Literature Review for Policy Brief (Obj. 7.1 and 7.2)

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SWK-520

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Feb 20, 2024

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SWK-520: Topic 4 Assignment Instructions: Identify a specific social problem or policy issue in ONE of the following areas: education or child and family welfare. There are two parts to this assignment. In Part 1, you will complete a stakeholder analysis chart based on your selected social problem or policy issue. In Part 2 , you will complete a “policy analysis for change” overview chart, based on your selected social problem or policy issue. Part 1: Stakeholder Analysis Chart Instructions : Based on your selected social problem or policy issue, identify and select three key stakeholder groups who might be potentially invested in and/or affected by the envisioned policy change initiative. Provide a concise overview of information in each analytic category depicted on the chart below. You may use bullet points, but responses should be clearly formulated and supported by material obtained from at least three current, relevant scholarly sources.

Part 1: Stakeholder Analysis Chart Policy Issue: Homeless Children Analytic Categories 1 Key Stakeholder 2 Key Stakeholder 3 Key Stakeholder 1. Stakeholder Can be specific agencies, policy makers, government or non- government organizations or entities, funders, corporations, a single influencer or politician, people affected by the social problem, change agents, etc. Government Agencies Non-Profit Organization & Corporations Community/Individuals 2. Interests What is of interest to the stakeholder? What do they want to see happen (or not happen)? What do they have to gain and/or lose? Their interests are to develop and implement policies that prioritize affordable housing and provide support for homeless families and unaccompanied youth. They want educational reform as a critical component in breaking the cycle of generational poverty and homelessness (Palmer, Piescher, Berry, Dupuis, Heinz-Amborn,& Masten, 2023). They can gain affordable housing units, provide rental assistance programs, and invest in social services that address the underlying causes of homelessness. They may lose allocated funding to programs that address the specific needs of homeless children and youth. The interest is to offer a range of services, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, counseling, education support, and healthcare services. They want to raise awareness about child homelessness through advocacy and public outreach campaigns. They can gain funding to develop innovative programs, expand existing services, and conduct research to better understand and address the root causes of child homelessness. They may lose resources, expertise, and funding to support programs. Their interest is to support homeless children and youth by creating safe spaces, organizing outreach programs, and promoting inclusivity (Fetherman & Burke, 2015). They would like local shelters, donating to organizations that support homeless children and youth, and advocating for policy changes. They can gain a strong community network and support system that provides a sense of belonging and stability for homeless children and youth. Without help from the community they may lose affordable housing options and advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of homeless

children and youth. 3. Values/Beliefs/Paradigms What does the stakeholder have at stake? What values, beliefs, or paradigms shape their attitudes, perceptions, & actions, as relevant to the social problem, social policy or program issue? They might be concerned with the economic cost of homelessness, public health, and social welfare. Their values often align with providing safety nets and support systems for vulnerable populations, focusing on policies and funding for shelters, affordable housing, and social services. Their values might center around social justice, humanitarianism, and advocacy. They could prioritize providing immediate assistance to homeless children, working toward long-term solutions, and raising awareness about the root causes of homelessness. Stakeholders like volunteers, donors, or advocates may have values surrounding empathy, altruism, and a desire to make a direct impact on the lives of homeless children. Their actions might involve volunteering at shelters, donating resources, or advocating for policy changes. 4. Power What resources (e.g. money, mobilization capacity, etc.) are available to the stakeholder? Do they have the power to influence, adopt or implement policy? Whom do they influence, through what means? What is the degree of cohesiveness and unity across key stakeholders or within a stakeholder group? Many governments allocate funds and resources for homelessness prevention programs, shelters, housing vouchers, and support services. Yes, they have the power to influence through legislators. They can draft, refine, and implement policies. Political differences or conflicting policy agendas among Nonprofit organizations focus on homelessness and provide resources such as shelters, food, clothing, educational support, and counseling services. Yes, they have power to influence through community leaders, and influential individuals. They can influence policymakers to adopt certain policies or changes. Collaborations between public and private sectors often result in additional resources, innovative solutions, and funding. They may be limited by bureaucratic procedures, opposing priorities, budget constraints, and political agenda. They may have public support through grassroots movements, campaigns, and advocacy efforts.

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stakeholders can impede unity. Competition for resources or funding among stakeholders might create tensions and hinder cohesive action. Strong leadership and effective coordination mechanisms often foster unity. 5. Motivation What are the main motivations of the stakeholder: Maintain or increase power? Promote meaningful change? Maintain status quo? Obtain praise/esteem or get credit? Disrupt a system? Strengthen a system? Stakeholders at the government level have a responsibility to promote change and strengthen the system. Stakeholders from the corporate or non-profit sector could want to maintain/increase power and obtain praise as well as funding. But should be driven by a humanitarian perspective. Stakeholders and individuals in the community may be motivated by promoting meaningful change and strengthening the system. 6. Engagement Strategies What are best strategies to engage the stakeholder in policy change efforts and/or be responsive to the needs & interests of the stakeholder? Collaborate with other agencies. Develop concrete policy proposals backed by evidence and research. Provide stakeholders with relevant data and metrics that demonstrate the impact of policy changes (Jansson, 2020). Use stories, data, and research to illustrate the impact and urgency of the issue. Identify and understand the different stakeholders involved, including government agencies. Encourage collaboration and shared responsibility by highlighting the collective benefits of addressing child homelessness. Develop a clear, compelling message that emphasizes the importance of addressing child homelessness. Provide resources for those who do not meet criteria for current services. Humanize the issue and show its real-world impact, fostering empathy and understanding among stakeholders. Conduct workshops, seminars to educate stakeholders about the complexities of child homelessness. Part 2: “Policy Analysis for Change” Overview Chart Instructions : Considering your selected social problem or policy issue, create a “policy analysis for change” overview chart in which you concisely analyze the social problem or issue with an eye toward advocating for a more beneficial policy or program to support the well-being of an identified service population. For each analytic category depicted in the chart below, summarize key ideas and

information. You may use bullet points, but responses should be clearly formulated and supported by material obtained from at least three current scholarly sources. (These may be the same sources used to complete the stakeholder analysis chart). Sources must be peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles and/or data or other relevant information obtained from a credible policy research internet source. All citations and a list of references must be in APA format. Part 2: “Policy Analysis for Change” Overview Chart Policy Issue: Homeless Children Analytic Questions Summary of Key Ideas and Information 1. What is the scope and severity of the selected social problem or policy issue? The well-being of children and families is deeply intertwined with stable housing, and the lack of affordable options has led to an alarming rise in the number of homeless families with children. The current economic recession and housing crisis have exacerbated the situation, making it even more challenging for families to secure stable housing. It is estimated that more than 1.5 million children in the United States live in families without a home, with 42 percent of them being under the age of 6. 2. Who is the target service population? What are characteristics and/or service needs of this group as a whole? Child homelessness disproportionately affects certain demographic groups. African American children make up a significant portion of the homeless population, with 47 percent experiencing homelessness. Children of American Indian and Alaska Native backgrounds face a slightly higher risk of homelessness compared to their representation in the population. Homeless families are often led by single mothers in their twenties, with young children in tow (U.S. Department of Education, 2002). Unaccompanied youth, another group affected by homelessness, also face significant challenges. These youth can be categorized into sub-groups based on their circumstances. Females are more prevalent among runaway and homeless youth, and African American and Native American youth are overrepresented among this population. Moreover, between 20 and 40 percent of homeless youth identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

Affordable housing, access to education and healthcare, and support services are essential for breaking the cycle of homelessness and ensuring a brighter future for this group. 3. What cultural, political, economic or social factors limit the effectiveness of existing policies or programs, limiting capacity to be responsive to the service needs of the identified target population? A cultural limitation can be education for homeless children ranging from emotional, behavioral difficulties to multiple family stressors (Fetherman & Burke, 2015). Politically there are not a lot of programs for youth. Children are often placed in foster care over and over where they are neglected (Jansson, 2020). Community programs oftentimes do not have the capacity to advocate for the individuals they serve due to limited resources or their inability to recognize their resources (Saleeby, 2012). Socially many minorities youth experience a violation of their basic civic and human rights simply because of the color of their skin. 4. Articulate a “vision of change” to advance a policy change initiative to better meet the needs of those affected by the social issue/problem. What is the ideal state of affairs? Frame this in terms of increased equality or equity, advancement of social justice, support of human dignity---as related to the social issue/problem and the target service population. Prioritize immediate support by ensuring access to safe shelters, healthcare, education, and nutritional resources for homeless children. An ideal situation revolves around a holistic, compassionate, and proactive approach that ensures well- being, safety, and stability. Every homeless child would have access to stable and supportive living environments. This could involve transitional housing programs, foster care systems designed with stability in mind, and safe temporary accommodations that prioritize the child's well-being. Ideal conditions calling for systemic changes addressing the root causes of child homelessness. This involves policies that prioritize affordable housing, healthcare access, family support, and economic opportunities for vulnerable families . 5. Specify 3 main aims and related objectives to advance the envisioned policy change initiative. 1. Prevent homelessness among children and families.  Increase access to affordable housing options for low-income families.  Provide financial support and resources to

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families facing housing instability. 2. Education and Opportunity:  Implement support programs within schools to assist homeless students academically and emotionally.  Provide resources such as tutoring, transportation, and school supplies for homeless students. 3. Community Support:  Develop community support networks, including volunteer and mentoring programs.  Run educational campaigns to increase public understanding and empathy towards homeless children. References

Debra L. Fetherman & Stephen C. Burke (2015) Using Community-Based Participatory Research to Advocate for Homeless Children, Social Work in Public Health, 30:1, 30- 37, DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2014.938391 Jansson, B. S. (2020). Social welfare policy and advocacy (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications. Palmer, A. R., Piescher, K., Berry, D., Dupuis, D., Heinz-Amborn, B., & Masten, A. S. (2023). Reprint of: Homelessness and child protection involvement: Temporal links and risks to student attendance and school mobility. Child Abuse & Neglect , 139 . https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106156 Saleeby, D. (2012). The strengths perspective in social work practice (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. U.S. Department of Education (2002). No Child Left Behind Act. http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/107-110.pdf.

Literature Review for Policy Brief (Obj. 7.1 and 7.2)

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