5. Policy

Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice

Social Workers understand that human rights and social justice, as well as social welfare and services, are mediated by policy and its implementation at the federal, state, and local levels. Social workers understand the history and current structures of social policies and services, the role of policy in service delivery, and the role of practice in policy development. Social workers understand their role in policy development and implementation within their practice settings at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels and they actively engage in policy practice to effect change within those settings. Social workers recognize and understand the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy. They are also knowledgeable about policy formulation, analysis, implementation, and evaluation. Social workers:

5.1 Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services;

5.2 assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services;

5.3 apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

Reflection

The meaning of this competence is to understand how policy works at a local, state, and federal level. Furthermore, how advocating for policy change can either positively or negatively impact diverse groups. 

Competency 5: Evidence of Practice

While attending Southern Adventist University and studying my BSW, I engaged in a variety of activities that helped me to develop and master this competency.

School Work:

My evidence from my course work is the current event I wrote on my reaction to two news articles discussing their opposing views on Asian hate crime policy reform. Through this assignment, I was able to learn more about what is currently be discussed in regards to hate crime reform policies, and form my own opinion on what federal actions should be taken to promote human well-being and safety.

Field:

My field instructor connected me with a DFCS(Division of Family and Children Services) worker from Catoosa County. This DFCS Interview gave me a broader perspective of how federal policy effects county level workers with clients and how the system has adapted and changed over time.

Outside Evidence:

As I have been learning more about CAPTA (Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act), I have felt a new urgency to advocate on behalf of children who are undergoing some type of abuse. Change.org is a platform where you can both sign and create petitions to support causes. I chose to sign this “Stop Abuse Campaign” because I truly believe child abuse and neglect is still a very prevalent issue in America. The link to sign this petition is listed in my personal social media bio, to hopefully get the word out. Only action can promote solutions.