social policy ch 5 quiz

**framework elements of policy analysis:

- policy goals

- benefits and services

- eligibility goals

- service delivery systems

- financing

**policy goal

a statement of the desired human condition/social environment that is expected to result from implementation of the policy

policy objectives

spell out in more detail what a policy should accomplish

- objectives are specific statements that operationalize desired results

~ more specific detail about services and outcomes on which programs are evaluated so program admins can determine how to proceed

**manifest goals

publicly stated goals

**latent goals

goals that are not typically publicized because it would be difficult to achieve a consensus to support these goals, or the goals would not be considered socially acceptable

logic model of service delivery:

resources/inputs --> activities --> outputs --> outcomes --> impact

examining service delivery system from strengths perspective:

- does it build on assets that already exist in the community?

- does it create separate structures for serving the target population?

~ separate structures are inherently unequal

- does it offer clients choice - thereby maximizing values of self-determination and serving to preserve human dignity

- "Can this system deliver services/benefits in a cost-effective manner for clients?"

elements to involve in policy making:

- clients

- who will be implementing change (e.g. judges)

- who will enforce change (e.g. police officers)

- serve the affected (e.g. social workers)

- stand to gain/lose revenue, resources, and change the way they do things (e.g. various agencies involved in the area)

How are policies determined?

- needs determination creates most effective policy

~ incorporate strengths, goals, and needs

- how policy makers/public views situation determines if policy is even created

~ social problem b/c people see that it is one

**"squeaky wheel gets the grease"

raise awareness to public about issue - "noise created" and claims-making cause change

**social problems are based on our view of reality

- observations and meanings attached to them shaped by values as well

- should (or should not) the problem be a reality?

advocates have employed (for creating/causing recognition of social problems):

- conducting research and collecting supporting data

- building alliances with other groups, particularly those with greater access to power

- identifying the barriers that the problem creates

- attracting public attention by promoting social media and eliciting traditional media coverage

- communicating with government officials and thought leaders

- litigation

- direct action in form of education (e.g. teach-ins, media events)

- physical confrontation and mass mobilization (rallies, marches, sit-ins, picketing)

- economic tactics such as sanctions and boycotts

social constructional approach

our explanations of all human interactions (including social problems) are based on views of reality that are socially/personally constructed

strengths perspective (policy):

1) social policies should be developed based primarily on analysis of client strengths and goals rather than problems and deficits

2) the definition of need should incorporate clients' perspectives

to understand the definition of social problems/needs that shaped social policy:

- examine how the problem/need is defined/documented

- consider how values and self-interest shape the definition and documentation

- determine which causal theories have been developed based on the definition of social problems and what consequences are ascribed to the problem so defined (why the problem is "problematic")

- don't define the problem only from your perspective! differing perspectives help see the full scope of problem more clearly

ideally, social policies should:

- remove barriers that limit one's participation in the life of the community

- emphasize access, choice and opportunities for clients

- be evaluated based upon what they acheive for clients

**Policy goals (arrow graphic):

what the policy is supposed to accomplish --> policy goal = desired human condition/social environment expected to result from policy implementation --> may be abstract, objectives are more specific --> often found in preamble of enabling legislation, legislation history, media statements --> manifest goals are publicly stated --> latent goals aren't explicitly stated

objectives

how you will reach your goal (overarching for policy)

when analyzing policy goals:

- does the policy have clear, measurable goals?

- will the stated actions achieve the goal?

- what client outcomes are the result?

- if you collect data concerning the goal, be sensitive to where the data originates

- does the policy incorporate client's voice?

Benefits and Services (Venn Diagram):

type of "good" provided to beneficiaries

- connects to -

should be evaluated based on:

- stigma

- incorporation of strengths (community/personal strengths)

- likelihood of alleviating problem/addressing need

- maximization of choice

**Eligibility Rules:

stipulate who receives the benefit/service provided by the social policy

Who receives the benefit/service based on :

- prior contributions, attachment to the workforce, means tests, judicial decisions (court-mandated services)

- means tests determine if someone meets the income and asset limits for a program

Should be evaluated for:

- incentives for people to build on strengths- What happens to clients who suddenly land a higher paying job?

**Service Delivery Systems:

by public/private agencies:

- private institutions can provide publically funded services

What are some methods of service delivery?

- social workers (direct care)

- peer advocacy

- financial institutions

Should be evaluated based on:

- stigma

- incorporation of client choices (where to go for services)

- inclusion of existing resources (mainstream vs special education classes)

- reflection of the target population

- ability to achieve desired outcomes

- accessibility

Policy Analysis from the Strengths Perspective:

strengths-based policy

- based on clients' goals

- services remove barriers --> maximize choice; services non-stigmatizing; build on available resources

- eligibility rules non-stigmatizing

- delivery system builds on capacities --> reflects diversity of target populations

- financing adequate and just --> stable and equitable

Financing Mechanisms:

public or private funding - which is most stable? --> out-of-pocket or collective responsibility --> should be evaluated based on reimbursement strategies, stability, equity, connection to policy goals