Examining Social Services Influence of Macro Social Work Policy

Anupama Jacob, Ph.D., Social Work

Mikaela Armstrong, Undergraduate Student, Social Work

Breana Schricker, Undergraduate Student, Social Work

Helen Colleen Goff, Undergraduate Student, Social Work

Social policy must be informed by social practice. Adapting
social policy to the needs of client populations is at the forefront of social work best practice. As a part of their field internship, seniors conducted research at three different social agencies with emphasis on social policy. The first study researched barriers to domestic violence survivors in regards to housing, which relates to the Grand Challenge to End Homelessness and to Reduce Extreme Economic Inequality. The second study examines homelessness in a local context, looking at perceived barriers to service from the perspective of the housing/homeless agency. This relates to the Grand Challenge to End Homelessness. The third study looks at prison reentry programs that aim to lower high recidivism rates. This relates to the Grand Challenges of Smart Decarceration. This will inform policy makers of needed legislation to help address issues identified by student research.