The purpose of writing a policy analysis is to 1) demonstrate a proficiency in basic writing skills, 2) demonstrate an understanding of a state or congressional policy, 3) correlate the policy (statute law) and procedures with wider societal social policy issues and lastly, 4) demonstrate the skill of advocacy in the written form. The paper must reflect theories, terms and concepts discussed in class and in the readings. Choose one of the Grand Challenges to explore in great detail.

Students may conduct research that yields policy information regarding the populations their practicum or affiliated agency serves.  For example, if the student has written briefs from agency policy manuals regarding social work with mental health clients, then this analysis should incorporate policies regarding mental illness.  If a student has focused on policy and juvenile justice court units; the policy analysis should illustrate wider social policy regarding the juvenile justice system.  Or, students may write a policy analysis about a topic area of interest.

           After properly introducing the topic area, the student must provide pertinent and recent policies regarding the social population served. The student must quote verbatim wider social policy and the source and then correlate such policy with agency policy and procedures. Next, the student must demonstrate whether agency policy fulfilled social policy or operated against social policy.  This should be done through highlighting several agency procedures. The next section should discuss the ideology of agency procedures. Are they fair or biased? Are they helpful or hinder? Do they speak to social need and/or social exclusion? Are they Afrocentric? Explain very specifically. Include itemized budgetary needs.

           This final section should address how you would advocate for fair and equitable policies that are conducive for poor people to advance (consider a Grand Challenge population) Therefore, you need to write some specific agency policy statements that would better serve those who are impacted by agency policy.  Your discussion must be persuasive.  This is your moment to exercise your advocacy skills. This is truly your moment to shine. Remember, as you advocate for applicable policies, you should include a funding/budgeted section, and you may include partnerships with other agencies, city units, etc., that will fulfill your goal. Outline your analysis as follows: