Social Policy Exam 1

Role of Public in Policy (and Barriers)

In a democratic society, public policy should reflect the interests of all citizens to the greatest extent possible—this idea is rarely realized because of barriers (public policy too far removed from citizens, usually only the voice of the rich are heard/rich more involved)

Federal to State Funding Responsibilities

There is no comprehensive family policy; public assistance reserved for the states because of 1996 welfare reform and fed role is limited to funding and limited oversight, TANF under state control

Diversions of TANF Funding

TANF funds used to go directly to families, but funds got diverted to child care providers and child welfare professionals in hopes it would provide a greater benefit to children

Problems with Protective Services for Children

Child services vary from state to state, children from racial minorities are disproportionately represented in the system (Black single mothers targeted), professionals can make errors, responsibility placed on workers not in line with their abilities and training, some services are mismanaged putting children in harm’s way 

Property Taxes and School Funding Inequities

Roughly half of K-12 education funds come from local property taxes, which creates inequality between wealthier and poorer districts; economic downturns also disproportionately impacts poor districts; property taxes used because more stable

Charter Schools

Independent public schools that are bound by contracts with state and local school boards or other entities; have specific set of rules and performance standards they must adhere to; compete with public schools for funds

School Vouchers

Funds spent by a school district on each student are reallocated to their families to choose the best option for them; funds do not cover entire costs, so thisreally only benefits wealthier families

Challenges of Policymaking

Disagreements, difficulty defining problems, costs and benefits cannot be weighed (not quantified or comparable), unintended consequences, tend to hear the voices of the wealthy over the poor

Life-Course Perspective

Age-related life patterns embedded in social structures and cultures that are subject to historical change

Historical Approaches to Child Welfare

Indentured Servitude - Work for care, children sent here if they did not have families, other families might work as well

Orphanages and Asylums - Late 19th Century, originally philanthropic, some govt support early on, most kids had living parents, little oversight

SPCC 1874 - Society for the Prevention of the Cruelty of Children

Foster Care - Early on families would offer food, home, education, etc. in exchange for their labor

Alt/Differential Response

Don’t try to decide if there has been maltreatment—just offer services

Worker Training

Undesirable job, tough decisions, high caseloads and high turnover, not a lot of training and/or training not comprehensive enough to fit all responsibilities

HeadStart

Started during War on Poverty - Provide preschool kids who cannot afford it; takes care of education gap but effects do not last