HSL300wk2discussion.docx

For a long time, implementation of social welfare policy was considered a rather mechanistic and apolitical activity. Early theories and models of decision-making and policy formulation were straightforward and top-down: Administrators were expected to carry out the policies as formulated by political or other types of leaders. The underlying paradigms were often adopted without reflection. However, more recently the causal relationship between paradigms and changes caused by policy implementation has led to a range of outcomes, such as the following: 
· Reformulation of policies
· Adoption of conflicting paradigms
· Unexpected outcomes
· Outright failure
One clear lesson to be learned is that if policy objectives informed by social welfare paradigms are too ambiguous, street-level bureaucrats will be given room for adaptation of objectives to suit their clients’ or their own preferences.
Nowadays, scholars are aware of the fact that implementation is not an easy task. For one, it has no clear starting point and no clear ending. Actors at multiple levels have their own needs, interests, and resources to exert influence on the implementation of social policy. As a result, we see social policy migrating toward implementation from the federal to local level and, through the organization of advocacy groups, from the local level to the federal level.
Prior to developing your discussion analysis and the associated paradigms, theories, and ideologies, review your textbook and required reading materials. Pay particular attention to Chapter Three’s exploration of the following foundational paradigms of the social welfare system:
· Social constructivism
· Critical analysis
· Models of justice
· Strengths based model
· Social empathy
First, using a minimum of two 
Scholarly, Peer Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources (Links to an external site.)
, research one of the areas of interest below. It is suggested that you begin your research in the Ashford University Library using FindIt@AU for initial searches. For additional information on legislative history, use the Westlaw database via the Journal Articles button in the Ashford University Library homepage. 
Utilize the paradigms, theories, and ideologies found in your text to understand your state’s and local community’s positions and responses. Support your position with information from another credible source other than the text. This could include websites of organizations, including social media, that support your state or community. However, be sure to identify the paradigm underlying that organization’s approach to a social issue.
Some suggested topics are noted below. Other topics are possible with instructor approval:
· Family violence: The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), first authorized in 1984, is the only federal funding source dedicated directly to domestic violence shelters and programs. After FVPSA expired in 2008, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) led the effort with domestic violence advocates to reauthorize this vital legislation. On November 10, 2010, Congress passed a bill to reauthorize FVPSA as part of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) reauthorization through fiscal year 2015. The bill was signed into law by the President on December 20, 2010. How has your state and local municipality responded to these national agendas?
· Same sex couples: The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states cannot ban same-sex marriage, thereby requiring all states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. How is your state and local community responding to this change? Is it considered a moral or human rights issue?
· Immigration reform: A deadlocked Supreme Court has effectively squashed any chance of significant immigration reform before President Obama leaves office in January. On June 23, a 4–4 vote by the justices left in place an injunction blocking Obama’s plan to shield from deportation millions of undocumented immigrants whose children are U.S. citizens or legal residents. The plan would also have allowed those immigrants to apply for work permits. Given these changes led by Supreme Court rulings, how is your state responding to the immigration issue.
Next, find a federal social welfare program meant to address your chosen issue. Consider what paradigms are employed by the program to your chosen topic. In your initial post of 300 words, briefly describe a federal social welfare program meant to address one particular issue. Address the following in your initial post:
· What paradigm is assumed or debated in regard to your chosen program?
· What systems of ideas (theories) to approaching your chosen social issue are influenced the paradigm you have identified?
· How do those theories then result in a federal approach to the issue of your choosing ideologies?
Be sure the influence of federal positions in the development of a local response is the major focus of your initial post. (Your discussion post can use the following structures: Federal Program Paradigm Theory Ideology, Local Ideology, and state how they are linked to a state or local community program).

Guided Response: Please provide substantive and thoughtful replies of at least 150 words each, responding to at least two peers. In your replies, ask specific questions of your colleagues about their reflections to encourage further conversation. In replies, you might discuss how they responded in similar fashion or dissimilar ways to your own.
· Using your peer’s analysis and paradigm, how does it compare to your state or local community in terms of the paradigm it uses?
· Make at least one suggestion that enhances your classmate’s analysis. Support your rationale.
· Please be sure to respond to all those who would respond to your original post or your own responses to peers to develop a true dialogue