Policy Analysis-D.C. Decriminalization of Marijuana

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is for students to demonstrate their competence in critically analyzing a legislative and/or regulatory policy, according to the Chambers and Bonk (2013) policy analysis framework. The papers should be double-spaced, 8 pages in length (not including references), and in APA style.

Recommended Format

Problem Description (roughly 1-2 pages): Legislation is typically introduced to address a perceived problem. What problem is your bill attempting to address? Provide background and statistical information that elucidates the scope of the problem, its causes and consequences. You should also examine trends that have affected the underlying problem, such as population shifts, economic changes, social trends, international developments, etc. You should also include a brief description of how the problem has been addressed in the past. Students should use at least 6 scholarly sources in this section of the paper. Scholarly sources include research articles, government reports, reports commissioned by foundations or other entities that apply a sound methodology.

Policy Analysis (roughly 4-5 pages): Summarize the policy’s major provisions in your own words. Then use the Chambers and Bonk method of policy analysis to analyze your legislation or bill.

• Values: Identify the values underlying the policy.
• Goals: Identify the goals of the policy. Discuss whether or not the policy goals address the stated problem and its underlying causes.
• Forms of Benefits and Services: Analyze the services or benefits provided through this policy according to 3 of the following criteria:
• Stigmatization
• Cost-effectiveness
• Fit with the social problem analysis
• Adequacy, equity, efficiency
• Complexity and cost of administration
• Adaptability across users
• Consumer Sovereignty
• Substitutability
• Select another criterion that you feel is relevant.

Eligibility Rules: Identify the target population that is supposed to receive the benefits/services provided in this policy? Be specific. What are the eligibility rules? Be specific. Analyze the eligibility rules according to 3 of the following criteria?

• Target efficiency
• Stigma/alienation
• Overwhelming costs
• Fit with social problem analysis
• Adequacy and equity

Administration and Service Delivery Structure: How will the policy be implemented? What are the administrative auspices under which the policy will be lodged? What agencies or organizations will be charged with overseeing, evaluating, and coordinating the policy? What elements in the service delivery structure are needed to ensure that the services/benefits are delivered in a manner that optimizes accessibility, accountability, empowerment, consumer participation in decision-making, and sensitivity to racial, gender, and ethnic diversity, etc?

Financing Mechanism: What is the funding mechanism for the policy? What will the policy cost? How does the level of funding affect the adequacy and equity of the policy? Does the financing mechanism allow for continuity and stability in funding when there is economic change, e.g., inflation/depression, etc.?

Recommendations (roughly 1-2 pages): Present your ideas for modifications to the policy that would strengthen it, and make it more consistent with social work values. Present a rationale for each recommendation. Conclude with a discussion of the implications of your analysis for social work practice and research.