Discussion
Contemporary Issues
Contemporary issues in human services continue to challenge human service professionals across the globe. Poverty, violence, teen pregnancy, domestic violence, drug abuse, elder care, and human trafficking are just some of the common issues that cut across borders. These issues are compounded by rising costs of health care, concerns about food safety and security, and the increased threat of terrorism.
For many reasons, countries respond to and address these issues differently based on historical, political, social, and economic factors. For example, in some countries, violence against women is an acceptable norm. Human trafficking, genital mutilation, and other forms of violence often occur without any opportunity for justice. In other countries, however, offenders might receive harsh prison sentences or the death penalty. Regardless of the punishment, some countries offer no means of financial or social service support for the victim while other countries provide an array of available services, including counseling and housing assistance.
For this Discussion select a contemporary human services issue in your area of interest within human services. Think about how other countries approach this issue in comparison to your own country. Consider the historical, political, social, and economic factors that contribute to these differences.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by Day 4 how another country approaches a contemporary human services issue in comparison to your own. Include in your comparison historical, political, social, and economic factors that affect the country’s approach. Finally, provide two insights you had and/or conclusions you drew about how other countries approach contemporary human services issues as a result of your comparison.
Note: Identify the contemporary issue you selected in the first line of your post. You are to respond to a colleague who selected a contemporary issue that you did not
Part 2
Respond to at least one of your colleagues’ postings in one or more of the following ways:
• Ask a probing question.
• Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
• Offer and support an opinion.
• Validate an idea with your own experience.
• Make a suggestion.
Expand on your colleague’s posting.
See post below:
In the United States, most homeless populations are located in parks, under bridges, deserts and some are in vehicles, working or not. Some states have laws prohibiting people from living in cars. In England it is different. Homelessness is defined differently than in the United States as well.
Englands homeless population can access Shelter England, a homeless charity that caters to people who have no where to live. In the United States the definition of homelessness is when a person has no place to live, does not have their name on a lease, mortgage or deed. Both countries consider you non-homeless if you are able to stay with a friend or family member with permission. In some cases England can still deem you homeless if you are only temporarily housed. Shelter England also addresses the needs of individuals who cannot afford the place where they live.
A council determines your homeless status in England. In the United States multiple agencies provide rental assistance and homeless programs based on the availability of funding. England may be legally requiredto provide a homeless person with housing or funding if they fit certain criteria. They also provide an appeal process (Shelter 2013).
The biggest difference I can see between the US and England is that in the US homelessness is far mor acceptable and many may never receive assistance but in England it is more of a legal right to have a place to stay not withstanding the criteria. I think the way England determines who they help is far more progressive and accomodating that the US.
Reference
Shelter (2013). http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/homelessness/help_from_the_council_when_homeless/the_councils_decision
