• Identify the programs the social worker in the case study engaged with.
• Identify the policies that drove the programs and indicate which were federal and which were state or local.
• Explain how these policies affected the social worker's delivery of services.
• Imagine that this scenario took place at an agency in your state. Research and identify one state or local policy in your area that would affect your delivery of services. Explain how this state or local policy affects the program.
  • Use the guide in the Learning Resources to help you find details about state or local policy variation. (WA state)

Joe is a 28-year-old male who came to the County Division of Social Services to apply for General Assistance benefits. The General Assistance program in Joe's state provides cash assistance, Medicaid coverage, and housing for homeless single adults. Joe is in need of Medicaid benefits in order to remain active in his treatment program. Joe is receiving treatment at Hope Center, a partial hospitalization program at the local community mental health center for clients who are dually diagnosed. Joe has a dependence on prescription medications and opioids, although he states that he has stopped using recently. He has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, for which he is being prescribed medication. Joe reports that he is unable to work due to mental illness, and without an income or health insurance, he is unable to obtain his medication. Joe reports that his lack of employment also results from an inability to pass most background checks due to his history of incarceration. He reports that while he was enrolled as a student at the state university, he sold marijuana and other recreational drugs to other college students. He was arrested and convicted of possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) and served a prison sentence. Joe has had no further arrests; however, he has not been able to secure permanent housing or employment since his release. If he discloses that he was arrested, Joe reports that he is never called for interviews. But when he once failed to disclose the information to a prospective employer, Joe was terminated for lying on his application. Joe believes that he has little hope for future employment. Joe has few natural supports in his life. He reports that following the incarceration, his family members distanced themselves from him, and his girlfriend broke up with him. He reports that his only supports are his local Narcotics Anonymous (NA) sponsor and his mental health counselor. Joe's mental health counselor from the Hope Springs program has contacted the social worker at the County Division of Social Services to advocate for Joe's approval for benefits. She explained that under the current state regulations, Joe is ineligible for benefits due to his CDS distribution conviction. The only program options that the County Division of Social Services social worker can offer him are food stamps and access to a homeless shelter outside of the county. The counselor explained that

2022 Walden University, LLC relocation would cause a disruption to Joe's mental health treatment and would cause him to lose contact with his local NA sponsor. In response to the counselor's concerns, the County Division of Social Services social worker suggested some possibilities. First, Joe's mental health diagnosis could qualify him for disability. The social worker also recommended that Joe contact the local faith- based organization, St. Dominic's New Direction Center, for assistance. Although they do not house single males, they have an extensive network of volunteers, mentors, and donors who may financially support people in need. The County Division of Social Services social worker referred Joe to The Bridge Home, a local organization that helps reduce recidivism by offering reentry assistance to people seeking employment who have been previously incarcerated. They can assign a caseworker to help clients find jobs and they work with employers to hire those seeking reentry. Finally, the County Division of Social Services social work suggested that the counselor research Joe's ability to remain in treatment at the hospital despite his lack of Medicaid coverage. The counselor agreed to assist Joe with these suggestions.