SWK4106: Detailed Case Study Analysis of Jessica's Social Policy Needs

This case study examines the situation of Jessica, a student in a rural community in Western Australia, facing multiple challenges including poverty, neglect, and hygiene issues. The analysis explores the impact of the Indue card on her family and the lack of support she receives at home, leading to her poor condition at school. The assignment delves into the role of the school nurse, child protection agencies, and potential social policy interventions such as positive parenting programs, access to feminine hygiene products, and school breakfast clubs. It also references relevant literature on child protection and social services, aiming to identify policies to improve Jessica's well-being and social integration, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach involving the school, family, and social services to address her immediate needs and ensure her long-term welfare.

Social Policy
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Table of Contents
Issue......................................................................................................................................................3
Policies to be adopted............................................................................................................................3
Role of child protection agency.............................................................................................................4
References.............................................................................................................................................5
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Issue
In this particular case study the facts asserted are Jessica was a girl of seven years. She is a
student of a local secondary school (Education, 2019). Her mother is a single parent. Jessica
has two elder sisters and a brother but her brother does not stay with them. Her sisters also
have their own children. Jessica was not well maintained and other students do avoid her in
school. Jessica's family was not economically sound and could not provide her with the basic
necessities of life. Jessica spends time alone as none of the students is interested in making
friendship with Jessica. Jessica's mother did not attend school meetings when asked to do so
and in her place, Jessica’s elder sisters would show up. Jessica on several occasion has told
the school nurse that she is not willing to go home and wish to remain back at school. Jessica
did not receive the same love from her family which any child of her age is entitled to
receive. Jessica being the youngest in the family is the one who is most neglected(Gilbert,
Parton &Skivenes, 2011).
Policies to be adopted
The positive parenting offered at a young age goes a long way in shaping the future of the
child. Jessica is young and needs a great deal of attention and care at the same time
(Treasury, 2019). Jessica is not well groomed as a result of which her classmates do avoid her
and they are not interested in making friends with her. Jessica is unable to socialize with
other children of her age group. As Jessica has attained puberty her mother is responsible for
providing her with things that ensure good feminine personal hygiene(Healey, 2018)
Australian had reduced GST from all feminine hygiene products to make it available to all.
The breakfast club was started with the initiative of the Victorian government so that proper
meal is ensured to all school students. Under the secondary assistance scheme every students
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whose parents have commonwealth concession card will receive free uniform and clothing
(Remeikis & Karp, 2019).
PROVIDE EXAMPLE OF POLICY WITH REFRENCE
Role of child protection agency
Jessica's family had tough times in the past as adult males impregnated both sisters at fifteen
years of age. Her mother is a single parent (Humanservices.gov, 2019). Her family was
reported to the child protection agency in the past but the school authority is unaware to the
extent of assistance received by the family. The child protection agency should lead THE
SCHOOL IS UNAWARE OFTHIS SO THIS CANNOT BE STATED as the family has past
experiences of child abuse. Jessica should be given protection and proper care. Jessica should
be able to socialize and that will be possible only when Jessica is given proper opportunity by
the child protection agency(Valentine &Jepsen, 2010).
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References
Gilbert, N., Parton, N., &Skivenes, M. (2011). Child protection systems (5th ed.). New York,
NY: Oxford University Press.
Valentine, K., &Jepsen, G. (2010). Child protection Australia 2008-09 (3rd ed.). Canberra:
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Healey, J. (2018). Child Protection (5th ed.).Thirroul, NSW: The Spinney Press.
Education. (2019). School Breakfast Clubs. Retrieved from
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/breakfastclubs.aspx
Humanservices.gov. (2019). Cashless Debit Card - Australian Government
Department of Human Services. Retrieved from
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/cashless-
debit-card
Remeikis, A., & Karp, P. (2019). Tampon tax to go as treasurers finally agree to
GST exemption. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-
news/2018/oct/03/tampon-tax-to-go-as-treasurers-finally-agree-to-gst-
exemption
Treasury. (2019). Goods and Services Tax (GST) treatment of feminine hygiene
products | Treasury.gov.au. Retrieved from
https://treasury.gov.au/consultation/c2018-t333064
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