hsm 240 week 1
Social Problems
Carla Linder
HSM/240
March 15, 2015
Dr. Kevin Bottomley
Social Problems
Defining the word problem in context to human services I would have to say its meaning is a situation that causes issues in a certain area of life. An example of a problem would be unemployment causes the problem of having no funds for food. To define policy, in my own words, it is the rules and regulations that guide human service organizations and the people they help. An example would be the guidelines for benefits are considered the policy. The policies are the basis for assistance. A program in human services is the particular assistance available for people needing help. One example would be the food stamp programs available in all states.
I think that five of the major social problems in the United States are:
1.) Health and Medicine. We are one of the richest countries in the world yet every day we hear of people not being able to afford health care. Having access to affordable healthcare for everyone is an issue in the news daily now and I imagine it will be for some time to come.
2.) Crime and the Justice System. In the United States more people are incarcerated than in other country in the world. I believe that being tough on crime is a positive however the time needs to fit the crime. People incarcerated who are mentally ill pose an issue for all people involved from the staff to the other inmates.
3.) Human Rights. This is an area that has changed over the years and continues to change daily. We have come a long way from slavery and women being second class citizens however we are not an “equal opportunity” country yet. There needs to be reforms and studies and adjustments in this area.
4.) Drug and alcohol abuse. This is an area that touches most people’s lives in one way or another in this country. There are many programs and services available and yet people still are abusing them even though the dangers of abusing drugs and alcohol are widely published.
Carla Linder
HSM/240
March 15, 2015
Dr. Kevin Bottomley
Social Problems
Defining the word problem in context to human services I would have to say its meaning is a situation that causes issues in a certain area of life. An example of a problem would be unemployment causes the problem of having no funds for food. To define policy, in my own words, it is the rules and regulations that guide human service organizations and the people they help. An example would be the guidelines for benefits are considered the policy. The policies are the basis for assistance. A program in human services is the particular assistance available for people needing help. One example would be the food stamp programs available in all states.
I think that five of the major social problems in the United States are:
1.) Health and Medicine. We are one of the richest countries in the world yet every day we hear of people not being able to afford health care. Having access to affordable healthcare for everyone is an issue in the news daily now and I imagine it will be for some time to come.
2.) Crime and the Justice System. In the United States more people are incarcerated than in other country in the world. I believe that being tough on crime is a positive however the time needs to fit the crime. People incarcerated who are mentally ill pose an issue for all people involved from the staff to the other inmates.
3.) Human Rights. This is an area that has changed over the years and continues to change daily. We have come a long way from slavery and women being second class citizens however we are not an “equal opportunity” country yet. There needs to be reforms and studies and adjustments in this area.
4.) Drug and alcohol abuse. This is an area that touches most people’s lives in one way or another in this country. There are many programs and services available and yet people still are abusing them even though the dangers of abusing drugs and alcohol are widely published.