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SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE: AN INTRODUCTION
by Ambrosino/ Shuttlesworth/ Heffernan/ Ambrosino




                          Chapter 7:
          Poverty, Income Assistance,
              and Homelessness



              Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                         .
Empowering Programs with Resources
 that Enhance Social Work Education

     Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                .
Social Work: A Competency-
           Oriented Education

 Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  - Defines Educational Policy and Accreditation
  Standards (EPAs)
  - Developed 10 Core Competencies and 41
  Related Practice Behaviors
 Every student should master the Practice
  Behaviors and Core Competencies before
  completing the program

           Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                      .
Resources Aligned to EPAS 2008


 The Textbook 
 - Helping Hands icons call attention to content that
 relates to Practice Behaviors and Competencies




 - Competency Notes at the end of the chapter
 help put the Practice Behaviors and Competencies
 in practical context
            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .
Resources Aligned to EPAS 2008 (contd)


 The Practice Behaviors Workbook developed
  with the text provides assignable exercises that
  assist in mastering the Practice Behavior and
  Competencies

 Additional on-line resources can be found at:
 www.cengage.com/socialwork




            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .
Views on poverty and how to help


 Multiple views on poverty, what should be done,
  and who should do it
 Most people want successful anti-poverty programs
  in place, but there is lack of agreement about what
  those programs should be




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a
            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .
Conceptualizations of poverty

    As deprivation
    As inequality in the distribution of income
    As culture
    As exploitation by the ruling class
    As structure




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a
               Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                          .
Defining poverty
 Inadequate household income when defined by a
  specific standard
 Relative poverty
 Market basket concept




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a
             Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                        .
Federal poverty guidelines (2010)

 Household           Income                Household                     Income
   Size                Limit                  Size                         Limit
      1             $10,380                          5                   $25,790
      2             $14,570                          6                   $29,530
      3             $18,310                          7                   $33,270
      4             $22,050                          8                   $37,010




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a
             Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                        .
Who are Americas poor?
Who is considered poor depends on:
 Overall performance of economy
 Household composition and members access to
  economic system
 Levels of expenditure on social welfare programs
 Effectiveness of social welfare programs




EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b
            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .
The poor are a diverse group
 14% of U.S. population live in poverty
 African Americans and Latinos are almost 3 times
  more likely to be poor than whites
 1 in 10 persons 65 and older is poor
 Almost 30% of female householders live in poverty
 1 in 3 African American and a like number of Latino
  children lives in poverty compared to less than 1 in
  10 white children




EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b
            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .
Debunking stereotypes about the poor
 Not all poor people are on welfare  many are
  two-parent families with both parents working
  full-time, often in minimum wage jobs with few or
  no benefits
 20% of families living in poverty line have a
  working family member




EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b
            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .
Social Security Act of 1935
 Cornerstone of American social welfare policy
 Set tone for federal support for individuals and
  families
 The act has been modified many times over the
  years to create new programs, modify existing
  programs, or do away with programs




EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b
             Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                        .
War on poverty is lost
 Economic Opportunity Act creates a plethora of
  domestic anti-poverty programs
 Many of these programs were ill-conceived, poorly
   run, or not sustainable
 White House preoccupied with Vietnam War
 Welfare rolls escalate
 Economy falters, new demands for belt-tightening




EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b
             Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                        .
Last-ditch effort to reduce welfare rolls
 Public outcry about evils of welfare intensifies
 Welfare reform efforts focus on work and personal
   responsibility
 Family Support Act (1988) offers glimmer of hope,
  but ends up being too little, too late
 Lack of jobs that pay living wage keep welfare rolls
  high
 Contract with America is launched




EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b, 2.1.8a
              Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                         .
End to welfare as we knew it
 Republicans cut funds for low-income children,
  families, elderly, people with disabilities
 Block grants to states
 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity
  Reconciliation Act (1996) eliminates welfare
  entitlement, creates lifetime limit on benefits and
  strict standards for complying with the law




EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b, 2.1.8a

              Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                         .
End to welfare as we knew it (contd)
 Welfare rolls decline precipitously
 Most people who exit welfare are employed in low-
  paying, dead end jobs with few or no benefits
 Community agencies unable to pick up slack created
  by welfare reform initiatives
 White House touts declining welfare rolls as proof
  that welfare reform work




EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b, 2.1.8a
              Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                         .
Current strategies for addressing poverty
 Strong market and family system
 Public assistance programs (TANF, Medicaid, SSI,
  general assistance)
 In-kind benefits and tax credits (Earned Income
  Tax Credit, food benefits, housing assistance)




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a, 2.1.8b
             Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                        .
Other antipoverty programs
  Direct provision of necessities
  Empowerment efforts
  Job training
  Restructuring institutions to produce greater
   access to economic opportunity
  No easy solutions  most experts suggest
   multiple strategies needed




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a, 2.1.8b
             Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                        .
2010 and beyond
 Single, low-income mothers and those receiving
  cash assistance have high rates of psychiatric
  illness
 Rural mothers, especially poor, single mothers,
  face formidable barriers to employment
 Reductions in food allotment results in high levels
  of food insecurity among non-citizen parents




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a
           Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                      .
Impact of poverty on children
    Family stress and conflict
    Limited opportunities for learning at home
    Lower-quality child care
    Inadequate nutrition
    Inadequate housing; increased homelessness
    Lack of transportation; increased isolation
    Factors interfere with brain development




    EP 2.1.6b
                Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                           .
TANF reauthorization plan (2006)
 Strengthen federal-state partnership
 Maintain self-sufficiency through work and
  additional constructive activities
 Promote child well-being and healthy marriages
 Encourage abstinence and prevent teen
  pregnancy
 Improve program performance




EP 2.1.6b
              Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                         .
TANF reauthorization plan (2006)
 Enhance child support enforcement
 Reform food stamps to promote work




EP2.1.6b
           Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                      .
Homelessness
A homeless person:
  Someone who lacks fixed, regular and adequate
  night-time residence, andhas primary night time
  residency that is a supervised shelter providing
  temporary living accommodations or a public or
  private place not designed for use as regular
  sleeping accommodations for human beings.




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a
            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .
Characteristics of homeless individuals
 Youth
 Elderly
   Women and families
   People of color
   Survivors of domestic violence
   Veterans
   People with mental illness and addiction




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a
             Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                        .
Homelessness and mental illness
 20-25% of single adults who are homeless suffer
  from some type of severe mental illness
 Many people become homeless as a result of a
  mental illness
 Others experience emotional problems as a result
  of being homeless




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a
            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .
Homelessness and mental illness (contd)
Homeless people with mental disorders face more
barriers to obtaining jobs, are in poorer health, and
have more contact with the legal system than housed
individuals




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a
            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .
Homelessness and employment
 Inadequate or no employment and lack of
  affordable rental housing leave many people
  homeless
 It is difficult to find a job without a permanent
  address
 It is difficult to keep a job when homeless, though
  20% of urban homeless are employed




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a
            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .
Homelessness and healthcare
Homeless people:
 Often experience poor health
 Are at risk for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, diabetes,
  hypertension, addictive disorders, and mental
  disorders
 Lack access to good nutrition, and adequate personal
  hygiene
 Are likely have no health insurance




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a
            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .
Homelessness and Isolation
Homeless people:
 Are likely to be isolated from families and
  traditional social roles
 Often have no ties to a support network; loss of
  social support systems extends length of time
  being homeless
 Tend to remain isolated even when they find
  housing because of stigma of being homeless



EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a
            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .
Policies and programs
 Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act
 Housing Affordability for America Act
 Other programs focus mostly on emergency
  assistance, not long-term solutions or root causes
  of homelessness




EP2.1.8a, 2.1.8b
            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .
Ending homelessness
   Affordable housing
   Employment and education opportunities
   Discharge planning from institutions
   Child care and education for children
   Comprehensive health/mental health care
   Programs that make it possible for homeless
    people to accumulate financial assets




EP 2.1.8a, 2.1.8b
             Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                        .
Role of social workers in fighting poverty
   Public assistance programs
   Faith-based organizations
   Housing programs
   Health and mental health clinics
   School-based programs
   Emergency shelters
   Advocacy programs




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8b
             Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                        .
Eliminating poverty has been elusive
 Its not that we havent tried (e.g., War on Poverty,
  Great Society)
 Individualist perspective remains strong
 Capitalism requires an underclass in order to thrive
 Globalism has only amplified the problem
 Political will to end poverty doesnt seem to exist
 Domestic priorities have taken a back seat




EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a, 2.1.9b
            Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing
                                       .

More Related Content

Chapter 7 Poverty and How to Help

  • 1. SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE: AN INTRODUCTION by Ambrosino/ Shuttlesworth/ Heffernan/ Ambrosino Chapter 7: Poverty, Income Assistance, and Homelessness Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 2. Empowering Programs with Resources that Enhance Social Work Education Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 3. Social Work: A Competency- Oriented Education Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) - Defines Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAs) - Developed 10 Core Competencies and 41 Related Practice Behaviors Every student should master the Practice Behaviors and Core Competencies before completing the program Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 4. Resources Aligned to EPAS 2008 The Textbook - Helping Hands icons call attention to content that relates to Practice Behaviors and Competencies - Competency Notes at the end of the chapter help put the Practice Behaviors and Competencies in practical context Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 5. Resources Aligned to EPAS 2008 (contd) The Practice Behaviors Workbook developed with the text provides assignable exercises that assist in mastering the Practice Behavior and Competencies Additional on-line resources can be found at: www.cengage.com/socialwork Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 6. Views on poverty and how to help Multiple views on poverty, what should be done, and who should do it Most people want successful anti-poverty programs in place, but there is lack of agreement about what those programs should be EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 7. Conceptualizations of poverty As deprivation As inequality in the distribution of income As culture As exploitation by the ruling class As structure EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 8. Defining poverty Inadequate household income when defined by a specific standard Relative poverty Market basket concept EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 9. Federal poverty guidelines (2010) Household Income Household Income Size Limit Size Limit 1 $10,380 5 $25,790 2 $14,570 6 $29,530 3 $18,310 7 $33,270 4 $22,050 8 $37,010 EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 10. Who are Americas poor? Who is considered poor depends on: Overall performance of economy Household composition and members access to economic system Levels of expenditure on social welfare programs Effectiveness of social welfare programs EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 11. The poor are a diverse group 14% of U.S. population live in poverty African Americans and Latinos are almost 3 times more likely to be poor than whites 1 in 10 persons 65 and older is poor Almost 30% of female householders live in poverty 1 in 3 African American and a like number of Latino children lives in poverty compared to less than 1 in 10 white children EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 12. Debunking stereotypes about the poor Not all poor people are on welfare many are two-parent families with both parents working full-time, often in minimum wage jobs with few or no benefits 20% of families living in poverty line have a working family member EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 13. Social Security Act of 1935 Cornerstone of American social welfare policy Set tone for federal support for individuals and families The act has been modified many times over the years to create new programs, modify existing programs, or do away with programs EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 14. War on poverty is lost Economic Opportunity Act creates a plethora of domestic anti-poverty programs Many of these programs were ill-conceived, poorly run, or not sustainable White House preoccupied with Vietnam War Welfare rolls escalate Economy falters, new demands for belt-tightening EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 15. Last-ditch effort to reduce welfare rolls Public outcry about evils of welfare intensifies Welfare reform efforts focus on work and personal responsibility Family Support Act (1988) offers glimmer of hope, but ends up being too little, too late Lack of jobs that pay living wage keep welfare rolls high Contract with America is launched EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 16. End to welfare as we knew it Republicans cut funds for low-income children, families, elderly, people with disabilities Block grants to states Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (1996) eliminates welfare entitlement, creates lifetime limit on benefits and strict standards for complying with the law EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 17. End to welfare as we knew it (contd) Welfare rolls decline precipitously Most people who exit welfare are employed in low- paying, dead end jobs with few or no benefits Community agencies unable to pick up slack created by welfare reform initiatives White House touts declining welfare rolls as proof that welfare reform work EP 2.1.3a, 2.1.7b, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 18. Current strategies for addressing poverty Strong market and family system Public assistance programs (TANF, Medicaid, SSI, general assistance) In-kind benefits and tax credits (Earned Income Tax Credit, food benefits, housing assistance) EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a, 2.1.8b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 19. Other antipoverty programs Direct provision of necessities Empowerment efforts Job training Restructuring institutions to produce greater access to economic opportunity No easy solutions most experts suggest multiple strategies needed EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a, 2.1.8b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 20. 2010 and beyond Single, low-income mothers and those receiving cash assistance have high rates of psychiatric illness Rural mothers, especially poor, single mothers, face formidable barriers to employment Reductions in food allotment results in high levels of food insecurity among non-citizen parents EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 21. Impact of poverty on children Family stress and conflict Limited opportunities for learning at home Lower-quality child care Inadequate nutrition Inadequate housing; increased homelessness Lack of transportation; increased isolation Factors interfere with brain development EP 2.1.6b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 22. TANF reauthorization plan (2006) Strengthen federal-state partnership Maintain self-sufficiency through work and additional constructive activities Promote child well-being and healthy marriages Encourage abstinence and prevent teen pregnancy Improve program performance EP 2.1.6b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 23. TANF reauthorization plan (2006) Enhance child support enforcement Reform food stamps to promote work EP2.1.6b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 24. Homelessness A homeless person: Someone who lacks fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence, andhas primary night time residency that is a supervised shelter providing temporary living accommodations or a public or private place not designed for use as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings. EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 25. Characteristics of homeless individuals Youth Elderly Women and families People of color Survivors of domestic violence Veterans People with mental illness and addiction EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 26. Homelessness and mental illness 20-25% of single adults who are homeless suffer from some type of severe mental illness Many people become homeless as a result of a mental illness Others experience emotional problems as a result of being homeless EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 27. Homelessness and mental illness (contd) Homeless people with mental disorders face more barriers to obtaining jobs, are in poorer health, and have more contact with the legal system than housed individuals EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 28. Homelessness and employment Inadequate or no employment and lack of affordable rental housing leave many people homeless It is difficult to find a job without a permanent address It is difficult to keep a job when homeless, though 20% of urban homeless are employed EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 29. Homelessness and healthcare Homeless people: Often experience poor health Are at risk for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hypertension, addictive disorders, and mental disorders Lack access to good nutrition, and adequate personal hygiene Are likely have no health insurance EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 30. Homelessness and Isolation Homeless people: Are likely to be isolated from families and traditional social roles Often have no ties to a support network; loss of social support systems extends length of time being homeless Tend to remain isolated even when they find housing because of stigma of being homeless EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.3a, 2.1.8a Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 31. Policies and programs Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act Housing Affordability for America Act Other programs focus mostly on emergency assistance, not long-term solutions or root causes of homelessness EP2.1.8a, 2.1.8b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 32. Ending homelessness Affordable housing Employment and education opportunities Discharge planning from institutions Child care and education for children Comprehensive health/mental health care Programs that make it possible for homeless people to accumulate financial assets EP 2.1.8a, 2.1.8b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 33. Role of social workers in fighting poverty Public assistance programs Faith-based organizations Housing programs Health and mental health clinics School-based programs Emergency shelters Advocacy programs EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .
  • 34. Eliminating poverty has been elusive Its not that we havent tried (e.g., War on Poverty, Great Society) Individualist perspective remains strong Capitalism requires an underclass in order to thrive Globalism has only amplified the problem Political will to end poverty doesnt seem to exist Domestic priorities have taken a back seat EP 2.1.1a, 2.1.8a, 2.1.9b Copyright 息 2012 Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole Publishing .