Case Policy Analysis and Recommendation

HARVARD UNIVERSITY- CASE POLICY ANALYSIS & RECOMMENDATION

Assignment measures the following competencies:

C3-Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments. Social workers are knowledgeable about the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and reasoned discernment. They use critical thinking augmented by creativity and curiosity. Critical thinking also requires the synthesis and communication of relevant information

C8-Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services. Social work practitioners understand that policy affects service delivery, and they actively engage in policy practice. Social workers know the history and current structures of social policies and services; the role of policy in service delivery; and the role of practice in policy development.

C6 Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research. Social workers use practice experience to inform research, employ evidence-based interventions, evaluate their own practice, and use research findings to improve practice, policy, and social service delivery. Social workers comprehend quantitative and qualitative research and understand scientific and ethical approaches to building knowledge.

Throughout the semester the class will use the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government “High Stakes and Frightening Lapses” Case Study to analyze the relationship between social problems and the social program and policy responses to them. This public/private partnership case will also be used to practice critical thinking and ethical analysis skills. The circumstances of the case study are tragic and timeless, especially as child protection agencies across the country face substantial budget cuts.

This five-page paper will involve applying ethical frameworks to the issue being studied, as well as taking a position based on a critical thinking approach to the questions and laying out a clear argument to support the conclusions. The analysis and recommendations should focus on policy and programmatic aspects of the case—not frontline practice. Students are expected to use external literature to support the conclusions and recommendations offered as well as cite references in the article.

Both DSS and La Alianza Hispana are accountable for the results described in the case study. Please respond to the questions below:

(1) What Policy and Programmatic actions did each organization take or not take that contributed to the outcomes for children?

(2) At the end of the case study, identify the three most important actions for the Commissioner of DSS to take? (Ex. If you say terminate the contract, then who will do the work, how will DSS relate to Latino community etc. If you say keep the contract with LAH, what do you recommend be done to strengthen LAH’s capacity to protect children). 

(3) Support your three suggested actions to be taken by applying one ethical framework (Utilitarian, Deontological or Rawlsian) for each action and it can be same framework for all three recommendations.

Refer to the rubric for specific grading criteria. When considering your response, ask yourself the following questions:

· Have you clearly articulated your reasons for making a claim?

· Is your conclusion clearly stated?

· On what basis are you making this conclusion?

· What are the arguments pro and con?

· What assumptions must we make to accept that conclusion?

· What is your basis for connecting these assumptions to your conclusion?

Students are expected to use APA style and include a cover sheet, headers, and references.

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