Sometimes, during heated discussions and debates about social policy, the underlying reasons for the policy go unnoticed. Advocates and policymakers may become so committed to their perspectives and to winning the debates that they lose focus on the larger context surrounding an issue. The purpose of policy is to improve the lives and well-being of individuals and groups in our society. As you assume the role of a social work policymaker, consider the importance of keeping the needs and experiences of vulnerable populations at the forefront of your mind in your advocacy efforts. This can help to assure effective policy practice.

For this Assignment, read the Position Paper Assignment Instructions document in the resources. Then, select a profile of an individual who is representative of a population that is considered an “at-risk,” marginalized, or oppressed group. Finally, consider the impact of social policy from the perspective of the individual you selected.

Assignment (3–5 pages, APA format): Your paper should include:

o    A description of the individual you selected who is representative of a population that is considered to be an “at-risk,” marginalized, or oppressed group

o    An evaluation of the impact of policy from the perspective of the individual you selected

You will have to submit a Position Paper at the end of Week 9 of the course. You will choose a profile of an individual from a population that is considered to be an “at risk,” marginalized, or oppressed group. You will assume this profile and use the perspective to evaluate the impact of the policy on this individual profile. You will write a 3- to 5-page paper exploring the position on the policy from the perspective of the individual profile. 

More detailed instructions:

pick an interest area (homeless veterans, elder adults, those with disabilities, unwed mothers, individuals with AIDS, etc.) then providing a profile of an individual who might be someone you would work with. Secondly, consider the profile you developed and work through a policy example and how it might impact this individuals circumstances.  For example, if you chose unwed mothers you might explain: 

Unwed mothers in the U.S. tend to be between the ages of _ to _ and are __% white, ___% Hispanic, (share any and all statistics that help make the case they are "at risk"),etc. Many are without social support and are in need of _______.  My profile involves a 16 year old caucasian female named Sarah who is living with friends after being kicked out by her parents. She is having issues with ............. and is in need of...................The Medicaid policy can be helpful to unwed mothers like Sarah ________ because ____, A problem with this policy tends to be ______ because _______.

This is all just an example, and is not intended to suggest the topic should be unwed mothers.  Be sure to discuss why this group of individuals you selected are part of the "at risk" demographic and  include information from the assigned readings.