Taught By:
Brandon Mitchell
Assistant Professor
Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work
Norfolk State University
Read profile on Google Scholar here.
Course Description:
One of the functions of social work has been, and is, to develop, maintain, modify, and strengthen the social welfare system so that it can meet basic human needs of a culturally diverse population. A method institutionalized with professional social work education and practice for fulfilling this vital mission is social welfare policy analysis and planning. This concerns the formulation, development, implementation, and evaluation of relevant social plans, policies, programs, and legislation designed to promote individual and societal wellbeing; to prevent or resolve social problems, alleviate social injustice, develop human and social resources; and, generally, to enhance the quality of life for all segments of society.
The purpose of the course is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and values to perform as informed and competent practitioners, and to contribute towards change and social justice, making social welfare institutions more humane and responsive to the needs of a diverse population.