Child Welfare System: Foster Care New York City Policy Analysis

Policy Analysis Case Study-Final
Paper #2

This is the main assignment for the course. A policy analysis case study is a valuable learning tool enabling the student to critically and comprehensively analyze a public policy problem or issue, and develop a policy alternative or initiative to address the problem. A case study is a vehicle for exercising creative talents and for presenting a solution to a policy problem. An effective case study is specific and concise because many public policy issues are extremely broad and it is easy to bog down. Students should note that policy analysis is not advocacy for partisan ideological solutions or pet theories. Your task is not to push a preferred policy alternative. Instead, you will apply rigorous economic and non-economic criteria to evaluate three policy solutions and recommend the most viable alternative based on the objective assessment.

A typical policy analysis case study is composed of four basic parts:
1) Analysis of policy alternatives to address the public problem, and
2) Conclusion and recommendations.

Paper Two: Policy Alternatives and Conclusion

It comprises the last two parts of the case study methodology: Parts 3 (development and analysis of policy alternatives) and 4 (conclusion and recommendation). The parts are described below;

Part 3: Analysis of policy alternatives (Approximately 5 double-spaced pages).
a. Identify and define the particular policy goals for trying to solve or at least manage the problem.
b. Outline and discuss the merits of a minimum of THREE viable policy alternatives that have the potential of addressing or solving the public problem. Demonstrate how each alternative attempts to meet or at least address the specific goals listed above.
c. Forecast the intended (and potential unintended) consequences of adopting each alternative.
d. Assess the political and policy constraints of each alternative.
Part 4: Conclusions and recommendation (Approximately 3 double-spaced pages).
a) Select and discuss the criteria for how you chose the specific policy alternative (What are the specific criteria—political, economic, ethical, etc.— for deciding

what policy alternative you believe is best to address the policy problem? How and why did you choose the criteria?)
b) Describe the preferred policy alternative. (Why did you choose this alternative? How is it better than the other alternatives you examined? In other words, what are the benefits? What method did you use to determine this? Explain.)
c) Outline how you would implement this preferred policy alternative (Consider how it might be implemented; what agency or agencies would be involved in the implementation; and what are some problems that may need to be overcome when implementing it.)
d) Provide a brief overview of a plan for monitoring and evaluating the policy alternative (In other words, how would you evaluate whether or not the alternative is meeting the stated goals and objectives?)
e) Provide conclusion and recommendation for future action.

For both parts reference approximately 10-15 outside academic or intellectual references, including books, peer-reviewed journal articles, intellectual essays and articles, surveys, government documents, court cases, laws, bureaucratic rules and regulations, expert testimonies, etc. No more four legitimate web sites may be referenced (avoid Wikipedia, random blogs, and non-reputable media sources). Use APA format for citations and references.

Additional instructions for the Policy Analysis Paper:
a. Your paper should be cohesive, organized, clear, and well researched and well- written.
b. Basic format for the paper includes the following:
1. Title page with the basic information (e.g. assignment title, course number and name, instructor title and name, student name, and due date); executive summary or abstract, appendices (if necessary), and references page (follow the APA citation and reference style)
2. Paper #2 should be 7-10 double-spaced pages long— excluding title page, abstract/executive summary, appendices, and references page (s).