HIV/AIDS Policy Analysis Paper

****APA FORMAT****

10-15 pages in length, double spaced.

All margins are to be one inch.

The font should be 12 point and Times New Roman.

The paper should contain the following parts: Table of Contents, Abstract, Reference Page, Appendix, Headings & subheadings required.

Papers should include four sections: historical background, description of the problem necessitating the policy, description of the policy, and policy analysis

Historical Background (heading)

What historical problems led to the creation of the policy?

How important have these problems been historically?

How was the problem handled previously?

What is the historical background of the policy?

When did the policy originate?

How has the original policy changed over time?

What is the legislative history of the policy—how have this issue or similar issues been discussed and debated in legislative bodies?

What has been the fate of similar policies adopted in the past?

Does the National Association of Social Workers or another national organization have a policy statement on this issue? Include a critical review of the position in your discussion.

Description of the Problem that Necessitates the Policy (heading)

What is the nature of the problem?

How widespread is the problem?

How many people are affected?

Who is affected and how? (Include analysis of differential effects based on race, socioeconomic class, gender, religious, or regional differences.)

What are the causes of the problem?

How will the policy help address the problem?

Description of the Policy (heading)

How is the policy intended to work?

On what scientific theory and knowledge is the policy based?

What resources or opportunities is the policy expected to provide—e.g., power, cash, economic opportunity, in-kind services, status redistribution, goods and services, etc.?

Who will be covered by the policy and how-i.e., universal versus selective entitlement, means-testing, etc.?

How will the policy be implemented, including means for coordination?

What are the expected short- and long-term goals and outcomes of the policy?

Under what auspices will the policy be administered—i.e., public/private-not-for-profit/private-for-profit, local/state/federal government?

How will the policy be funded in the short- and long-term?

What agencies or organizations will be responsible for overseeing, evaluating and coordinating the policy?

What formal and informal criteria will be used to determine the effectiveness of the policy and its appropriateness?

How long is the policy projected to exist—is it a “sunset law”?

What recommendation for a new or amended position would you propose for consideration by national organizations?

Policy Analysis (heading)

This section should go beyond description and engage in systematic, critical analysis considering both values and ethical preferences and practical/technical concerns.

Goals

Are the goals of the policy legal? Are the goals just and democratic? Do the goals contribute to greater social equality? Do the goals positively affect the redistribution of income, resources, rights, entitlements, opportunities and status? Does the policy represent the continuation of or a departure from the status quo? Is the policy intended to foster real social change or merely to placate a potentially insurgent group?

What social vision, if any, does the policy represent? Are the goals of the policy consistent with the values of professional social work—e.g., social justice, dignity and worth of the person, self-determination, client rights, respect for cultural and social diversity, etc.?

What are the hidden ideological suppositions hidden within the policy? How do dominant American values manifest themselves in relationship to this issue? How do competing or minority social values come into play in response to this issue?

How is the target population viewed in the context of the policy? How would the issue be defined or manifested differently if society looked at individual and family strengths, rather than focusing on deficits or deviance from social norms? Does the policy seem to ignore, impede, or strengthen the social functions of families? Do the goals contribute to a better quality of life for the target population? Will the goals adversely affect the quality of life of the target group? Does the policy contribute to positive social relations between the target population and the overall society?

What does research say about effectiveness of reaching stated goals and the actual outcomes of past or current policy approaches?

How is the policy politically feasible? Economically feasible? Administratively feasible?

Politically Feasibility (heading)

“Subjective assessment” (?)

Assess which groups will oppose or support a policy

Estimate constituency & power base of each group

Political viability is subject to the public’s perception-for a policy to be feasible it must be perceived feasible (public sentiment)

Economically Feasibility (heading)

Refers to direct or indirect funding

Ask on: funding needed for successful implementation

Does adequate funding exist

Estimate future funding needs

What is “Pay-go financing”?

Administratively Feasibility (heading)

Refers to the administrative & supervisory personnel, resources, skills & expertise needed to implement policy

Refers to the administrative & supervisory personnel, resources, skills & expertise needed to implement policy

Two key elements:

Effectiveness—will it accomplish what it is intended. Consider unintended consequences

Efficiency—Cost effectiveness of proposed policy compared to alternative, no policy, or present policy.

Criteria: Severity of problem & means (those who can least afford the services)