Please follow the assignment guidelines posted in the document. It says to use a minimum of 5 references but please use more than one or two from course readings (I attached a list of course readings) Please use the topic used in the webquest attached as my briefing note topic and refer to his inline feedback to make the topic stronger.
Toronto Metropolitan School of Social Work
SWP402 Social Policy social Inclusion
Winter 2024
BRIEFING NOTE – 30%:
DUE: WEEK 11
SUMBIT on D2L
Length 3 pages maximum (WITH 2 pages max. of Appendices)
BRIEFING NOTE
Writing a Briefing Note* will allow students to demonstrate their capacity to research and analyse policy relevant information about the service sector chosen, find gaps and closures in it,
and advocate for expanding, changing and/or developing more inclusive policy/service provisions.
A Briefing Note is usually prepared as part of a strategy seeking to advocate and/or introduce changes or expansions to current social policies and presented in a governmental consultation
process, to a political representative, to funders or to a board of directors or as a Policy Analyst.
A Briefing Note is a ‘tool’ that is used in many contexts for the purpose of presenting a clear concise introduction/overview of a social problem and advocating for the best option to address
the issue.
A Briefing Note should include:
? Introduction to the issue and its importance for social care
? Point out aspects that are not adequately addressed
? Analyse and explain the impact/effects of these not working aspects
? Propose recommendations to improve/correct these aspects
Briefing Note example, Housing Services Act Funding Formula July 19 Briefing note, is posted to D2L for extra guidance.
Specifications for assignment:
? 3 pages MAX (**plus following support doc) (title page not included)
? ** Two (2) pages for appendix to include relevant material that illustrates or
expands upon the Briefing Note (i.e., additional statistics, charts to illustrate the
problem, case example, summary of current stakeholder critiques etc.)
? One (1) page of references
? APA 7th edition format and referencing
? Five academic references (MINIMUM) as well as web sites, newspaper, and magazine
articles, Think Tank reports, community reports, etc.
? Double space, 1inch margins
? Subtitles for each section
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Key to writing a successful briefing note is remembering that decision makers may read
several notes each day, often as they multi-task. Your writing must be clear, succinct, and
follow the structure outlined below.
Please follow this Briefing Note outline:
i)
Title
[Provide an engaging and inviting title for your briefing note]
ii)
Who you are addressing:
Identify who the briefing note is targeted to and why [1-2 Sentences]
iii)
Issue
[In 2-3 sentences], describe the issue that your brief analyses
iv)
Executive Summary
[In a MAXIMUM of 4-5 sentences], summarise the main points of your briefing note
[Sections – i-iv – .5 page]
v)
Background
[In one or two paragraphs], introduce the issue. Briefly describe: its importance to
social policy and social care, a demographic profile of the communities that are
affected, programmes or services that are currently available, etc.
vi)
Current Status
[In two or three paragraphs], outline the current state of service provision; what are
the gaps or barriers that people are facing? What is not working? Why?
vii)
Key Considerations
[In three or four paragraphs], convince the reader/decision maker that change is
needed. Your arguments can be based on morality/social justice, available evidence,
political considerations, other geographical/international examples, social will, etc.
[Sections – v-vii – 1-1.5 pages]
viii)
Recommendation
[In no more than three to four paragraphs], make one or two strong recommendations
for change or expanded service provision. Each recommendation will be a separate
paragraph, with references supporting each. Place your recommendations in some
kind of order – chronological, importance, best practices, etc.
TIP: Be sure to research other advocates within the sector/service or policy area, as
you are joining an existing coalition and can then draw on their recommendations.
ix)
Conclusion
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[In three or four sentences], summarise your arguments and recommendations. Try to
convey a sense that change can happen with action
* NOTE: page/paragraph guidelines are meant to give you an idea on how to break
down the sections. This can vary depending upon your topic and emphasis. These are
NOT definitive page/paragraph limits. The total page limits ARE definitive.
Important Tips and Requirements
Your briefing note must offer some critical AOP analysis and/or decolonizing analysis, as
well as integrate your social policy concepts and course learning.
You can review the following online resources to see helpful ideas and guidelines for writing a
briefing note, these are very helpful resources and tips that public sector professionals developed
and use.

What Is a Briefing Note? | Examples
http://www.writingforresults.net/classic.pdf
Written Work Format and Style
The assignment grade will be lowered by up to 10% when format requirements outlined below
have not been followed. The work should:
? not exceed the page limit for the assignment excluding references and appendices;
? be written in paragraph form, that is, the content should not be provided in point form and
subheadings should be used to organize your arguments;
? be typed using Times New Roman font in 12 pitch and double spaced;
? have one inch margins on each page (top, bottom, both sides);
? have all pages numbered;
? have a cover sheet which correctly identifies your student number, course, and faculty;
? include a list of the references cited in the text. Citations in the text and references MUST
adhere to the APA 7th edition standard required by the Ryerson School of Social Work;
? maintain all direct quotes at no more than three sentences. You are encouraged to limit the
number of direct quotes by summarizing the author’s thoughts in your own words;
? use a minimum of FIVE references from academic peer reviewed journals and books, as well
as further drawing on course readings. While you may (and should) use web sites,
newspaper, and magazine articles, Think Tank reports etc., these sources cannot be included
as required peer reviewed reference sources (REMEMBER you will be collecting many
references and resources as you work on your WebQuests. These will be foundational to your
Briefing Note)
? present perspectives, positions and contentions clearly and with evidence in support of your
arguments. Contentions should not be assumed to be self-evident but must be referenced to
citations and supported with evidence. Avoid the use of rhetoric;
? be clear and coherent. Edit sentence structure accordingly and review spelling and
punctuation, (remember, presentation is critical to getting your point across) and finally
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? not use capital letters for nouns, as for example welfare state, federal government, social
work.
? NOTE, APA7th edition: “Capitalize not only the name of Indigenous groups and Nations
(e.g., Crow, Seminole, Narragansett), but also most terms derived from Indigenous cultures
(e.g., Oral Tradition, Elder, Traditional Knowledge, Vision Quest) Changes in the 7th Edition
// Purdue Writing Lab
Here you will find a list of the Toronto City Counsellors Members of Council – City of Toronto
Here you will find a list of members of the Ontario Legislative Assembly (Members of
Provincial Parliament): Home page | Legislative Assembly of Ontario (ola.org)
Here you will find a list of Federal Members of Parliament and Senators (both the government
and opposition sides of the two houses), and political staff:
https://lop.parl.ca/sites/ParlInfo/default/en_CA
Briefing Note Examples:
Housing Services Act Funding Formula Issue – Briefing Note 2019 (onpha.on.ca)
Brief to the Standing Committee on Health | Canadian Association of Social Workers (caswacts.ca)
Assembly of First Nations – Post-Secondary Education – Briefing Note – Education Portal |
Chiefs of Ontario (chiefs-of-ontario.org)
Canadian_Association_of_Social_Workers_-_Written_Submission_for_the_PreBudget_Consultations_-_August_2021.pdf (casw-acts.ca)
2018 Issue Briefing: Affordable Housing – Housing Affordability, Availability and Repair – City
of Toronto
LGBTQ2S Housing Matters Project – MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance Dalhousie University
The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional association for
registered nurses who practice in all
Indigenous health_QPD 2019 Final Public.pdf (myrnao.ca)
https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/421/INAN/Brief/BR10491410/brexternal/ChiefsOfOntario-e.pdf
RNAO_to_ECD_Committee_EC7.10_Sept._5_2019.pdf
Example-Information-Briefing-Note.pdf (publicsectorwriting.com)
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The following are more examples to help you get started (note: some of the following are
advocacy letters, but offer a good overview of structuring and positioning an argument):
ONPHA submission to Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on economic
recovery
https://www.raredisorders.ca/template-letter-to-canadas-federal-health-minister/
Human Rights Commission letter to Premier Wynne on murdered and missing Aboriginal
Women: http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/ohrc-letter-premier-wynne-regarding-murdered-and-missingindigenous-women
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CULMINATING WEBQUEST ASSIGNMENT
Toronto Metropolitan University
SWP 402: Social Policy/Social Inclusion
March 1, 2024.
CULMINATING WEBQUEST ASSIGNMENT
WEEKLY QUESTIONS
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WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION & TOPIC CHOICE
QUESTIONS: Students will consider & respond to the following questions, as they
relate to course learning and their specific chosen social policy topic of interest.
(1) Which social service sector have you chosen to focus on? Please outline your
chosen area of social policy advocacy interest.
I have chosen to focus on the social service sector that helps homeless youth, focusing
on the intersection of mental health issues. This advocacy seeks to incorporate
comprehensive mental health support into housing programs, ensuring quick access to
stable housing and critical mental health services.
(2) Please offer 1 way that neoliberalism has/is impacting each of the following (within
your chosen service area of interest): (make sure to indicate how/why)
a. Social Service Delivery & Design
Neoliberalism impacts social service delivery and design for homeless youth by
promoting the marketization and privatization of support services. This often results in
inadequate funding, increasing reliance on non-profit and community services.
b. Funding of Services
Neoliberal policies are influenced by prioritizing cost-cutting measures for reduced
government spending, as neoliberalism is committed to non-inflationary growth and
balanced budgets. (Mahon, R. 2008). This prioritization often results in limited access
to services.
c. Insiders/Frontline
The competitive system of neoliberalism puts additional strain on homeless youth
workers, demanding higher productivity levels while encouraging job insecurity and
reliance on social services. This can lead to burnout, as well as exacerbate the mental
health challenges faced by homeless youth, who must meet stringent targets to
maintain employment stability.
d. Service Users
Neoliberal policies for homeless youth can have detrimental effects, as privatization
can reduce resources available for tailored support services. For instance, the
government’s decision to cut funding for public services and allocate it to the private
sector (Judith M. Dunlop, 2019) exacerbates the challenges faced by homeless
youth struggling to meet the stringent criteria set by assistance programs.
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(2) What are 2 initial areas of concern within your chosen social service
sector/social policy area that are not being addressed & require advocacy to
challenge or change?
The social service sector must address two inadequately addressed areas: employment
barriers and limited mental health service access for homeless youth. Systemic
challenges like discrimination and limited resources impede their access to essential
support. Survey data from 1,103 youth using Canadian homelessness services
underscores the critical need for more mental health funding and efforts to eliminate
employment barriers (Kidd S. A., 2017), highlighting the importance of advocacy in
these areas.
WORD COUNT- 290
RESEARCH LINKS:
Dunlop, Judith M. “Privatization.” Critical Social Work, vol. 7, no. 2, 11 Mar. 2019,
https://doi.org/10.22329/csw.v7i2.5728. Accessed 19 Nov. 2021.
Kidd, S. A., Gaetz, S., & O’Grady, B. (2017). The 2015 National Canadian Homeless
Youth Survey: Mental Health and Addiction Findings. Canadian Journal of
Psychiatry, 62(7), 493–500.
Mahon, R. (2008). Varieties of liberalism: Canadian social policy from the ‘golden
age’ to the present. Social Policy and Administration, 42(4), 342-361.
WEEK 2: SOCIAL SERVICES & THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE
QUESTIONS: Students will consider & respond to the following questions, as they
relate to course learning and their specific chosen social policy topic of interest.
What level(s)/orders of government are responsible for your social service sector?
Who governs the policy, legislation/laws and/or funding? Who would you be
advocating in relation to recommendations in your sector/service?
The federal, provincial, and municipal governments collaborate to oversee the social
service sector. Policy, legislation, and funding in these areas are typically overseen by
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the federal and provincial governments, with municipal governments carrying out
programs and services. Advocacy efforts would focus on policymakers at all levels,
including relevant government departments, elected representatives, and agencies
in charge of housing, health, and social services. This collaboration demonstrates
Canada’s commitment to align its governance with international housing rights.
(CERA, 2022).
(1) What other social policy stakeholders are influencing, impacting, working
and/or advocating within your social service sector, ex. Indigenous governance;
NGOs, Tribunals, Ombudsman, civil rights groups, etc. (in relation to your
chosen policy topic)?
Various stakeholders significantly shape policies and programs addressing
homelessness, youth, and mental health. These stakeholders include non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) specializing in homelessness and mental health support;
Indigenous governance, representing Indigenous youth; tribunals overseeing rights
violations; ombudsman offices ensuring government accountability; school boards and
human rights organizations advocating equitable access to services. (Homeless Hub,
2021).
(2) Who are some of those stakeholders who you can leverage as allies in your
advocacy efforts? Who may be voices of resistance and create barriers?
Allies in advocacy efforts could include NGOs for homeless youth and mental health,
Indigenous groups advocating for culturally appropriated services, human rights
organizations advocating for equitable access to services, and research institutions
offering evidence-based support. Policymakers’ reluctance to allocate funds for mental
health services due to budget concerns stemming from governance limitations serves as
a form of resistance. (McBride, S., & McNutt, K., 2007).
WORD COUNT: 169
RESEARCH LINKS:
Canadian Observatory on homelessness. (2021). Stakeholders | The Homeless Hub.
Www.homelesshub.ca. https://www.homelesshub.ca/toolkit/stakeholders
Centre Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation, & National Right to Housing Network.
(2022). IMPLEMENTING THE RIGHT TO HOUSING IN CANADA A
RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL GOVERNMENTS. https://housingrightscanada.com/wpcontent/uploads/2022/08/a-responsibility-of-all-governments.pdf
McBride, S., & McNutt, K. (2007). Devolution and neoliberalism in the Canadian
welfare state: Ideology, national and international conditioning frameworks, and
policy change in British Columbia. Global Social Policy, 7(2), 177-201
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WEEK 3: SOCIAL INCLUSION & EXCLUSION
QUESTIONS: Students will consider & respond to the following questions, as they
relate to course learning and their specific chosen social policy topic of interest.
The following is an excerpt from Richmond & Saloojee’s (2006) Social Inclusion:
Canadian Perspectives course reading. Looking at some of the concepts outlined in
these papers, (and class slides and discussion) and drawing from the discussion
regarding the contradiction between neo-liberalism and critical social policy articulated
in this quote, answer the following questions:
(1) Building upon you identification of the various stakeholders and advocates
within your chosen social service sector/policy issue identified in Q2: What
may be the tensions between stakeholders? What are the tensions between
stakeholders and your population?
Tension between stakeholders may arise as a result of differing approaches to
addressing the problem, priorities, and resources. (Charles, G., 2016). Some tensions
between stakeholders and homeless youth stem from power dynamics, systemic
barriers to accessing services and support, and mistrust.
(2) Describe the ways in which your population may experience social exclusion in
the sector/policy.
Youth experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges often face social
exclusion in various ways, including being denied access to support, services, rights,
dignity, and respect in their communities. (Robinson, J., 2013). This exclusion presents
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as a barrier to accessing mental health services, education, and employment. They may
also experience discrimination, criminal victimization, stigma, and a lack of
understanding of their needs. Moreover, systemic factors, including poverty, gaps in
social assistance, and inadequate social support systems, can exacerbate their
experiences of discrimination and exclusion.
(3) How may greater inclusion disrupt the way in which power is distributed?
Greater inclusion within the social service sector can potentially disrupt power
distribution by augmenting the voices of homeless youth. Power dynamics can shift
towards more equitable distribution by involving them in decision-making processes
and ensuring their perspectives are valued and incorporated into programs and policies.
This disruption of power dynamics is achieved by recognizing and addressing
historical oppression and exclusion, as well as promoting the recognition and inclusion
of homeless youth in decision-making processes and societal opportunities. (Richmond
& Saloojee., 2006).
WORD COUNT: 176
RESEARCH LINKS:
Gyan, C., & Ampomah, A. O. (2016). Effects of Stakeholder Conflicts on Community
Development Projects in Kenyase. SAGE Open, 6(1), 215824401663525
Robinson, J. (2013). Youth Homelessness and Social Exclusion: A “Methods from the
Margins” Approach.
https://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/bitstream/handle/10012/7972/Robinson_Jennifer.
pdf?isAllowed=y&sequence=1
Saloojee, A. (2003). Social inclusion, anti-racism and democratic citizenship.
Perspectives on social inclusion, working paper series. Laidlaw Foundation
WEEK 4: CLAIMS MAKING &
BUILDING COMMUNITY & SOCIAL CAPACITY
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QUESTIONS: Students will consider & respond to the following questions, as they
relate to course learning and their specific chosen social policy topic of interest.
Referring to Lombe & Sherraden’s (2008) article and classroom lecture/discussion,
consider the following questions:
(1) What ‘social capital’ may be leveraged by your sector to create change? i.e.,
what are their social resources that they may already be accessing to navigate
systems?
The social capital within the networks of homeless youth can be crucial for accessing
the resources and support required to meet their needs. (Barman-Adhikari, A., 2016).
The sector focused on youth homelessness and mental health may utilize established
connections within advocacy groups, support networks, and community organizations
to leverage their efforts. These organizations offer valuable social assets, including
connections to policymakers, advocacy platforms, and funding opportunities.
(2) What might be some of the limitations of measuring the level of inclusion by
your sector? (Look at the list identified in Lombe & Sherraden)
Measuring inclusion in the youth homelessness and mental health sectors presents
challenges. National measures may overlook their experiences due to low participation
rates. Assessments at the community level may fail to capture their specific challenges.
Individually, homeless youth lack the resources necessary for effective participation,
and formal voting measures may fail to reflect their inclusion. (Lombe, M., &
Sherraden, M., 2008; p. 207). These limitations underscore the necessity for
comprehensive approaches to amplify the voices of individuals facing exclusion.
(3) How could those most impacted by your social issue be included in the decision
making? What may be reasons they would not be included? Why may they
NOT WANT to participate in the decision making?
To ensure the inclusion of homeless youth experiencing mental health challenges in
decision-making, accessibility, and empowerment are crucial. Offering accessible
channels such as community meetings, digital platforms, and inclusive spaces
acknowledges their contributions. Providing leadership and advocacy skills allows
them to express their needs effectively. However, systemic barriers such as limited
resources and societal prejudices may prevent their inclusion. Their reluctance can be
caused by systemic barriers and distrust in a system that fails to meet their needs and
factors such as lack of access to education or emotional regulation that may impede
their decision-making skills. (Meade, M. A., 2002). Limited resources exacerbate this
exclusion of participation, while daily struggles and the fear of challenging injustices
make them hesitant to speak out.
WORD COUNT: 256
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RESEARCH LINKS:
Barman-Adhikari, A., Bowen, E., Bender, K., Brown, S., & Rice, E. (2016). A Social
Capital Approach to Identifying Correlates of Perceived Social Support Among
Homeless Youth. Child & Youth Care Forum, 45(5), 691–708.
Lombe, M., & Sherraden, M. (2008). Inclusion in the policy process: An agenda for
participation of the marginalized. Journal of Policy Practice, 7(2-3), 199-213.
Meade, M. A., & Slesnick, N. (2002). Ethical Considerations for Research and
Treatment With Runaway and Homeless Adolescents. The Journal of
Psychology, 136(4), 449–463.
WEEK 5: USING INFORMATION
& EVIDENCE-BASED ARGUMENTS
QUESTIONS: Students will consider & respond to the following questions, as they
relate to course learning and their specific chosen social policy topic of interest.
Use information identified by Kevin Manual to find the information to ‘paint a picture’
of your sector.
(1) Who is your population determined by demographic/social factors? i.e., What is
some of the evidence or data that helps define who and how your target
population is being impacted?
The population in focus is homeless youth aged 13-24 facing systemic discrimination.
Studies show that 85.4% of homeless youth have experienced a mental health crisis,
with 42% attempting suicide and 35.2% drug overdoses. LGBTQ+ individuals,
females, Indigenous youth, and individuals who became homeless before the age of 16
are all at high risk. Challenges before, during, and after homelessness
exacerbate mental health challenges among homeless youth. (Schwan, K., Kidd, 2017).
(2) How may you use statistical ‘evidence’ and information to advocate for the
recommendations you are proposing?
Statistical evidence on the prevalence of mental health challenges among homeless
youth, particularly individuals accessing services, highlights disparities in access to
mental health services. This data can support advocates for targeted approaches,
resource allocation, and the incorporation of comprehensive mental health support into
housing programs. Statistical evidence shows that less than 20% of homeless youth
transitioning to adult mental health care receive adequate treatment, indicating
significant support deficiencies. (Youth Without Shelter. n.d.).
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(3) What may be the limits/drawbacks/pitfalls and/or some critiques of
‘demographic statistics’ or ‘evidence’ for your service sector/service and/or
population?
The limitations of demographic statistics and evidence for homeless youth
experiencing mental health issues can include underrepresentation, inadequate
sampling, and stigmatization, which can lead to biased findings. A mechanistic
approach may overlook the needs of both clients and practitioners, discouraging them
from seeking support, especially when exacerbated by inadequate sampling, frequently
caused by limited resources, time constraints, and difficulties in reaching the entire
population, resulting in biased representation. Furthermore, sampling biases can result
in unclear findings and outdated information, compromising effective implementation
and decision-making processes. (Nevo, I., & Slonim-Nevo, V. 2011).
WORD COUNT:208
RESEARCH LINKS:
Nevo, I., & Slonim-Nevo, V. (2011). The myth of evidence-based practice: Towards
evidence-informed practice. British Journal of Social Work, 41(6), 1176-1197.
Schwan, K., Kidd, S., Gaetz, S., O’Grady, B., & Redman, M. (2017). Mental Health
Care for Homeless Youth: A Proposal for Federal, Provincial, and Territorial
Leadership, Coordination, and Targeted Investment. Toronto: Canadian Observatory
on Homelessness Press.
Youth Without Shelter. (n.d.). Youth Homelessness | Youth Without Shelter. Yws.on.ca.
https://yws.on.ca/who-we-are/youth-homelessness/
WEEK 6: INTERSECTIONALITY & POLICY MAKING
QUESTIONS: Students will consider & respond to the following questions, as they
relate to course learning and their specific chosen social policy topic of interest.
Drawing from Cho, Crenshaw & McCall’s (2013) course reading (and incorporating
class lectures and discussion) outline three engagements (lenses) for an intersectional
framework; and indicate how intersectionality can assist in both understanding the
policy issues/outcomes impacting you sector and advocate to challenge and change
policy.
(1) What are the intersecting and interlocking dynamics of your sector?
The intersecting and interlocking dynamics in youth homelessness and mental health
advocacy result from multiple social dynamics and power relations (Cho et al., 2018, p.
807). Factors like race, gender, and sexual orientation interact with one another to
influence access to mental health services and effective care.
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(2) How do systems intersect with identity factors for your sector?
Health care, social services, and housing systems all intersect with individual identity
factors such as sexual orientation, race, gender, and socioeconomic status in
various ways. In the Housing First approach, systemic racism can prevent homeless
youth of color from accessing mental health services by influencing resource
distribution and negatively impacting their physical and mental health. For instance, an
interviewee mentioned feeling lonely in his unit after leaving a shelter, emphasizing the
importance of culturally sensitive services to provide adequate support (Kotyk, 2023).
These experiences demonstrate the intersection of systemic racism and access to
housing and support services for marginalized communities, highlighting how
intersectional factors interact with the systems of power in our sector.
(3) How may intersectional practice inform theory and intersectional theory
inform practice, leading to best practices and community organizing in your
sector?
Intersectional practice informs theory by offering insight on how various
intersecting identities and social dynamics shape the experiences of youth
homelessness and the mental health advocacy sector. (Zufferey, C. 2017, p.14).
Recognizing the intricate factors within intersectionality allows service providers
to develop tailored and effective solutions to meet their needs. Intersectional
theory informs practice by offering frameworks for addressing systemic
inequalities and advocating for inclusive approaches to youth homelessness and
mental health challenges.
WORD COUNT: 221
RESEARCH LINKS:
Cho, S., Crenshaw. K., & McCall, L. (2013). Toward a field of intersectionality
studies: Theory, applications, and praxis. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture
and Society, 38(4), 785-810
Kotyk, M. C. (2023, November 2). Understanding the role of anti-black systemic
racism in the housing and homelessness sector– a precursor for housing
instability. Understanding the Role of Anti-Black Systemic Racism in the
Housing and Homelessness Sector– A Precursor for Housing Instability | The
Homeless Hub. https://www.homelesshub.ca/blog/understanding-role-anti-blacksystemic-racism-housing-and-homelessness-sector%E2%80%93-precursor
Zufferey, C. (2017). Homelessness and social work: an intersectional approach.
Routledge.
SUBMIT THIS COMPLETED FORM ON D2L
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