Discussion 1: The Effects of Means-Tested Social Programs

What is welfare? When you hear the word “welfare,” do you picture images of individuals who are facing hard times? While there is more than one type of social program available in the United States to those who need it, social welfare programs like TANF provide assistance to families in need through government tax revenues. Programs like these are often referred to as “public assistance” or “means-tested programs.” These programs have eligibility criteria that are based on the individual’s or the family’s household income and assets. Do these types of programs exist in your state or region? If so, what are the criteria? If you encountered a client like Eboni Logan, from the Logan Family video, who soon will become a mother, how might you best assist her in obtaining benefits from these types of programs?

For this Discussion, review this week’s resources, including the Logan Family video case. Consider the means-tested programs that might be available to her in your state or region. Then, think about the likely long-term outcomes for Eboni and her child, if she chooses to parent. Finally, reflect on the state welfare policies that might help her manage the responsibilities of parenthood.

Post by Day 3 a brief explanation of the means-tested programs that might be available to Eboni. Be sure your answer is specific to the means-tested programs available in your state or region. Then, explain the potential long-term outcomes for Eboni and her child, if she chooses to parent. Finally, explain the state public assistance policies that might help Eboni manage the responsibilities of parenthood.

Support your post with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ posts.

Respond by Day 5 to at least two colleagues by explaining a change for which you might advocate with regard to the policy your colleague described. Then, explain what responsibility Eboni’s social worker has to identify lapses in services and advocate for policy changes.

Support your response with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

Return to this Discussion to read the responses to your initial post. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made.

Solution:

As I am currently in Maryland, there are several programs that Eboni can benefit from. These include the Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) known as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program federally; the Maryland WIC Program which is a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children under the age 5; Food Supplement Program (FSP) which grants benefits to applicants to meet income requirements while allowing them to purchase nutritious foods with their electronic benefits; Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHIP) which is a children’s healthcare assistance program for which single mothers who wish to have their children covered; Child Care Subsidy for single mother facing challenges in paying full cost of child care services; and Maryland Energy Assistance program that helps single mothers pay their home heating and cooling costs, as well as utility bills (Barnes & Hope, 2017)…Please click the Paypal icon below to purchase full solution for only $5