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.
5.1: It is important to engage in policy practice as a social worker. By engaging in this we can be closer to positive change that we want to see and give individuals a louder voice. In my field practicum I was able to do an intensive review and summary on the policy Mental Health Improve Access act. I was able to use this information and the information found on the fact sheet found on 5.2 to also send an email to legislators Esther Helton and Bo Watson, which is also found in 5.2. I was able to use the skills of research and collaboration.
I was also able to use the fact sheet for consistency in groups and group therapy at Parkridge Valley. The topic focus of these groups were on emotional regulation and consistency and how important it is for mental health. There are eight types of skills/ groups mentioned. One is already a part of the current inpatient program which are the goal groups. I was able to send the information of this fact sheet to the mental health technicians and social workers at Parkridge Valley too. I was able to use the skills of communication, being prepared and organized, being respectful and polite and maintaining a professional relationship while being an advocate for mental health
In my coursework, my group and I were able to implement stakeholder-analysis in the research paper on the Housing Insecurity and Mental Illness in Hamilton County.
5.2: During my field practicum, I was able to create a fact sheet that had info that outlined the significance of the Mental Health Improve Access Act. This fact sheet is to help individuals become aware of the Act and affect individuals in a way to persuade them to support the bill and help decision makers know the importance of the passing of the bill. This fact sheet was added onto an email that was sent to Senator Bo Watson and Representative Esther Helton. The skills used here were research, communication, collaboration.
Another important fact sheet I made while in practicum, was on emotional regulation for mental health and how consistency is quite important. This was highlighted in practice behavior one as well. I made this sheet and groups to have more consistent use of groups in the inpatient program. I was able to use the systems theory and the cognitive model to create this fact sheet that highlights the importance of consistency within groups and how it is important to develop social, emotional, and skills to benefit our mental health.
In my coursework, I was able to develop a conflict of interest policy which was used for the organization Mind, Body, and Soul Healing. The conflict of interest policy created promotes a necessary and responsible way that bring solutions to issues that may arise by staff on an individual and organizational level due to conflict of interest. The theory used to do most of the policies made were evidence person in environment theory. This theory explains how a person may be influenced by the environment around them and how each individuals problems and issues and behavior can be understood through that environment that they are in. This theoretical foundation also considers within the systems theory that I use most of my foundation on my other work for. This policy lets individuals know that they are valued and heard and sets a positive tone for the work environment.