted and submitted in three parts.
Part I-Social Problem Definition & Analysis
Part II -Policy Description
Part III -Critique
Final Paper-Revised Parts I, II, & III
Your final paper should be approximately 8 to 10 pages in length and conform to APA reference style.
References should primarily consist of journal articles, government reports, and books or book chapters. Avoid using popular media and websites, such as Wikipedia. A paper that does not include parenthetical citations and a reference page will be regarded as plagiarized and penalized accordingly.
Your final paper should include the following content:
Introduction: Briefly state what your paper will cover.
Social Problem Definition & Analysis:
Describe the importance and/or severity of the social problem you have chosen to examine. Address such questions as:
What specifically is the social problem?
Why is it a problem?
How serious is the problem? How is the severity of the problem measured?
What are the characteristics of the target population?
How does this problem impact the Jacksonville community?
Policy Description:
Describe how the federal and/or state government has addressed the problem. Address such questions as:
What is the most significant or important legislation addressing the problem?
What are the goals of the legislation?
What programs, benefits, services, etc. are provided as a result of the legislation?
To whom are these benefits, services, etc. provided?
How are the programs, benefits, services, etc. administered and financed?
How does this policy impact social services agencies, staff, and clients in the Jacksonville community?
Critique:
Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the policy. Address such questions as:
Have the effects of the policy and its programs been evaluated empirically?
According to research, how has the policy affected the social problem and/or target population? How do these effects differ from popular opinion?
Has the policy been effective? Is it efficient? Why or why not?
What are the policy's strengths and weaknesses?
Summary
Review your major points to conclude your paper.