Question 1

To get an issue on the policy agenda, social work advocates must:

Accepted Answer

To get an issue on the policy agenda, social work advocates must attract enough attention to convince a policymaker to move on the item. This can be done through various methods such as building a coalition, conducting research and presenting data, holding meetings with policymakers, and creating media attention. While holding a rally or getting an article on the front page of a major newspaper may bring attention to the issue, it is not the only or necessarily the most effective way to get an issue on the policy agenda. Contacting the committee secretary may also be helpful, but ultimately it is the policymakers who have the power to move an issue forward.

Question 2

Those people who likely will experience either substantial gain or loss as a result of the policy change are called:

Accepted Answer

Stakeholders are individuals or groups who have an interest in the policy change and are likely to be affected by it. They may experience either substantial gain or loss as a result of the policy change. Clients refer to people who use a service or receive a product, lobbyists are individuals or groups who try to influence policy changes, and allies are individuals or groups who support a particular cause or policy change. While clients, lobbyists, and allies could be stakeholders in certain circumstances, stakeholders are the best answer because it refers specifically to those who will be impacted by the policy change.

Question 3

Who should be considered stakeholders in the debate about policy to provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children?

Accepted Answer

All of the above options should be considered stakeholders in the debate about policy to provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. Immigrant youth and their parents are directly impacted by any policy decision, while teachers can provide perspective on how such policies may affect students in their classrooms. Employers who need to hire a diverse workforce can also be affected by the policies as they may rely on talented workers who could be affected by any changes made.

Question 4

An example of an unintended consequence of a social policy is:

Accepted Answer

The unintended consequence of the construction of new federal highways in low-income areas isolating public housing high rises, leading to higher unemployment for residents of these properties. While the intention of the policy was to provide better infrastructure, it had the unintended effect of negatively impacting low-income residents.

Question 5

Which of the following is a potential unintended consequence of free college policies?

Accepted Answer

Free college policies may lead to wealthier families transferring more wealth directly to their children, which can further exacerbate income inequality. This unintended consequence is known as the "wealth transfer effect."

Question 6

The ecological perspective in social work:

Accepted Answer

The ecological perspective in social work emphasizes the interdependence and interaction between people and their environment. This perspective recognizes that individuals cannot be understood in isolation from the systems and environments in which they exist. It is not solely focused on protecting the environment or limited to clinical social work practice. The strengths perspective can be compatible with the ecological perspective as both recognize the importance of considering the whole person and their environment.

Question 7

A high-poverty neighborhood with little access to employment opportunities, poor quality public schools, and few social service resources is an example of:

Accepted Answer

This scenario describes an entrapping niche, as individuals living in this neighborhood may face barriers to improving their economic situation and access to basic resources due to systemic factors like lack of job opportunities and poor education options.

Question 8

From a strengths perspective, which of the following would be appropriate roles for social work clients in a policy change process?

Accepted Answer

From a strengths perspective, clients should be encouraged to take leadership roles in the policy change process with the social worker serving as a resource. This allows clients to build their skills and confidence, while also having a voice in the change they are advocating for. Options A and C limit the client's capacity to share their own experiences and ideas, while option B does not allow for active participation from the client.

Question 9

When a social worker identifies a policy problem, their first step should be to:

Accepted Answer

Before taking any action, the social worker should assess whether the problem stems from policy implementation or whether there is a need for a new policy. This will help them determine the most effective course of action to address the problem. Lobbying for a new law, filing a lawsuit or contacting a reporter may not be the most appropriate steps without first conducting an assessment.

Question 10

A thorough cost-benefit analysis must include:

Accepted Answer

A thorough cost-benefit analysis must consider all factors, including the costs of implementation, expected outcomes, and the costs of not enacting the policy. By considering all of these factors, policymakers can make informed decisions about whether to move forward with a particular policy or not. Therefore, all of the above options are necessary components of a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis.

Question 11

Describe how, as a strengths-based policy practitioner, you might assess community strengths.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe how, as a strengths-based policy practitioner,...

Question 12

You are a social worker advocating for increased funding for childcare in reauthorization of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. This proposal is expensive. How would you apply what you know about the elements of a "workable" policy to increase the likelihood of its passage?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You are a social worker advocating for...

Question 13

You are a social worker providing case management to adults with disabilities. You support a policy to allow them to retain eligibility for Medicaid even after their incomes have increased, as they are transitioning back to paid employment, since they often need coverage for personal care attendants. As a case manager, how would you go about putting this issue on the agenda?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You are a social worker providing case...

Question 14

What are baseline data? If you were advocating for funding for a suicide prevention program for adolescents of color, what baseline data might you collect at the beginning?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are baseline data? If you were...

Question 15

Before approaching a particular policymaker to support your policy initiative, what kind of research would you want to conduct on them?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Before approaching a particular policymaker to support...

Question 16

Identify a social problem that is not on the policy agenda in your community or state, but which you think is an important issue. What are 2-3 approaches you could use to try to elevate this social problem on the agenda?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify a social problem that is not...

Quiz 6: Social Policy Development and Policy Practice