Although policy often affects delivery of services, you are more likely to engage directly with a program created under the umbrella of a policy. And different states likely implement a given policy differently via unique programs. The ability to distinguish a program from a policy is an important feature of social work practice. In this Assignment, you differentiate between a program and policy through a case study. You also identify a state or local policy in your own state that might change the way services are delivered in the case study.
address the following:
In this case study, focus on the details that indicate where a social welfare program is in
place or referenced. Also, focus on more than named policies to determine where a
program originates or receives funding. To trace a program to a policy or a federal
origination for funding, research similar programs in your community.
The Case of Joe
Joe is a 28-year-old male who came to the County Division of Social Services to apply
for General Assistance benefits. The General Assistance program in Joe’s state
provides cash assistance, Medicaid coverage, and housing for homeless single adults.
Joe is in need of Medicaid benefits in order to remain active in his treatment program.
Joe is receiving treatment at Hope Center, a partial hospitalization program at the local
community mental health center for clients who are dually diagnosed. Joe has a
dependence on prescription medications and opioids, although he states that he has
stopped using recently. He has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, for
which he is being prescribed medication.
Joe reports that he is unable to work due to mental illness, and without an income or
health insurance, he is unable to obtain his medication. Joe reports that his lack of
employment also results from an inability to pass most background checks due to his
history of incarceration. He reports that while he was enrolled as a student at the state
university, he sold marijuana and other recreational drugs to other college students. He
was arrested and convicted of possession with intent to distribute a controlled
dangerous substance (CDS) and served a prison sentence. Joe has had no further
arrests; however, he has not been able to secure permanent housing or employment
since his release.
If he discloses that he was arrested, Joe reports that he is never called for interviews.
But when he once failed to disclose the information to a prospective employer, Joe was
terminated for lying on his application. Joe believes that he has little hope for future
employment.
Joe has few natural supports in his life. He reports that following the incarceration, his
family members distanced themselves from him, and his girlfriend broke up with him. He
reports that his only supports are his local Narcotics Anonymous (NA) sponsor and his
mental health counselor.
Joe’s mental health counselor from the Hope Springs program has contacted the social
worker at the County Division of Social Services to advocate for Joe’s approval for
benefits. She explained that under the current state regulations, Joe is ineligible for
benefits due to his CDS distribution conviction. The only program options that the
County Division of Social Services social worker can offer him are food stamps and
access to a homeless shelter outside of the county. The counselor explained that
© 2022 Walden University, LLC
relocation would cause a disruption to Joe’s mental health treatment and would cause
him to lose contact with his local NA sponsor.
In response to the counselor’s concerns, the County Division of Social Services social
worker suggested some possibilities. First, Joe’s mental health diagnosis could qualify
him for disability. The social worker also recommended that Joe contact the local faithbased organization, St. Dominic’s New Direction Center, for assistance. Although they
do not house single males, they have an extensive network of volunteers, mentors, and
donors who may financially support people in need. The County Division of Social
Services social worker referred Joe to The Bridge Home, a local organization that helps
reduce recidivism by offering reentry assistance to people seeking employment who
have been previously incarcerated. They can assign a caseworker to help clients find
jobs and they work with employers to hire those seeking reentry. Finally, the County
Division of Social Services social work suggested that the counselor research Joe’s
ability to remain in treatment at the hospital despite his lack of Medicaid coverage. The
counselor agreed to assist Joe with these suggestions.
© 2022 Walden University, LLC