PSC7102 Week 6 Policy Report and Letter to the Editor or Government Official

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Wilmington University *

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7102

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Sociology

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Feb 20, 2024

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PSC7102 Week 6: Policy Report and Letter to the Editor or Government Official Mario Buonopane College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Wilmington University PSC7102 Families and Prevention Science Dr. Robert Reyes February 14, 2024
2 Policy Report and Letter to the Editor or Government Official “When the Bough Breaks: The Effects of Homelessness on Young Children,” from Child Trends This Policy Report focuses on the t=consequences of prolonged exposure to homeless- induced stressors on children. “This brief highlights the effects of homelessness on children, with a particular emphasis on young children, and notes several policies and practices that could help mitigate negative outcomes,” (McCoy-Roth et al., 2012). The report illustrates homelessness trends, negative effects homelessness had upon childhood development, early childhood education , the barriers families face, and a critique on hoe states are faring in the fight against childhood homelessness. Policy implications for families, their communities, and prevention science, both potential positive and unintended negative consequences The report states that housing homeless families is the primary objective, and policy goals should focus on quick, efficient transitions. The authors suggest that childcare and preschool enrollment should be prioritized. “Child care and preschool programs should consider prioritizing homeless children during enrollment, similar to the way Head Start does,” (McCoy- Roth et al., 2012). Furthermore, there are “barriers” restricting homeless parents from enrolling their young children into early learning programs. The report produces a lot of conjecture about what some barriers may be, but offers up at least one example: “the Department of Education has taken steps to improve access to federally-funded programs for homeless children by expanding Head
3 Policy Report and Letter to the Editor or Government Official Start’s definition of ‘homeless’ to incorporate broader definitions (e.g., unstable doubled-up accommodations).” (McCoy-Roth et al., 2012) The writers suggest improving communication and coordination amongst programs targeting homeless or at-risk youth. Finally, the researchers propose “transitional” housing programs that should offer services for “physical and social- emotional” needs of children. (McCoy-Roth et al., 2012). They focus mostly on the idea of enrolling homeless and at-risk youth into education programs as early as possible. Your own reaction based upon class readings, and your personal experiences or values I think the findings of this report make sense. I have read many articles that all agree that keeping kids in school is healthier and safer for children – of all ages. “Feeling safe and valued is vital to a child’s development,” (Central et al., n.d.) Also, early intervention is the most practical intervention because it prevents issues from escalating out of control. “Early childhood experiences from birth to age 8 affect the development of the brain’s architecture, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behavior and health. A strong foundation helps children develop the skills they need to become well-functioning adults,” (Why, n.d.).
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4 Policy Report and Letter to the Editor or Government Official A 200-word letter to the editor or a government official expressing your view 15FEB2024 Dear Editor, Government Official, or Whomever it May Concern: Sussex County Delaware, specifically Georgetown, Delaware, and its surrounding areas, has become overwhelmed with an ever-increasing homeless population. Many of our local residents find themselves in situations of displacement, and their families suffer as well. A large number of the homeless in Sussex County have children who are suffering as a result of homelessness and displacement. These children need immediate services. Studies have shown that children homelessness has a negative effect on children. “Lack of regular, stable housing, and the resulting transitions, can negatively affect children’s development, including their physical, social-emotional, and cognitive development. Children who are homeless may suffer from hunger, poor physical and emotional health, and missed educational opportunities,” (Central et al., n.d.). This study has some suggestions that I think are pertinent to our situation here in Sussex County, and I propose we implement them at our earliest convenience. We need to employ easier access to early education and childcare programs for at-risk families, and removing as many barriers as possible to facilitate early learning is imperative. Also, a network should be enacted to allow information sharing between the local organizations who service these at-risk target populations. We have to get these families back into homes, and we should do it quickly, efficiently, and with access to support for children’s and families’
5 Policy Report and Letter to the Editor or Government Official physical and social-emotional needs. Finally, we should provide transportation services for children (and their families) to education programs and other necessary services. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to working with you on these endeavors. Yours, M. Buonopane, MS Mario Buonopane ML, Social Studies, ELA teacher, Sussex Central High School ESL instructor, Sussex Technical High School Adult Education
6 Policy Report and Letter to the Editor or Government Official References: Central, C., Murray, J., Safran, A., & Churchill, A. (n.d.). Children learn best when they feel safe and valued . The Thomas B. Fordham Institute. https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/children-learn-best-when-they-feel-safe- and-valued McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B. B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the Bough Breaks: The Effects of homelessness on young children. PsycEXTRA Dataset . https://doi.org/10.1037/e501162014-001 Why early childhood matters . NCDHHS. (n.d.). https://ncdhhs.gov/about/department-initiatives/early-childhood/why-early-childhood- matters#:~:text=Early%20childhood%20experiences%20from%20birth,to%20become %20well-functioning%20adults.
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