Introduction to the Social Policy of March 13 2020

It is in two parts. On the second part please consider that am Male of African origin. I have also lived in Penang Malaysia where racism was common around 2006. Also am a male going into a female dominated career (social work) Thanx

Reading Head: SOCIAL POLICY AND SOCIOLOGY 0
Sociology
March 13
2020

SOCIAL POLICY AND SOCIOLOGY 1
Contents
Part-1..........................................................................................................................................2
1.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................2
2.0 Historical overview..............................................................................................................2
3.0 Extent of this policy.............................................................................................................5
3.1 Positive aspects of users and workers..............................................................................5
3.2 Contradictions...................................................................................................................5
3.3 Impacts of Sociopolitical Events......................................................................................6
4.0 Experience of Policy users...................................................................................................6
5.0 Conclusion............................................................................................................................8
Part-2..........................................................................................................................................9
Conclusion................................................................................................................................12
References................................................................................................................................14

SOCIAL POLICY AND SOCIOLOGY 2
Part-1
1.0 Introduction
Some policies and schemes are launched by the government so that they can provide
welfare to people. Poverty is been observed in every country and many steps are taken to
solve it but a single policy cannot eradicate poverty from the country. Eradication of poverty
requires efforts from people as well. There are some necessities of people that are required to
be fulfilled. These necessities involve shelter, food, and clothes. The government of every
country should also ensure that these facilities are to be provided to every citizen of the
country. If these necessities are not fulfilled then it may lead to negative impacts and health
outcomes. These negative impacts are highly noticed in children as they may face a lack of
education or they are suffering from health disease. In this discussion the concept of
“Housing First” Scheme will be discussed and how this policy links with the previous policy
will also be presented. Critical analysis of the successful implementation of this policy is also
shown so that the outcomes of this policy can be observed.
2.0 Historical overview
Housing first is the program that is recently initiated by the human service
organization and social policy. This policy is regarding the treatment of people who are
homeless. It is also considered as an alternative emergency shelter system. This scheme is
helpful for homeless people as it will provide them public shelter (Desmond & Bell, 2015).
This scheme was launched in Log Angeles, California, in 1988. The initial approach
of this program was to provide in-depth screening and assessment of child safety. In 1992 Dr.
Sam Tsemberis initiated this scheme in New York. Housing is the basic human right for all

SOCIAL POLICY AND SOCIOLOGY 3
the people of the country. Housing first scheme was supported by the United States. This
policy not only provides housing facility but it also provides case management services.
Management will provide stability for individuals who are homeless. Many policies are
launched by the government to solve this issues that re related to poor people who cannot
afford necessities. This scheme will link to the laws and schemes because it will help them in
providing the requirements which they deserve. There are still many people who are facing
this problem because a single policy will not be able to solve this problem. There is a need
for more policies and laws that can provide poor people with necessities (Watson, Shuman,
Kowalsky, Golembiewski, & Brown , 2017).
A current issue that poor people are facing is an increase in rent and housing benefits.
Because of this problem, poor people are unable to fulfill the requirement of food as they
have no money left with them. All these problems are highly affecting children as they are
unable to get the necessities and this may result in health issues, lack of education and many
more (The Guardian, 2019).
Housing first is the First England project that is working in supporting and growing
national movement. This movement was started in 2016 and it is achieving its goal of
improving the lives of poor and vulnerable people (Homeless Link, 2020).
This policy was formed because there is an increase in the number of people who are
suffering from mental health problems. These people do not have a house and they are living
on the streets. Under the leadership of Tony Blair, the Labor Government promoted this
policy. It is been observed that many people are suffering from mental illness and these
people are also considered as “homeless”. With the help of cluster analysis, Kuhn and
Culhane show that people who are supposed to use shelters are transitional. It also represents

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that only 11 % of shelters are been utilized by users. It was accounted that a total of 50% of
shelters should be used (Stanhope & Dunn , 2011).
The main ideology that is lying under this policy is that this policy acts as an antidote
for homeless people. It will support the needs of people and help them in providing
necessities to poor people. People who are suffering from chronic mental disorders but they
did not have excess to shelter. The number of people who are homeless rapidly increases in
the country. Therefore, the government decided to take this step and develop this policy that
can provide the care and shelter (Johnsen & Teixeira, 2012). Many political assumptions can
also cause problem to the people who are suffering from chronic illness. It will also help in
decreasing the number of people who are suffering from a severe illness (Raitakari & Juhila,
2015).
Housing first can be considered both philosophy and a program because it ensures
that homeless people are provided with shelter. The government refers in the form of
regulation in which it penetrates every component of society. It directs towards governing to
self-regulation. This theory is a system by which direction can be provided to thoughts. This
scheme is a critique of an ideology of “neoliberalism”. This concept can be refers in the form
of government where market principles and thoughts penetrate every aspect of the life of
people. The government will implement its power in every section of the society and the
government will try to achieve objectives. It also tries to achieve a target that is set by the
government. Housing first is the scheme that reflects neoliberalism because it tries to achieve
every aspect of the problem that is been faced by poor people (NOBLE, 2018).
This scheme is implemented so that it can benefit poor people. Many people in the
United States are suffering from chronic mental illness. They are homeless form the last one
year. Children are also highly affected because they are unable to have shelter and have a

SOCIAL POLICY AND SOCIOLOGY 5
proper diet. This problem may lead to many health problems and these are constantly
increasing. This policy has a positive impact on users of this policy because they are provided
with proper medical care. They are also provided with proper shelter so that it will have
positive impacts on their health. Support services are also been provided under this policy
that creates a stable environment for poor people. This will also help in the development of
the country and chronic medical cases also show a decreasing trend because people are
provided with necessities. 78% of individuals are provided with proper shelter and care
management and 50% of them are provided with stable housing. Homeless adults also are
affected by this policy as they are also eligible for stable housing. Overall, housing first
policy has a positive impact on users of this policy (Kerman, Sylvestre, Aubry, & Distasio ,
2018).
3.0 Extent of this policy
In this section different aspects and impacts of policy are evaluated.
3.1 Positive aspects of users and workers
This scheme also has a positive impact on social workers as they are trying to provide
stability to poor people and they were struggling to provide them with necessities but with the
help of this policy, they can easily provide these necessities to people who are in need (OHIO
University, 2020). A social worker will become more active and they will try that more and
more people can get the benefit of these policies and the government will also be benefitted
by this act. Social worker acts as a link between policy and user of that policy. This policy
will increase the approach of social work like it, workers, to create a relationship between the
health of people and policy. (Miller, Bazzi, & Rosenbloom, 2017).

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3.2 Contradictions
Many policies are initiated so that poor people can be helped. Earlier there was a
model called “treatment first”. There is a contradiction between these two policies because of
the prioritization given to housing. There is also a link between housing first and treatment
first model as functions of both the models are the same. Treatment's first model is also the
first scheme that was launched for homeless individuals. But the main contradiction or
difference between both the schemes is that treatment first scheme provides temporary
housing whereas hosing first aims at providing permanent shelters to people (Hennigan,
2013).
3.3 Impacts of Sociopolitical Events
There is a high impact of Austerity on this policy. This socio-political event is
considered to be the heart of homeless individuals. This policy is implicated in overall
England ad this policy deals with serious health implications. The major step is also taken for
the individual that is suffering from this disease. This event also helps in providing welfare
for the homeless people. Under this event primary healthcare centers are developed, security
to individuals is also been provided (BMJ, 2020).
Brexit is also one of the socio-political events it also has impacts on Housing first
policy as it formalizes and supports the people of the nation, it also helps in the application
process for the people who are new to this policy. Further, it also creates a system that
provides equal access to people. But some risks are been involved in this event as some
people may not apply or are unable to find the new status. There are chances that a lack of
clarity can be observed among homeless people. There are also different rights for different
groups and this may increase the challenges for the articular sector (Oakley & Thunder,
2020).

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4.0 Experience of Policy users
Four practical experiences can be observed from the users of this policy. These include
user experiences of preventing, mitigating and reducing poverty relating to housing. In this
section research experience of 72 low-income households of the United States is observed.
1. House to Home
It is considered to be an essential standard as floor and windows are the basic
requirements of the house. According to the experiences of people, they suggested that
essential furniture is also be provided by the government. This will also help individuals to
make home instead of a house. There are chances that if these facilities are provided to
individuals then it may create a more positive relationship among people and the owner of the
house.
2. Housing Advice Services (HAS)
According to the experience of people, it is suggested that a standard policy should be
implemented all over the country. Many people have noticed biasness and therefore they
want the policy to that can treat everybody equally. This will also help the government in
helping those people who are suffering from the problem of high rent. It will also reduce the
risk of people who are homeless or people who are looking for temporary accommodation.
3. Social Sharing
It is suggested by many people that the social community should increase their provision
of shared accommodation. People suggested that a small number of people should be
accumulated in a house so that it becomes easy for them to stay in those houses. These will
also increase affordable options for young and single people.
4. Access to Rent

SOCIAL POLICY AND SOCIOLOGY 8
Users suggested that the government should also impose a loan scheme for the users of
this scheme. People also suggested that the Universal Credits claims should be reduced so
that his scheme can work more effectively. This scheme should also include local authorities,
people with low-income group and security deposits should also be implemented by the
government. This will also enhance the financial support for the people.
There are three aims of this project and these are:
 The health of people who are suffering from the severe disease can be improved.
 Positive impact on children can be enhanced.
 Chances of work prospectus will also increase.
This research is conducted in several steps such as :
1. Initiation.
2. Creation.
3. Testing and Modeling.
The government has implemented five-year policies that are considered to be final
proposals for these schemes. But many issues still need to be taken care such as the more
sustainable implementation of the policy by the government; there is still a need for an
increase in welfare activities and systems; stability should also be enhanced (Consulting,
2018).
5.0 Conclusion
This policy is created after observing the health conditions of people who are
suffering from mental and physical illness. Poor people do not have shelter and this increases
their chances of getting more affected by the disease. Initially, these schemes were providing
temporary housing to poor people but now it is providing permanent. These will also have a

SOCIAL POLICY AND SOCIOLOGY 9
positive impact on the health of children as they are the most affected individuals. There are
many positive aspects of these policies as well and they are mentioned above. This policy is
also linked with other policies and it has also created contradictions because that policy is
only providing a temporary solution for the problem of individuals. Every policy has to face
some social and political impacts and this policy is also impacted by these factors. But there
are certain risks involved as poor people do not have access to all the facilities and there are
chances that they might not be able to get information that is issued by the government. This
policy has positive on social workers and users as well. It also helps in creating a strong bond
between them. Users also develop a sense of belongingness towards the government as they
think the government is taking some steps in providing them with necessities of life. It has
also become easy for social workers to help poor people as they can now access this policy
and they will also be able to help more people.
Social worker can helps in reducing discrimination as they will help people so that
they can also have equal rights than others. With the help of social workers racism can be
eradicated as they can also help people who are facing racism. They can also ensure effective
implementation of effective rules and policies. Social workers can also ensures that people
can have positive experience.

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References
BMJ. (2020). Austerity policies lie at heart of soaring homelessness and related health
harms. Retrieved 03 14, 2020, from BMJ:
https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/austerity-policies-lie-at-heart-of-soaring-
homelessness-and-related-health-harms-argue-experts/
Consulting, A. (2018, 04 30). Housing and life experiences: policy development. Retrieved
03 14, 2020, from Joseph Roluntree Foundation:
https://www.jrf.org.uk/report/housing-and-life-experiences-policy-development
Desmond, M., & Bell, M. (2015). Housing, Poverty, and the Law. Retrieved 03 13, 2020,
from Harvard Scholar:
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/bell/files/desmondbell.arlss_.pdf
Hennigan, B. R. (2013, 12). House Broken: The Functions and Contradictions of "Housing
First". Retrieved 03 14, 2020, from Syracuse University :
https://surface.syr.edu/thesis/15/
Homeless Link. (2020). Housing First England. Retrieved 03 22, 2020, from Homeless Link:
https://www.homeless.org.uk/cookies-policy
Johnsen, S., & Teixeira, L. (2012). ‘Doing it Already?’: Stakeholder Perceptions of Housing
First in the UK. International Journal of housing Policy, 12(2), 183-203.
Kerman, N., Sylvestre, J., Aubry, T., & Distasio , J. (2018). The effects of housing stability
on service use among homeless adults with mental illness in a randomized controlled
trial of housing first. BMC Health Services Research.

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Miller, D. P., Bazzi, A. R., & Rosenbloom, D. L. (2017). A Social Work Approach to Policy:
Implications for Population Health. American Journal of Public Health, 107(3), S243-
S249.
NOBLE, A. J. (2018, 01). HOUSING FIRST AND ‘ENDING’ YOUTH HOMELESSNESS IN
THE NEOLIBERAL ERA. Retrieved 03 13, 2020, from Yorks Space:
https://yorkspace.library.yorku.ca/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10315/34955/
Noble_Amanda_2018_PhD.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y
Oakley, M., & Thunder, J. (2020). Homelessness and the impact of Brexit . Retrieved 03 14,
2020, from Crisis:
https://www.homeless.org.uk/sites/default/files/site-attachments/Brexit%20and
%20Homelessness%20-%20Crisis%20and%20Homeless%20Link%20FINAL.pdf
OHIO University. (2020). Mental Illness and Homelessness: How Social Workers Help.
Retrieved 03 13, 2020, from OHIO University:
https://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/blog/mental-illness-and-homelessness-how-social-
workers-help/
Raitakari, S., & Juhila, K. (2015, 01). Housing first literature: different orientations and
political-practical arguments. Retrieved 03 13, 2020, from ResearchGate:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/307634128_Housing_first_literature_differe
nt_orientations_and_political-practical_arguments
Stanhope, V., & Dunn , K. (2011). The curious case of Housing First: The limits of evidence
based policy. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 34, 275-282.
The Guardian. (2019). More than 4m in UK are trapped in deep poverty, study finds.
Retrieved 03 13, 2020, from The Guardian:

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https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jul/29/uk-deep-poverty-study-austerity
Watson, D. P., Shuman, V., Kowalsky, J., Golembiewski, E., & Brown , M. (2017). Housing
First and harm reduction: a rapid review and document analysis of the US and
Canadian open-access literature. Harm Reduction Journal, 30.