Community & Social Services Assignment #2

Introduction How do we measure our social wellbeing? The abstract nature of social welfare makes it difficult to say with any certainty if society is faring well or not. While subjective assessments of well-being are useful, governments require concrete measures before they will direct resources, such as time, energy, and taxpayers’ money toward improving peoples’ life situations. The following questions will identify what the primary functions of these programs are, and how the governmental approach supports our basic standard of living. Questions 1 Explore the topic of healing in an Aboriginal context. Why is healing necessary? What strategies are used to heal? What healing strategies are unique to First Nations, as opposed to Metis and Inuit peoples? 2 Examine Canada’s welfare-to-work programs. Some points to consider: What role do welfare-to-work programs play in Canada’s social welfare system? What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of welfare-to-work programs? How does Canada’s approach compare with the welfare-to-work programs in the Unites States? Based on Canadian research, how effective are welfare-to-work programs in terms of moving people off welfare, and helping them to achieve self-sufficiency? 3 Take a trip to a local food bank. Explore how food banks might be both help and a hindrance to people in need, in terms of long-term self-sufficiency. Explore what other approaches to food insecurity might be more effective than food banks. 4 Institutional versus Home and Community Care. What are the issues related to institutional care and various forms of home and community care. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of each approach (consider costs, convenience, effectiveness, administration, and other factors)? Identify one service sector and focus on the nature of services provided, its legitimization and authority in Canada, funding sources, and possible strengths and weaknesses. 5 Interview two or more seniors from the community (perhaps from a seniors’ centre or old age home, a coffee shop) to talk about their volunteer work or social activism. Points to consider when writing your synopsis; what issues are seniors most concerned about? What actions are local seniors taking to influence social policymakers, meet their personal activity needs and to help others? 6 Describe the ways in which policing fits into the social service system. Deliverables Your paper should provide a comprehensive report identifying your knowledge of the subject matter. • The assignment response will include a cover page and sub-headings, which will be submitted in a Word document, double spaced; ensure that your cover page includes your course, name, email address and student number. • You will be graded on content, reference material utilized and your personal input. • Use this assignment document as a template for your work, retain the questions and the rubric on the template. • Bibliography and footnotes are mandatory. • Due date will be at the end of week 10 of the semester, date to be announced at start of the course in the Announcement Tab. • Submit the assignment in Blackboard • Ensure that you understand what the deliverables are and that you have the ability to meet them. Should you have any concerns or questions about the assignment, please do not hesitate to contact me.