Social Program Development

Social Program Development

In conjunction, with the orphaned children epidemic, there are some issues or gaps which were discovered during the research. Nevertheless, it is first essential to note the study was carried out from a macro analysis perspective. With this, efficient and effective strategies were included to collect credible plus accurate data. Structural-functional and conflict theories were employed to investigate the problem orphaned children face around the world. The structural-functional theory depicts similarities between the human body and society. This is through Herbert Spence’s idea that the same way the body organs work harmoniously to achieve specific tasks, so should the community to solve particular problems. (O’Conner et al., 2009) The strategy, therefore, employs the social model aspect, which encompasses belief patterns or social institutions and social requirement meetings like the family, economy, education, and so on. The conflict theory highlights the society competing for limited resources.

Moreover, it also states that society consists of different social classes. The theory with this employs the economic model aspect as social classes include social status, money, and education, among other examples. Starting with the structural-functional approach, the gap which was depicted was the fact that the theory only focuses on similarities based on society and the human body. The gap is, therefore, by default set by the fundamental focus of the method. This is, however, a significant issue as the theory is only focused on similarities, which highlight a flaw in the theory structure. (Mapp, 2014)

Nonetheless, this gap should be filled by not only exploring similarities but differences as well. Much of this can be accredited by the fact that as much as the body organs work harmoniously to do specific tasks, we cannot ignore their difference in performance, structure, operation, and requirements. As a result, each body organ serves a particular purpose in the body hence the reason why the organs can simultaneously work together. Investigating the orphaned children issue, therefore, need not be investigated based on one side for effective societal solutions. Differences should, as a result of this, also be included to get an overview of different scenarios these children undergo in different countries. (McCall and Groark,2015) Besides, it will assist in finding common ground on how to effectively handle the issue on various aspects or scenarios. Another gap is depicted by the conflict theory, which uses the economic model ajnhmik m,spect. The gap highlighted is no definite agreement or process of how to solve the social classes or financial perspective of life. This is because everybody has the right to do what they wish in law, and it is unconstitutional to force people to work in a certain way regardless of the goal. To decrease the number of orphaned children in the world, it is expected that individuals must be willing to participate in this project to make it a reality.(Escueta et al, 2014) Failure to do this will result in different societies not solving this problem or ineffectively solving the issue. Though awareness can be created, everybody is still entitled to make a decision on whether to join the quest or not. In return, this limits the success of the initiative hence limiting the orphaned children’s chance of a good or improved life. With the above-mentioned information, the gap found in the structural-practical theory emerged from the fundamental purpose of the theory which was to look for similarities in society. The problem can be dated back since the inception of the ideology. The previous macro-level analysis therefore automatically embodied this problem once the theory was applied in the study. On the other hand, the gap at the conflict theory started during the industrial revolution which saw the rise of different economic levels among governments, industries, and individuals. These economic levels were brought about the amount of money each player had in a certain area hence resulting in social classes based on money which attracted power. The same also emerged during the macro-level analysis when we were investigating how society can come together to assist the orphaned children. It was discovered that the upper, middle and lower class communities have different ideologies regarding how to solve the problem and who should be made accountable. (Netting et al, 2017) For instance, each class blamed the other of certain steps not undertaken to handle the issue. The poor blamed the rich and vice versa hence depicting a definite problem or misunderstanding among the classes.

Vision Statement

• Our vision in this initiative is to create a world which is equally conducive to the orphaned children as it is for children with parents.

Mission Statement

• Our mission is to eradicate the orphaned children’s menace.

Goals

• Create awareness regarding the increasing orphaned children’s problem.
• Decrease the number of orphaned children living in the streets.
• Create programs to ensure the initiative stays alive.
• Encourage children who feel abandoned.

Objectives

• Change the society ideology regarding adopting children.
• Empower the orphans to have a voice.
• Reduce the number of orphaned children.
• Develop effective ways of solving the orphan’s issue.

Methods and Activities

The first method which will be applied is the social group work where individuals in a certain social group are assisted by a professional worker to guide their interaction through planned program activities. This is to allow them to relate with others while locating growth opportunities with respect to their needs, capacities towards individual noble end groups and community development. (Koss et al, 2016) Some of the program activities which can be employed include relationship programs among other examples. The next method is social welfare administration where social policy is changed into social services. It will, therefore, manage the social work affairs in the matter at hand. Some activities which will be carried out include mobilizing resources, developing programmes, providing skillful leadership plus personnel, evaluation of these activities and so on.(Purvis et al, 2015) The social work research method will also be employed to assist in the systematic plus critical inquiry of the questions experienced by the social work professionals during field application. Effective methods will, therefore, be made to find answers to existing and social work emerging problems to be used practically in the field. In return, this activity assists in better planning plus the implementation of social work programmes. Lastly, the social action method will be used to help bring desirable changes in defective systems to ensure social progress. Activities that will be highlighted include mobilizing people to create awareness regarding the orphans and create suitable social legislation progress.(Senefeld and Perrin, 2014) In return, the method relates to community needs with the aim of finding solutions to the problem through collective initiatives. Employing all these social methods will in return ensure a smooth process.

Implementation Plan

Solving the gaps will require tremendous coordination for a successful result. Due to this, the vision, mission, objectives, methods, and activities need to work hand in hand. Nonetheless, the plan will be implemented by systematically employing the social group work plus social welfare administration then social work research and social action method. In return, this will assist in observing the goals and objectives of the initiative. Observing these two entities assists in solving the gap highlighted by the conflict and structural-practical theories. It is, however, essential to note that goals and objectives will be implemented accordingly and depending on what needs to be systematically done. Activities will also follow the same trend to curb confusion in the process as well as ensure smooth progress.

Evaluation metrics

With the guidance of our mission, vision, goals, and objectives, the methods will also play an essential part as tools in evaluating the gradual data collected. For instance, the social group will assist in collecting data about orphaned children through planned programme activities. In return, this will help in teaching them how to relate with others to find growth opportunities. (Avakyan and Volikova,2014) The social welfare administration method focuses on social service which highlights the operations of the initiative. With this, it will be easy to depict or monitor the progress of the initiative from different aspects to ensure success. The social work research method will assist in evaluating systematic and critical question inquiry which the social workers faced while in the field. This will assist in finding answers to existing and emerging problems during the study. Lastly, the social action method will be used in evaluating the effectiveness of the initiative through solutions given to counter some orphaned children’s problems. (McCall and Groark,2015) It will also evaluate whether the defective systems changed will work for the good of the suffering orphaned children or not. Employing all these methods will therefore fully include quantitative and qualitative information which is essential in the evaluation metrics. Precision, accuracy and F-measure metrics will be employed to ensure a credible and successful process.

To ensure proper execution of the entire initiative, the program will be evaluated using two methods. This will particularly highlight the importance of the initiative and the amount of a measure change the social service will bring to the orphaned children. As a result, a process evaluation will be employed which monitors how a program was executed and how it operates. The aim of this evaluation is to confirm whether the initiative is meeting the intended goals. It, therefore, checks how programs and services are delivered plus how it was implemented. The evaluation method can hereby depict why a certain program was successful or not and whether it can be replicated. (Toseland and Rivas,2017) Impact evaluation determines the program effects plus the entire effectiveness of highlighting the program goals. Since the initiative is not time-limited this evaluation will be essential in depicting long-term evaluations which gives a broader and complete view of the program outcomes. The two methods will, therefore, assist in measuring the social service program and highlighting if the program is worth pushing.

In terms of technology, it will be essential to include online websites to push the conversation while creating awareness regarding the orphaned children’s problem. Both evaluation methods can be integrated into the online platform to get a good overview regarding orphaned children worldwide.(McCall and Groark,2015) The website will also include a data system to include different problems, comments from people interested in the initiative as well as any important information regarding the orphaned children. Information will be easily accessible and available to anyone hence giving the project an upper hand in terms of ideology and improving the entire process.

Since the initiative is dealing with children which generally touches on family, the best theory to be integrated should be humanistic theory. In psychology, it highlights empathy and stresses on good human behavior. It calls for equality and human rights in political plus social theory. (Mahrer, 1978) Psychologists use the theory to improve individual self-actualization or self-image. All these entities will be essential in assisting the orphaned children to live with a positive attitude towards life irrespective of their situation.

Mahrer, A. R. (1978). Experiencing: A humanistic theory of psychology and psychiatry. Brunner/Mazel.

The humanistic theory generally encompasses different things in an individual from a psychological, social and political point of view. This is essential as it assists people to emulate certain entities like good human behavior and self-confidence which is highlighted by self-image.(Mahrer, 1978) With this, the theory can be applied to the orphaned children and society as well. In children, the theory will help in shaping the children’s habits to make them eligible for adoption. It will also help the children in building their self-confidence to take over the world. The theory will help in creating awareness to the public regarding the orphaned issue which is essential for the success of this initiative.

Integrating the humanistic theory was solely based on what was the best way to take and solve the orphaned children’s problem. Having this in mind, the best theory which suited our goal, objectives, mission, and vision of the initiative was the humanistic theory. In addition, the theory also supported previous and current methods used to conduct the study. This therefore also made the theory stand out as an effective candidate in the quest of helping the orphaned children. The process or practice consequently was carried out smoothly with programs set for the benefit of the children.

Humanistic theory is a psychological approach that depicts empathy and advocates for goo human behavior. However, the theory can be applied in the political and social levels to assist in solving multiple issues. (Mahrer, 1978) For example, when used in the social and political context it advocates for equality and human rights. In counseling, it assists psychologists in helping clients to improve their self-image. The theory is, therefore, an effective tool especially with the matter at hand.

According to the program feasibility and sustainability side, there are a number of things that should be stated. Nonetheless, the program feasibility indicates that the project is indeed doable. As a result, it was discovered that multiple teams or departments need to be established to handle different operations which will be carried out in the initiative. Leaders will, therefore, be important to coordinate the work and ensure the smooth running of things.(O’Conner et al, 2009)There is also a need to create more shelters for these children especially those that live on the streets. More research also needs to be carried out regarding how to make effective policies to assist orphaned children. On the other hand, the sustainability of the program will depend on how far people are willing to go to solve this issue. This is because, through support, the program will get funds to sustain the research and carry out any other operation. In return, this will relatively influence how the program will be sustained to achieve a positive result. Leadership will be provided or offered from a centralized point. However, leaders from the departments will form a board to assist in solving issues that affect the whole initiative.(Toseland and Rivas, 2017)Doing this is essential to include all voices and add to the credibility of the initiative. This, therefore, promotes sustainable change in practice and service delivery.

References

Avakyan, T. V., & Volikova, S. V. (2014). Social anxiety in children. Psychology in Russia, 7(1), 73.

Escueta, M., Whetten, K., Ostermann, J., & O’Donnell, K. (2014). Adverse childhood experiences, psychosocial well-being and cognitive development among orphans and abandoned children in five low income countries. BMC international health and human rights, 14(1), 6.

Koss, K. J., Mliner, S. B., Donzella, B., & Gunnar, M. R. (2016). Early adversity, hypocortisolism, and behavior problems at school entry: A study of internationally adopted children. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 66, 31-38.

Mahrer, A. R. (1978). Experiencing: A humanistic theory of psychology and psychiatry. Brunner/Mazel.

McCall, R. B., & Groark, C. J. (2015). Research on institutionalized children: Implications for international child welfare practitioners and policymakers. International Perspectives in Psychology: Research, Practice, Consultation, 4(2), 142.

Mapp, S. C. (2014). Human rights and social justice in a global perspective: An introduction to international social work. Oxford University Press, USA.

Netting, F. E., Kettner, P. M., McMurtry, S. L., & Thomas, M. L. (2017). Social work macro practice (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Purvis, K. B., Razuri, E. B., Howard, A. R. H., Call, C. D., DeLuna, J. H., Hall, J. S., & Cross, D. R. (2015). Decrease in behavioral problems and trauma symptoms among at-risk adopted children following trauma-informed parent training intervention. Journal of child & adolescent trauma, 8(3), 201-210.

Senefeld, S., & Perrin, P. C. (2014). Applying an ecological model to orphans and vulnerable children programming. Development in Practice, 24(1), 129-139.

Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Bostona, MA: Pearson.

O’Conner, M. K., Netting, F. E., & Fabelo, H. (2009). A multidimensional agency survey. Administration in Social Work, 33(1), 81–104.