Role(s) social workers play in the success of the program

Sample Solution

  The social problem/issue I would like to address is poverty. Poverty is a complex issue with a long history. It has been defined in many different ways, but it is generally understood to mean a lack of resources necessary to meet basic needs for food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare. Poverty has been a major focus of social policy for centuries. In the United States, the first major anti-poverty program was the Social Security Act of 1935. This act created a number of programs, including Social Security benefits, unemployment insurance, and Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).

Full Answer Section

  Society's perception of poverty has changed over time. In the past, poverty was often seen as a moral failing. People who were poor were seen as lazy or irresponsible. However, in recent years, there has been a growing understanding that poverty is often caused by factors beyond people's control, such as lack of education, discrimination, and lack of access to jobs. As our understanding of poverty has changed, so too has our approach to addressing it. In the past, anti-poverty programs focused on providing temporary relief to the poor. However, more recent programs have focused on providing long-term solutions, such as education and job training. Current Research Supporting the Need to Address Poverty There is a growing body of research that supports the need to address poverty. This research shows that poverty has a number of negative consequences, including:

• Increased risk of chronic health problems
• Reduced life expectancy
• Increased crime rates
• Lower educational attainment
• Reduced economic opportunity

Policy One specific policy that addresses poverty is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is a refundable tax credit that is available to low- and moderate-income workers. The credit is based on a worker's income and number of dependents. The EITC can provide a significant amount of money to low-income workers, and it has been shown to reduce poverty and increase employment. Historical Context of the Policy The EITC was created in 1975 as part of the Tax Reform Act of 1975. The original EITC was relatively small, but it has been expanded several times over the years. The EITC is now one of the largest anti-poverty programs in the United States. Social, Economic, and Political Circumstances that Inspired Action The social, economic, and political circumstances that inspired action on poverty in the United States include:

• The growing awareness of the negative consequences of poverty
• The increasing number of people living in poverty
• The growing political power of the poor

Updates, Implementation, and/or Changes Related to the Policy The EITC has been updated several times over the years. The most recent update was in 2018. The 2018 update expanded the EITC for childless workers and made it more generous for workers with children. The EITC is implemented by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Workers who are eligible for the EITC can claim the credit on their tax return. The IRS will calculate the amount of the credit and send it to the worker as a refund. Population and Programs The population served by the EITC is low- and moderate-income workers. The EITC is available to workers who have earned income and who meet certain income and family size requirements. To qualify for the EITC, a worker must:

• Have earned income
• Meet certain income and family size requirements
• File a tax return

Conclusion Poverty is a complex social problem with a long history. There are a number of different policies that have been implemented to address poverty. The EITC is one such policy. The EITC has been shown to be effective in reducing poverty and increasing employment.