Engage in policy practice.
Advanced practicing social workers, whether in a micro, mezzo, or macro practice, have the ability to engage in policy. Social workers are to focus on the well-being and safety of humans when engaging in a form of policy change. Social workers are to advocate for and promote policy changes that are beneficial to people. Social workers should stay current with the shifts in society to have the knowledge to help promote the best change for their community. Communication must be reliable with stakeholders to have their support for policy change. Social workers will assess the areas in need to be able to develop, advocate for, and implement a policy that is for the benefit of the client’s well-being.
Practice Behavior:
5.1 – Advocate with and inform stakeholders to impact policy change
Course Evidence: In SOCW-609, Advance Social Policy, I wrote a Comprehensive Policy/Advocacy Action Plan with the help of my peers. The assignment required to create a legislator positional map and to place legislators that are proponents, in opposition, or in-between to the plan. I recognized that engaging in policy practices often involves directly contacting those in the policy making business. I contacted each state representative in the Tennessee House Assembly that is in the Democrat party, in the Health Subcommittee, and in the Health and Welfare Committee to gather information about the legislators so that I can know where to place them on the map. In doing so, I was able to create a Legislator Positional Map of the assembly members. I engaged and demonstrated my use of this competency by gathering information from the legislators’ offices that answered my calls, or from information I received about their colleagues.
5.2 – Develop and implement a policy and/or advocacy plan
Field Evidence: Upon an incarcerated individuals maximum expiration (ME) date, or discharge into the community date, I am required to completed a comprehensive strength-based discharge summary about the incarcerated individual for the community he is to be released to. This discharge summary is part of a policy that is enforced by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and this policy helps receiving countries to have information on individuals that are to be discharged to them. I recognized that there are macro level policies that I must adhere to and follow through with the implementation of such policies. Through this practice evidence, I also recognized that I could continue advocating for individuals while implementing a policy that is developed by the heads of the government organizations. By implementing this policy, I actively contributed to the individual’s advocacy plan for a smooth and coordinated transition, promoting continuity of care and support for incarcerated individuals upon their reintegration into the community.