What changes would you make to the policies your colleagues described? Explain. Describe how you would advocate for the changes.
Colleague response
The related policy that DHS follows is the Welfare and Institution Code (WIC). WIC addresses multiple policies within the DHS specifically Emergency Response, Family Maintenance, Family Reunification, Permanent Placement, Extended Foster Care and Adoptions. These policies are made to reduce problems within the families that need our help. These policies provide the resources people to those in the community so they can succeed.
The policies and laws put into place by the WIC meet the mission and the core purpose of DHS as it ensures children, families and individuals are protected, safe and are prepared for adulthood. I worked as a CPS social worker for six years and for the most part I felt that the policies had a positive impact on the community it served. However, there were a few instances where I felt like the policies were too lenient. I had a family where every 12-18 months, mom would have her children taken away for failure to protect. Mom would follow the requirements for family maintenance and family reunification, and she would get her kids back within 6-8 months. I hated the fact that the policy would allow her to get her children back time and time again because it affected the children so much and they were my focus. They would be placed with family and be doing great and then they would go back home, and, like clockwork, they would come back into our care. Every time they came back into our care, they had more behavioral issues, they came back more upset than before and more closed off to people. I agree with many of the policies and the positive impacts they have because I have witnessed the success of the policies but like with everything there can be improvement.
References:
Codes: Codes Tree – Welfare and Institutions Code – WIC (ca.gov)Links to an external site.
Kern County, CA – Department of Human Services | Home DHS (kcdhs.org)Links to an external site.
Colleague Response
I chose ADRC, because its mission aligns with the needs of the aging and disabled population by offering a range of services. These services include assistance with accessing healthcare, housing, transportation, and legal aid. They also provide information and support regarding long-term care options, such as in-home care, assisted living, or nursing homes. (ADRC/ACL Administration for Community Living 2017).
As a Care Coordinator myself, utilizing ADRC as a resource to help the vulnerable population with connecting individuals with appropriate services and support systems. (Virginia Premier Is Becoming Optima Health, 2023). ADRC work collaboratively with various agencies and organizations to ensure that the elderly and disabled population receives the necessary care and assistance.
The related policy that ADRC addresses is focused on crating a comprehensive and coordinated system of care for the aging and disabled population. This policy aims to streamline access to services and ensure that individuals receive the appropriate support they need while navigating this complex system of healthcare and social services. By implementing this policy, ADRC supports its mission by improving the accessibility and availability of services for their clients, which has a positive impact to help make informed decisions about their care and services. (ADRC/ACL Administration for Community Living 2017).
For example, if there are funding cuts or changes in policy priorities, it may result in a reduction in the services available or longer wait time for assistance. This can have a negative impact on the clients in that population, who may experience delays in accessing the support they need. (ADRC/ACL Administration for Co
mmunity Living 2017).
Reference
Aging and Disability Resource Centers | ACL Administration for Community Living. (2017). Acl.gov. https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/aging-and-disability-resource-centers
Virginia Premier is Becoming Optima Health. (2023). DMAS – Department of Medical Assistance Services. https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/news-and-updates/posts/2023/june/virginia-premier-is-becoming-optima-health/
In evaluating the policies described by my colleagues, it is evident that both the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) play vital roles in providing essential services to vulnerable populations. However, there are some concerns and areas for potential improvement in both cases.
Reevaluation of Reunification Policies: One colleague expressed concern about the policies related to family reunification. Specifically, they mentioned instances where a parent repeatedly regained custody of their children despite ongoing issues. To address this, a reevaluation of reunification policies could be considered. While the primary goal is to reunite families when safe and appropriate, it’s crucial to ensure that children’s well-being remains the top priority. Advocating for policy changes that establish stricter criteria for reunification or provide more comprehensive support for parents seeking reunification could reduce the negative impact on children.
Continuous Monitoring and Assessment: Implementing a system for continuous monitoring and assessment of policies and their outcomes is essential. This would help identify areas where policies may not be achieving their intended goals or where unintended negative consequences are occurring. Regular assessments can lead to data-driven policy adjustments.
Advocating for policy changes within DHS can be a multi-step process:
Gather Data: Collect data and case studies that illustrate the negative impact of lenient policies on children’s well-being.
Build Alliances: Collaborate with colleagues who share similar concerns and objectives. Forming alliances can amplify your advocacy efforts.
Engage Stakeholders: Engage with stakeholders, including policymakers, advocacy groups, and community organizations, to present your case for policy changes. Highlight the benefits of stricter criteria or enhanced support for families.
Propose Solutions: Present evidence-based solutions and policy recommendations that address the identified issues while still adhering to the core mission of DHS, which is to protect children and families.
Potential Funding Challenges: The colleague who discussed ADRC raised concerns about potential funding cuts or policy changes that could affect the availability of services. To address this issue, it’s essential to advocate for stable funding sources and policies that prioritize the needs of the aging and disabled population.
Streamlined Access to Services: While ADRC aims to provide comprehensive and coordinated care, there may be room for improvement in streamlining access to services. Advocating for policies that simplify the process for individuals to access services can enhance the effectiveness of ADRC’s mission.
Data-Driven Advocacy: Collect data on the positive impact of ADRC services and the challenges faced due to funding cuts or policy changes. Use this data to advocate for stable funding and policy adjustments.
Engage with Policymakers: Establish communication channels with policymakers and legislators to ensure they understand the importance of ADRC services. Provide testimonials and real-life examples to illustrate the impact of ADRC on individuals’ lives.
Collaborate with Partners: Partner with other organizations and agencies that share the goal of supporting the aging and disabled population. Collaborative efforts can amplify advocacy initiatives.
Educate the Public: Engage in public awareness campaigns to inform the community about the crucial role ADRC plays in providing support and services to vulnerable populations.
In both cases, advocating for policy changes should align with the core mission of the respective organizations while striving to address concerns and improve the well-being of the populations they serve. Continuous monitoring, data collection, and collaboration with stakeholders are essential components of effective advocacy for policy adjustments.
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