HOMELESSNESS IN THE USA (Policy Brief)

Brief Rational Explanation

             Poverty has always been a social issue in the United States since the early 1600s (ICPH, 2014). In America, the issues of homelessness became relatively new discussion for the war on poverty in the 1980s (Chapter Delegate Assembly, 2003).  Before beginning the social work profession, I always had a passion helping the homeless (displace) individuals that I have come into contact with. When working for the Uniondale School District’s Central Registration office, I was assigned to work with the displaced (homeless) families to register their children for the school district. The policies that surround the homeless populations do not seem to be as effective and alleviating their problems. Over the years, the number of displaced families in America has been increasing because the economy is declining. As a social worker, I want to be able to assist the homeless individuals and/or families that have been affected the recessions. By describing the history of homeless policies, the student will be able to examine the current policy analysis, ethics, and human rights that have helped assist the social work professions with further recommendations. By working with local agency and federal government, social workers can assist the families that have become homeless through various programs.

References

APA Board of Directors. (2003) Policy Guide on Homelessness. Retrieved from https://www.planning.org/policy/guides/adopted/homelessness.htm

Institute for Children, Poverty, & Homelessness. (2014). History of poverty & homelessness in NYC. Retrieved from http://povertyhistory.org/timeline


The image below show how some low-income families can eventually become homeless.

Anti- Violence against Children/ Stand Your Ground Perspective

Stand your Ground policy

After the killing of Trayvon Martin, Stand your Ground policy came about throughout the trial of George Zimmerman. Zimmerman tried to use the argument that Trayvon Martin had frighten him, so by shooting him he was able to say utilize the policy. After the verdict there was a big debate about the changing the “Stand your Ground” policy in Florida.

I feel that a child should never be placed in harms way. The Universal Declaration of human rights and the convention for children can agree with my statement. These documents were put into place to protect children from the abuse and neglect. The “Stand your ground” policy does not explain in details on what fear is, and the definition used  for fear is broad. As a social worker, advocating for the youth, especially the minority youth,  I feel Stand your ground is just an excuse to get away with murdering a youth. In the case of Trayvon Martin, Zimmerman should not have been able to use the “Stand your Ground” policy since Trayvon was a minor. Zimmerman may have been scared of Trayvon, but that does not justify his act for killing this young man.

“Stand your Ground” policy needs to be a policy that needs to be re-evaluated based on the basic of the human right and convention of children policy in the Trayvon’s situation.  Law-makers need to elaborate on the definition of fear and the proper protocols it can be places. Laws, such as this one does not protect our citizens and/or human rights.

reference

http://www.law.com/sites/davidmgersten/2014/09/02/defense-of-person-stand-your-ground-law/?slreturn=20140802192407.

http://www.usnews.com/debate-club/are-stand-your-ground-laws-a-good-idea

Introduction

Camille Simpson resides in Long Island. Ms. Simpson attends Fordham University pursuing my Master in Social Work. By pursuing her master degree, she feels that she can have a positive change in her community. Ms. Simpson participates in many community service events around her neighborhood, so she can become a great influence to her peers & the younger generations to follow.

The purpose of the blog is for the community to be aware of what is happening locally and globally. Ms. Simpson main focus is to work with children and at-risk juveniles. In wakes of the Michael Brown situation, her concerns focus around police corruption towards the African American communities.