Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
Engage in Policy Practice
One of the foundational and crucial aspects of the social work field is the forming and implementation of policies. Policy practice has the potential to support or challenge the major concerns of individuals in a community, it shapes the opportunities for citizen’s’ needs to be met, and it provides the framework for which social work professionals will navigate within as they aim to help their clients. As a social worker, I have made myself acquainted with the policies that make up those systems and communities which I engage with. I have respectfully abided by current policies which are in place, I will continue to assertively challenge those policies which I believe prohibit ethical cooperation, and I will ambitiously advocate for the creation of new policies which might expand on human rights and address community needs. I have utilized integrity and aimed to value the dignity and worth of the person as I try to analyze which policies need reform. I have met with several professionals who are involved in policy and discussed with them their viewpoints as well as offered my own thoughts about which policies need to be changed in order to expand on social justice.
PRACTICE BEHAVIORS:
5A: Advocate with and inform stakeholders to impact policy change.
Academic Evidence: In the Advanced Policy and Welfare course, I teamed with students who aimed to address the problem of low representation of the Tennessee population in voter registration. To respond to this issue, I formed a policy advocacy plan which expands on automatic voter registration practices in the state. During this process, my team and I wanted to reach out to relevant stakeholders in order to understand the issue and emphasize the needs to these professionals. Together we compiled a list of current office-holders who would both support and oppose our position in this issue. We contacted a handful of these individuals to gain an understanding of what current bills and policies are circling which relate to AVR laws and practices. Throughout this process, we aimed to carry out action steps which strategically would carry out our policy plan and action steps. In this way, I took part in incorporating the value of social justice as it applies to voter participation within the state of Tennessee. Attached is the final submitted assignment in which my team formed the policy advocacy plan: Advanced Policy- Final Paper.
Field Evidence: During my internship, I had the opportunity to visit the state District Attorney’s office in Nashville, Tennessee. I met with the Traffic Safety and Resource Attorney General to discuss the issue of distracted and impaired driving amongst teenagers. Together we discussed the existing, state-level policies which aim to reduce the number of occurrences. I brought up the current bill which is circling through legislation that would require annual training for law enforcement professionals to learn about impaired and distracted driving, along with legal aspects and preventative measures. It is important that all related professionals are competent to address both the issues of substance abuse and mental health aspects associated with impaired or distracted driving. I believe this bill is thorough in addressing the multifaceted aspects of the problem. In my discussion with the attorney, I emphasized the need to protect the dignity and worth of all individuals involved in the problem of distracted and impaired driving, and the desire of social workers to advocate for policies which will address all needs within a situation. Below is a picture I took while I discussed issues with one of the attorneys.
Other Evidence: In February I attended a School Social Work district meeting in Calhoun, Georgia where I was able to hear from a Georgia Bureau of Investigation officer speak about internet safety for children and youth (affective level: receiving). This GBI professional discussed the current policies which are in place to protect youth from abuse and predators online and through internet applications. In this open discussion, several school social workers brought up the concerns about the current uses of technology, along with the vast capabilities for young people to unintentionally become involved with or victims of internet crimes. This GBI officer expanded upon the use of investigative research to provide the agency with statistics on trafficking and child pornography. It is the current aim of the law enforcement to team with other professionals in order to thoroughly inform both adults and children about the unfortunate realities of internet safety. Together we continued to discuss specific applications which families should be warned about in order to keep children safe from harmful website involvement. In this meeting, I utilized my skills of communication and critical thinking as I took part in the discussion of internet safety and relevant policies in the U.S. and the state of Georgia. Here is a link to the journal entry where I reflect on this experience:Journal Feb 3.
5B: Develop and implement a policy and/or advocacy plan.
Academic Evidence: During the Advanced Administration course, I joined a team of students in order to form an agency proposal which would integrate outdoor therapy to treat youth who deal with anxiety and depression. During this planning process, I realized that there are several existing policies which relate to outdoor therapy programs. Because outdoor and adventure activities put individuals at risk of physical harm, there is an organization called AEE OBH who accredits outdoor therapy agencies in order to ensure that the highest possible safety measures are in place before an agency can integrate outdoor therapy. In order to effectively and carefully address the issue of safety for clients and adhere to the AEE OBH standards, I formed a policy plan (cognitive level: synthesis) which the agency will integrate throughout every outdoor therapy endeavor. This plan incorporates the official standards for outdoor safety and health, and it allows the agency to continue to receive accreditation in its services. By planning this policy and incorporating it officially in the agency, I am emphasizing on the social work values of competence and service. Here is an excerpt from the final assignment which addresses the policy plan: Nurtured Through Nature Policy.
Field Evidence: During my remote practicum experience, I aimed to gain understanding about the existing policies which affect school social workers and mental health professionals who are active with students. As I have observed and learned more about the educational system, I see that the amount of mental health professionals involved with students is unfortunately tied closely to the amount of financial funding a system receives. It has been my goal as a social worker with an emphasis in school social work to advocate for funding which supports those who can provide mental health resources to students. In my research, I came across the “Funding for ESSA, Title IV-A formula block grant – Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations.” This policy relates to school social workers, and it is specifically being supported by the SSWAA who are watching closely to ensure that it is passed. Funding for ESSA, Title IV-A formula block grant – Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations will increase funds for schools to enhance the amount of mental health resources—including school social workers—in schools. I believe that the passing of this policy will expand upon social justice and equity for all students, not just those who are fortunate enough to be in wealthy school districts. Attached are the journal notes I took on the issue: SSWAA Leg Notes. Together with my supervisor, we brainstormed the steps which we should take as active social workers to formulate steps which would support the implementation of this policy.
Other Evidence: In the Advanced Policy and Welfare course, I had the opportunity to formulate an advocacy plan which aims to address the problem of underrepresentation of minorities and citizens in the voting process. As I began my research about voter participation, it became evident that several citizens in Tennessee refrain from registering to vote for a variety of different reasons. The practice of automatic voter registration is a potential, effective response to the issue: where citizens will be automatically registered to vote when they register for other official forms such as drivers licenses. This advocacy plan is thorough in communicating existing research about the topic, in formulating realistic and clear action steps to inform stakeholders and community members about the issue, and planning to gather a coalition and campaign for the policy changes. This advocacy plan emphasizes the social work values of service, social justice, and dignity and worth of individuals. Here is an attachment of the final project and detailed description of the advocacy plan: Advanced Policy- Final Paper.