Many different social problems occur in the United States and throughout the world (domestic violence, homelessness, teen pregnancy, lack of education/special education, juvenile delinquency, elder abuse, substance use, etc.). These social problems often correlate with family dynamics as well as child abuse and neglect.
For the assignments in this course, you will focus on one social problem and follow that problem throughout Units 4, 6, and 9. Take your time and really consider your social problem. You will use the same social problem as you work your way through the course.
In this unit, you will select and begin to discuss a social problem that affects children and families in your community. You will build upon the research you are doing around this social problem and will evaluate it further in Unit 6. You will then create an intervention to combat the social problem for children and families in your community during Unit 9.
Once you select the social problem for this assignment, you will conduct in-depth research to provide the history and evolution of that problem. Consider what has been attempted in the past to address the problem.
Begin your paper with a brief summary (1-2 paragraphs) of the social problem. Then, in 2-3 pages, address the following regarding your chosen social problem:
It could be argued that all social problems can be traced back to substance use, education, and the economy. Using at least one paragraph, analyze and describe how one social problem is associated with each of the following: juvenile delinquency, teen pregnancy, child abuse and neglect, elder abuse, and parental domestic violence.
In a paragraph, state the history of the social problem that you have chosen and discuss why this problem continues to exist. Then, in another paragraph, be sure to identify the main cause(s) of the social problem.
Next, use one or more paragraphs to provide at least two negative effects or consequences of the problem.
Then, use at least two paragraphs to describe in detail how the social problem is associated with and impacts the development of families. Be sure to address how it affects family functioning and the impact of the social problem you have selected on at least four family subsystems. Provide real-world examples.
For the next paragraph, identify two or more resources (groups, organizations, services, etc.) available within the community that provide help to those impacted by the social problem.
Next, use at least one paragraph to define mandated reporting and discuss mandated reporting requirements with children and families in your particular state. Then, choose another state and compare and contrast this state’s mandated reporting requirements with your state. In at least three paragraphs, discuss how these state laws are similar and how they differ for the following elements of mandated reporting:
Discuss the definition of child abuse and neglect, disclosure process of child abuse and neglect records, immunity for reporters of child abuse and neglect, mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect, parental drug use as child abuse, and penalties for failure to report child abuse and neglect.
To help you with this, please refer to the Child Welfare Information Gateway: Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect website and click on the “State Statutes Search” link.
Assignment Guidelines
Your paper should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced, using 12-point Times New Roman font, and written in Standard English. You are required to use APA formatting when writing this paper and need to provide a cover and reference page (the cover and reference page are NOT included in the 2-3 page length requirement). In addition, your paper should include an introductory and concluding paragraph.
Be sure to use the resources available to you through the Purdue Global Writing Center, which can be found by clicking “My Studies” and then “Academic Success Center” from your Campus Home Page. In addition to live tutoring, the Writing Center has ongoing student workshops, a Writing Reference Library, and many other helpful learning resources.
For information regarding 6th Edition APA formatting and citation style, please refer to “Academic Tools” in your course. Please thoroughly review the information provided in these resources.
This Assignment is assessed by the following course level outcomes:
Analyze how social problems impact family functioning.
Identify state regulations for mandated reporting based on social problems that affect children and families.
: Evaluate specific social risk factors of social problems that influence the development of families.