Human service providers can address and participate in public policy making and political action in several ways. To begin with, a human service provider can participate in the regulation writing process. During this process, human service providers can participate in public hearings, be included on mailing lists or send written comments concerning preliminary drafts of regulations (Harris, Maloney, & Rother, 2004).
A human service worker, in the position of working with children, may find it important to attend hearings that decide how children would testify against their perpetrator. In this situation, it would be important for organizations to collaborate and present the effects or trauma face-to-face testimony could cause, to a child who has been abused. The workers could also present any victims rights information they feel would be relevant.
Participation on advisory bodies to public and voluntary agencies is another role that a human service provider can partake in. On these committees the human service worker, who serves on these committees should represent the agency as well as the entire human service profession and educational programs (Harris, Maloney, & Rother, 2004). An advisory board aimed at addressing domestic violence could address the impact of domestic violence on children, limited shelters, and protection of the battered person. The advisory body could contact government officials and advocate for an increase in funding to establish an increase number of shelters available for battered parents and their children.
Participation in media activities is another way a human service worker can participate in public policy debate (Harris, Maloney, & Rother, 2004). A children and youth worker may want to write an article, for the local newspaper, addressing symptoms of abuse to increase public awareness. The Human service worker may also participate on a talk show to advocate for supporters to contact government of
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