Journal #4 Topic: How does your agency use policy to inform their practices and advocate for the clients served. You may also include other reflections in your journal but please ensure to speak about the topic for the journal as well.
Be sure to utilize all headings, including paragraph headings, in your journal. Paragraph Headings: What, So What, Now What, Summary.
· What: State facts and observations of the event/situation. (objective)
· So What: Students to present personal thoughts, reflections, and/or feelings about the event/situation. May also include a discussion about how your perspective has changed. (subjective)
· Now What: Based on educational knowledge already possessed or learned, how does that knowledge affect your future behavior or action in connection with the event/situation? Clearly connect knowledge with social work practice. (see explanation below)
· Summary: Brief overview of the journal. Each heading discussion should be about the same event/situation.
Focus (discussion of Journal) may be any Topic of the Week on the Syllabus OR any experience or observation that you had during your internship at the agency.
How to Connect knowledge to practice in your journal?? Discuss knowledge that you learned or know through your education and how you applied that to your practice in field placement. Why are you doing what you are doing as a social worker?
Journals should be no more than 1.5 pages in length, double-spaced, and in APA 7th edition format.
The agency is Center to Rise – Here’s the website: https://centertorise.com/
This is the same agency where I completed my placement during Term 1 last semester. While the assignments for last semester and the current semester (Placement Term 2) share the same structure and requirements, the content must be original and not identical. However, it can reflect similar themes or experiences, given that it is the same agency.
Reflection 4 journal during the last term had a complete different question, so I didn’t attach the previous assignment here.
However as sample, I’ve attached the reflection journal 1, 2 & 3 that you completed on this 2nd term.
SOLUTION
Journal #4: Policy, Practice, and Advocacy at Center to Rise
Student Name
Institution Name
Course Name
Instructor Name
Date
What
During this week at Center to Rise, I observed how the agency utilizes internal and external policy frameworks to guide their clinical and advocacy work with clients. One example was how the organization applies trauma-informed care practices outlined by both state regulations and organizational policy. The intake process, for instance, follows strict confidentiality, consent, and documentation protocols that are grounded in both HIPAA law and the agency’s ethical standards. I also participated in a case consultation meeting where the clinical team discussed how new proposed housing legislation would potentially impact clients facing housing insecurity. This sparked a discussion on how Center to Rise may begin advocating locally through their community partners and policy engagement efforts.
So What
This experience deepened my understanding of how policies aren’t just abstract guidelines but actively shape how social work is practiced daily. I found it particularly affirming to see the agency taking proactive steps—not just reacting to policy but using it as a tool for advocacy. Seeing staff prepare to educate clients about new legislative changes made me reflect on how critical it is to stay informed as a social worker. It shifted my perspective from viewing policy as a bureaucratic barrier to recognizing its potential as a vehicle for empowerment and protection for vulnerable populations.
Now What
Based on my classroom learning about social policy and advocacy, I understand that social workers are ethically obligated to engage with policies that affect the well-being of the populations they serve (NASW, 2021). Going forward, I will stay more attuned to policy updates and reflect on how they intersect with my clients’ lived realities. For example, I plan to use policy briefs or legislative trackers during future placements or professional roles to ensure that I not only follow best practices but also help advocate for systemic change. Connecting macro-level policy knowledge with micro-level client interaction will make my practice more holistic and socially responsible.
Summary
This journal entry reflects on how Center to Rise integrates policy into its practices and advocacy strategies. From intake procedures to legislative discussions, policy is embedded throughout their operations. Personally, this reinforced the importance of policy literacy in ethical and effective social work. Going forward, I will strive to use policy knowledge not just to comply with standards but to actively inform and improve client care and advocacy efforts.
References
National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Policy, Practice, and Advocacy at Center to Rise appeared first on Skilled Papers.
