CASE ANALYSIS

Case Analysis

Case Analysis

Introduction

This paper highlights the role of an agency and its effects on a particular public policy. For this paper, I have selected an agency called, Homeless Assistance Services and Networks. A public policy that values equity means that there are inequities in the distribution of or access to public resources that can be redressed through the redistributive power of government. Policies serving equity issues measure the gap between the expected norms of social life and its actual attainments. It looks to what levels of needs exist that will provide adequate resources. Its precept is fairness, not sameness.

Role of Homeless assistance networks

Homeless assistance began in the early 1980s with bare-bones emergency shelters. Over the past two decades, programs offered by both providers and whole communities have become increasingly complex and differentiated, in a process that still continues. Two important trends are apparent at this writing—the increasing involvement of mainstream agencies and the growing number of options for responding to the needs of people whose substance abuse complicates programmatic responses to their other problems.

Homeless assistance networks have developed mechanisms to increase the likelihood that people will get the services they need and that available programs and services will be fully used. Formal mechanisms include bed-tracking systems, common intake and assessment forms, centralized intake, multi service centers, access to public agency management information systems, and homeless management information systems. Only a few communities will have all of these mechanisms, but many communities will have at least one of them.

Access to Public Agency Records

In some communities, transitional and permanent supportive housing programs serving specialized populations may link with the mainstream public agency responsible for that population to assure appropriate services and treatment. This is particularly important for people with severe mental illness, and the crucial link will be with the mental ...