Engage in Policy Practice
Social workers need to understand social welfare and services that are mediated by policy and how it is implemented at the federal, state, and local levels. 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 also understand historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect policy. They are knowledgeable about policy formulation, analysis, implementation, and evaluation.
Practice Behaviors
- Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services;
- assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services;
- apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
Academic Evidence:
While being in the BSW program, I was able to work on a policy brief in which I presented in Washington D.C. The policy was on immigration reform and here is the policy brief. This bill was known as the “Keeping Families Together and Enforcing the Law Act.” My group presented the different components to this bill. We highlighted the strengths, gaps, and limitations. We also gave suggestions for the bill. I did not know how important it was to be an advocate until I had to do this. I use to hate policy and now I have found a new interest.
Practicum Evidence:
I was able to look at many different policies while working in the three different departments at DFCS. I have examples of policies that I looked at and followed through with in the investigation department. Unit-Policy Agenda, Policy procedure, I was able to work with clients and identify factors that affect their environment. I discussed these factors and made a Safety plan.
I also was able to assess different cases and make sure that I followed each step of the process for plan of safe care.