Policy and Program Evaluation

Assignment Overview According to Chambers and Bonk (2013), social policies and programs are meant to serve categories or groups of people rather than individuals. Social workers must keep in mind the needs of the client or consumer while also considering the community context or the social environment. Public policies and programs may serve groups of individuals or communities, but it is inevitable that some individuals’ needs cannot be met on occasion. Given this reality, social workers may need to seek solutions for their clients outside of the existing program or policy structure. This requires knowledge of the current program or policy status, the ability to assess the programs’ and policies’ effectiveness, and inspire resourcefulness to steer clients in the right direction (Chambers & Bonk, 2013). By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following EPAs and practice behaviors: EPA 2.1.1: Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly. PB 2.1.1.B: Practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development. Related Assignment Criteria: 1. Describe personal experience with policy and program planning and evaluation. EPA 2.1.4: Engage diversity and difference in practice. PB 2.1.4.A: Recognize the extent to which culture’s structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create/enhance privilege/power. Related Assignment Criteria: 2. Identify a program or policy that fosters oppression, alienation, or discrimination. EPA 2.1.5: Advance human rights and social and economic justice. PB 2.1.5.A: Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination. Related Assignment Criteria: 3. Explain specific discriminatory issues in a given policy or program. EPA 2.1.8: Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services. PB 2.1.8.A: Analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance social well-being. Related Assignment Criteria: 4. Address identified discriminatory issues to advocate for policies that advance social well-being. Assignment Description This assignment involves the application of Chambers and Bonk’s (2013) contention that all social programs and policies are created to meet three criteria: adequacy, equity, and efficiency (p. 2). As a social worker, you will spend a great deal of time working within the social program or policy context. In other words, you will work in the agencies created by policies, implement the programs offered by the agencies, and have direct contact with those who are served by the programs and policies. Social workers must be concerned about these policies and programs, both their weaknesses and strengths, if social workers are to uphold our professional ethical standards.