Once you have built an agenda for your policy, developed a policy proposal plan, and strategically analyzed the composition of the audience to which you will present your policy proposal, you must now be prepared to defend it.

In this Assignment, you will submit a video presentation summary of the policy proposal you created from last week’s Discussion. This is a simulation for a presentation summary you would make to policy leaders.

BY DAY 7

Submit a video presentation summary of the policy proposal you created from last week’s Discussion. Be sure to incorporate feedback from your colleagues. Make sure that your summary presentation provides a solid rationale for the passage of your policy, using reputable sources from experts in the field. This should be a simulation of a summary presentation you would make to “real-world” policy leaders, so make sure you are succinct and informative. You can include any visual aids that you think help your presentation.

Your video should be 4–5 minutes and no more than 6 minutes.

I will video it after you submit it to me.

LAST WEEK ASSIGNMENT IS HERE BELOW 

In the case of Jose, he is a 42 year old, Latino male that has substance abuse issues, unemployed, and is homeless (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014). Jose only has minor legal issues and some of his strengths include some family support and his high school education. Jose also has a history of employment (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014). Jose identifies his biggest issue is his alcohol abuse. The social worker should focus on the need identified by the client. Jansson (2018), states policy advocates must think deliberately when, they identify options, select and weigh criteria and rank options, and develop a decision-making matrix in order to meet the need of the client.

In order to assist Jose and other individuals also experiencing homelessness and substance abuse issues, I would create a policy proposal that provides a well-rounded approach in helping these individuals. The program would allow for individuals to live on campus and receive counseling services to address substance abuse and possible mental health issues. The funding would be through state grants and the employees would be the individuals themselves. A large percentage of their income would go back into the program to provide for their food and housing. A small portion would be in a locked savings account for the individual themselves to build up in order to have enough money for when they are discharged. The individual would also have access to support groups and church service on campus. The program would be a 12 month transitional program.

Jansson (2018) discusses how policy ranking high in one criterion but lower in another is a trade-off. Some of the trade- offs would be that individuals may not want to participate and in that event they can be discharged. Also, grant funding may be difficult to obtain. However, the cost of treatment would be more beneficial than sending the individuals to jail or treatment for 30 days that may not be effective.

References:

Jansson, B. S. (2018). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (8th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning Series.

Plummer, S.-B, Makris, S., Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].

BELOW IS WHAT MY COLLEAGUE RESPONDED ON MY WORK  IF IT HELPS IN THIS ASSIGNMENT 

Peer comment/review:

Thank you for your post. You proposed some really good ideas to address Jose’s problem. Another approach is to mandate professional assessments that include biopsychosocial assessments and mental status exams for individuals with violations related to drug and alcohol abuse. These evaluations would be helpful in determining if the person has mental health issues in addition to a substance abuse problem as well as contributing factors that may lead to the client re-offending. In criminal court, someone does a crime, is sentenced for it, serves their time and is released but the reasons that led them to commit the crime are not addressed. By evaluating low-level offenders, there is an opportunity to reduce reentry and connected individuals to resources that will reduce some of the external factors that contribute not only to their criminal behavior but also their mental health. If a person is released from jail but is homeless, has no support system, and facing mental health issue, they are more likely to participate in criminal activity. The social worker working with Jose can advocate for services that Jose needs, such as drug and alcohol counseling, housing, employment assistance, and proper legal aid. They can also help gather the facts through a social survey that would focus on Jose and those in similar situations. According to Stuart (1999), social survey’s help in educating the community and increasing public support (P. 339).

References

Stuart, P. H. (1999). Linking clients and policy: Social work’s distinctive contribution. Social Work, 44(4), 335–347.