Random Thoughts.....What Are You Thinking?

Final Paper Needs Assessment (Problem Identification) 10-15 pages.

In this paper you are to identify, preferably, a local problem, social issue, or concern that is relevant to rural social work. You are NOT required to contact local agencies or programs to gather data or information. I want you to focus on substantiated information and data from sources that can support the accuracy of their claims. In our professional social work practice we may encounter information that would suggest a community wide problem or concern. We can react to anecdotal data or personal experiences, before we critically analyze a problem, which may create a perception that a problem has wider reaching affects on a community than it really does. To effectively address rural social concerns it is important to accurately *** problems, social issues or concerns to assure that, often limited, resources are utilized effectively and efficiently.

Please pay close attention to your writing. Grammatical and syntax errors take away from our work so do spend time editing.

I want to see you integrate, to the degree that it is relevant to your paper, what you have learned from the course into this paper. You may not be able to respond to each point outlined below; however, do explain in your paper why not. With this in mind write your magnum opus.

1. Identify a local social concern/issue/problem that would be of interest to rural social workers. Describe the problem in detail and its relevance to the profession of social work. How does rurality impact the problem? How is the problem portrayed in the media? Who is at risk? Are there risk factors? What role does oppression play? What role does race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation play? Who gains by the maintenance of the problem?

2. Provide statistical data to develop an understanding of the problems prevalence in the community and those it affects. You are to locate and present demographic data that offers a clear understanding of who it affects, where, how often, and if possible a comparison of local prevalence rates with state or national data. How much does it cost the state/local government?

3. Discuss how current policy and public opinion has impacted the “problem”. What local, state, or federal policy influences the problem? Discuss any social or political action group(s) that may support or oppose the problem. Is there a policy statement from NASW, if so offer a brief statement. 4. Discuss the current efforts, if any, to ameliorate this problem. What are people, groups, or organizations doing to ameliorate the problem? If there are many different methods pick one or two that are theoretically or philosophically connected to social work.

5. Design a method to solve or improve the “problem”. A broad conceptual description of your solution is what I am looking for. Identify a social work theory or practice approach that supports your thinking. Be creative and develop an original solution. I am not going to grade you on the viability of your solution.