[SOLVED] Improving Children and Family Services Guidelines
this is a public policy course: policy implementation at a graduate level. I have provided all the resources needed for the assignment Decide on a critical policy issue (for example, the need for a particular policy, the need for the elimination of a particular policy or the modification of a particular policy) and write a policy memorandum. Writing the Policy Memo – Instructions Reason for Writing: A policy memo is a practical document written by professionals in particular fields, scholars or a stakeholders including private citizens and members of nonprofit organizations and think tanks with vested interests in the subject of the memo. Usually, a policy memo advocates for some change, although the writer could also argue for the status quo. Either way, all feasible approaches should be acknowledged and analyzed. Audience for Policy Memo: Typically, policy memos are sent to people who are responsible for making, interpreting or implementing policy at various levels of the government, government agencies and for-profit and nonprofit organizations which must comply with mandates. Length of Policy Memo: A policy memo can be written in a few pages or 100 pages or more, depending upon a host of factors including the goal in writing the memo, the complexity of explaining research/data access methods, controversy surrounding the topic (some issues require the consideration of a great number of points-of-view regarding problem and solution). For the purpose of this assignment, the memo should not exceed ten (10) pages including citations. Qualities of a Good Policy Memo: Professional/academic writing. Simple, grammatically correct, straight-forward language, that is, language devoid of fancy, folksy, jargonistic or personal expression (unless relevant to the topic under review). Sustained Focus on Objective. Goal is to convince the audience that a problem exists, validity of analysis and policy recommendations. Everything said should support credibility. Avoid digression. Evidence-based. Clear evidence that a problem exists or will exist if the status quo is not maintained and that recommendations made in memo make most sense. Use of evidence, as well, to dispatch opposing alternatives. Evidence provided in memo to support argument and discount opposing arguments should be characterized by explicit criteria. A cost-benefit analysis can add credibility to the argument. Good Structure. Example of memo structure appears below. Whatever system is used to structure the memo, there should be an explicit structure or plan with logical sequence from topic to topic and use of transitions between topics. Good Presentation. Uniform type style; Consistent approach on titles, subtitles and indentation. Proper citation of sources. Compliance with the APA (American Psychological Association) style guide. Practicality and Feasibility. Problem addressed should be a real, existing problem which, if eliminated, would substantially improve peoples lives. The recommendations in memo should be practical and feasible and better than other feasible approaches. Resources: https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/policymemo http://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/36824/11-479Spring-2004/OcwWeb/Urban-Studies-and-Planning/11-479Spring-2004/Assignments/index.htm http://www.fao.org/3/i2195e/i2195e03.pdf http://www.fao.org/3/i2195e/i2195e03.pdf
