PLCY 824 -  ANALYSIS, FORMULATION, AND EVALUATION OF SOCIAL POLICY

In this practitioner-taught seminar, Child, Youth and Family Welfare in British Columbia, students will have the opportunity to explore diverse topics in child, youth, and family policy in British Columbia, Canada. The key areas of focus will include: (1) Overview of child, youth, and family welfare law and policies (2) Indigenous critiques of child welfare policy (3) Decision-making in child welfare, and (4) Application of policy analysis to complex social problems in child, youth, and family sector.

Through a series of readings, videos, debates, and expert guest lectures, the intersecting roles of social policy practitioners and the clients they serve will be explored. In an effort to bridge the gap from theory to practice, diverse guest speakers will help with knowledge transfer – from field to classroom. Students will have ample opportunities to learn about the many complex aspects of policy from practitioners, analyze the impact of policy, collectively reflect on current and future policy trends, and hone their research skills.

Goals and Objectives

  • Understand the intersecting roles of various policy professionals

  • Use various sources of data to analyze a complex social problem and develop policy solutions

  • Evaluate social policy, including alternatives

  • Analyze social policy through a decolonized and equity/inclusion lens 

  • Prepare policy briefs and decision notes