Competency 5: Engage in policy practice
Introduction: Social Workers have a duty to advocate for policy change and make contact with stakeholders or lawmakers for services that benefit clients the most. Being aware of policies in place and pending changes in local, state, and federal laws is important. Advocating to influence policy change brings awareness to policymakers of what is needed or how to best formulate a policy to benefit those it impacts.
5.1 Advocate with and inform stakeholders to impact policy change
Course Evidence: Created a flowchart map identifying various people from the local community and legislators that would be allies and opponents to our advocacy plan for policy implementation of expungement of criminal records. In using a visual positional map we were able to determine existing support and focus on gaining support of opponents. We were advocating for expansion of this policy because when survivors have an accrual of charges this poses as a difficulty and barrier to applying for housing, obtaining employment, and education. Without this policy, returning to their trafficker is easier. Building a better life and integrating back into society without shame and criminal charges is emotionally and mentally liberating for survivors; they need policies that support them in building this better life.
Click to view Human Trafficking Positional Map
Field Evidence: Supervisor gave me the task of researching Tennessee’s law, Tenn. Code Ann. 37-1-601, that mandates public schools to implement a child sexual abuse prevention curriculum called Erin’s Law. There is controversy over this as school personnel were afraid to be sued because state laws mandate sex education to be centered on abstinence only. Lack of education has resulted in unreported incidents and children not being informed of how to protect themselves. This law allows for students and school personnel to be annually trained to recognize, intervene, and report any suspicion of abuse. The purpose of this research was to assess if there are any gaps in the prevention education the Children’s Advocacy Center: Hamilton County provides to ensure Elementary aged students are properly educated about this topic.
To read TN Code: Child Sexual Abuse Law | To read Erin’s Law Legislation: Erin’s Law
5.2 – Develop and implement a policy and/or advocacy plan
Course Evidence: My group’s advocacy plan was for Florida Statute 943.0583 expungement law to be implemented nationally. This law is in place in some states, which helps sex trafficking victims and limits charges that can be petitioned. This policy was chosen knowing Chattanooga is a hub for sex trafficking but also part of the global growth of trafficking. The advocacy plan contains content about the Florida Law, the impact of the lives of survivors, strategies to spread awareness, and target areas to address this epidemic issue within the legal system.
Field Evidence: The University of Chattanooga Tennessee hosted a campus event showcased various organizations in the community. I attended this event with my supervisor and had the opportunity to talk to students about services the CAC offers. I was able to share with them how CAC serves Hamilton County, my role as an intern conducting prevention education, and invite them to participate in an upcoming event. This was done to educate, bring awareness, and advocate for children and their families.