Textbook that has to be cited !
Reisch, M. (2018). (Fourth Edition) Social Policy and Social Justice, Meeting the Challenges of a Diverse Society. Cognella (ISBN: 9781793521200)
Ritter, Jessica A (2021) (Third Edition) Social Work Policy Practice: Changing Our Community, Nation and the World. Cognella Academic Publishing (ISBN: 9781793540874)
Directions-POLICY ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATION INSTRUCTIONS
Choose one of the three options below. Each uses a different medium (television series, book,
journal article) to comprise the systemic challenges associated with Child Protective Services.
Chose the medium that contributes best to your learning:
1. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez (you must have access to Netflix; watch 6, one-hour
episodes)
2. The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez: The Brutal Murder and Abuse of Child Gabriel (80 pages)
3. High Stakes Case Study (available on Blackboard)
Trigger Warning: both cases deal with child abuse and content that may be difficult and
disturbing. The book and alternate case study are options for students who prefer to avoid
images and visual content. Given the disturbing nature of the Fernandez case, students should
choose the option that is most conducive to their learning and growth.
In a 5-page paper, address the following three components:
1. Personal values, identities, and experiences relevant to your perspective on this case,
2. Social work practice, and
3. Structures and policy.
Based on your findings, provide at least three recommendations for action. Your
recommendations may be focused on policy, programmatic, and/or training. The analysis and
recommendations should focus on policy and programmatic aspects of the case—not frontline
practice. See below for detailed definition of frontline practice. Make sure to lay out a clear
argument to support your recommendations.
Your paper should include a minimum of three outside sources (e.g., research literature) to
support your claims. You should cite the case study, your textbooks, and the NASW Code of
Ethics, however, these are not included in the minimum outside sources.
When writing your paper, ask yourself:
Have you clearly articulated your reasons for making your argument?
Is your conclusion clearly stated?
On what basis are you making this conclusion?
What are the arguments, pros, and cons?
What assumptions must we make to accept that conclusion?
What is your basis for connecting these assumptions to your conclusion?
*What is frontline practice? The experience that you bring from your personal and professional
life is important – however, the arguments that you make in your papers cannot be solely based
on this experience. Your background can guide your research. Your arguments should be backed up by sources.
