Identify its type: universal

Policy Analysis Paper – Project Overview (150 points total) 1. Purpose of the Assignment This project is designed to: Increase awareness of social issues and policies affecting vulnerable populations Develop foundational skills in policy analysis and evaluation Strengthen ability to use academic journals, libraries, and professional resources Key Instruction: This is not a traditional research paper. It is a policy analysis, requiring evaluation, comparison, and critical thinking rather than simple description. 2. Acceptable Sources You may use a mix of: Peer-reviewed journal articles Textbooks Government websites Agency reports Advocacy group publications News media sources NASW Code of Ethics 3. Structure Overview The assignment is divided into three separate papers. PAPER 1 (P): Social Problem Value: 50 points Length & Format 4–6 pages Double spaced 12-point font APA formatting required Minimum: 5 sources (no requirement for peer-reviewed sources) Purpose Identify a social problem affecting society Analyze how two opposing groups interpret the issue differently Example: Social problem: Abortion Perspectives: Pro-life vs Pro-choice Required Headings 1. Background Define and describe the social problem Provide statistics (scale of the issue in the U.S. or relevant context) Discuss trends (is it increasing, decreasing, or stable?) 2. Problem Framing (Different Perspectives) Explain how each group defines the problem differently Highlight differences in: interpretation causes values Focus on framing, not dictionary definitions 3. Causes Explain how each group interprets causes of the problem Include: contributing factors consequences underlying beliefs about origin of issue 4. Target Population Identify affected population Include: demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, etc.) population size level of impact 5. Social Values Identify values held by each perspective Examples: self-determination public safety addiction as illness vs crime Highlight conflicting ideological beliefs 6. Contextual Factors Discuss broader influences such as: Historical factors Political environment Economic conditions Social structures Environmental influences PAPER 2 (P): Policy Analysis Value: 50 points Length & Format 3–5 pages Double spaced 12-point font APA formatting required Minimum: 1 professional source Purpose Identify ONE policy addressing the social problem Critically evaluate its effectiveness and intent Required Headings 1. Policy Describe the selected policy Explain its purpose and scope 2. Evidence What evidence shows the policy was needed? Include data or research supporting its creation 3. Values What values underpin the policy? Identify its type: universal selective institutional residual 4. Advantages / Disadvantages Benefits of the policy Limitations or weaknesses Who benefits and who is disadvantaged? Who funds the policy? Evaluate fairness and coverage adequacy 5. Policy Development Approaches Political influences Rational/technical approaches used in design 6. NASW Values Does the policy align with the NASW Code of Ethics? Explain alignment or conflict 7. Goals Discuss: Main goals of the policy Sub-goals (if any) Conflicts between goals Include: Manifest (stated) goals Latent (hidden/unintended) goals PAPER 3 (P): Programs and Services Value: 50 points Length & Format 2–4 pages Double spaced 12-point font APA formatting required Minimum: 1 source Purpose Identify programs created from the policy Evaluate service delivery and access Required Headings 1. Programs Identify programs/services derived from the policy Describe services provided Explain eligibility requirements How do individuals qualify? Is it: means-tested (income-based) or universal? 2. Funding Explain how programs are funded Identify funding sources, such as: government budgets taxes grants insurance systems Describe financial structure and sustainability