Public Policy Process, Essay Example

A public policy is a principled action guide taken and considered by different administrative agencies of the federal state that deal with class issues in line with institutional settings while conforming to the laws as stipulated in the constitution. The shaping of a public policy is a rigorous and multi-faceted process that considers several factors including and not limited to identification of a problem, development, and selection of alternatives, implementation of the established policy, evaluation, and consideration of changes. The processes involved in policymaking are dependent on the budgeting process where funding is allocated according to the appropriations of Congress. Funding is allocated once a policy is authorized. Poverty is an issue that affects not only an individual, but also the society. Several policies have been developed in the United States to deal with poverty issues, but the “Aid to Families with Dependent Children” stands out due to its place in the eradication of poverty amongst children[1].

Evaluation of the policy

The “Aid to Families with Dependent Children” policy has undergone a lot of transformation since its inception in 1935[2]. The massive program was instituted as the “Aid to Dependent Children” as part of the Social Security Act. The policy was instituted to help single mothers who were not working by giving them scant relief. The problem identification process for designing the policy centered on the consequences of children being brought up by single parents who were not at work. Its first deficiency was the focus on white women and segregating black women. The policy’s segregation of black women was from the notion that they were consistently in the labor force and were termed ineligible from receiving any grants. The process that guides the making of a public policy is reflected with the evaluations that followed due to renewed considerations in 1962[3].

The civil society alongside the national welfare rights organization can be credited for the transformation of the policy from ADC to AFDC[4]. The new policy instituted in 1962 considered the plight of black and white women with children. The policy’s target was to alleviate the welfare of the parents because this would lead to the improvement of the livelihood of their children. Children across the globe are considered equal with different talents and abilities that could be exploited for the benefit of the nation. Consequently, it is prudent that they should be accorded all the support necessary in the acquisition of shelter, education, health, clothing, and food with the aim of providing an enabling environment for talent exploitation.

The spending on families with dependent children grew tremendously and at the close of 1996, it stood at a staggering twenty-four billion dollars. The policy was reconstructed in 1996 under the leadership of President Clinton to introduce a new policy referred to as the Temporary Assistance for Needy families[5]. The new policy was drafted because of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act. The policy reduced the amount of benefits enjoyed from the previous policy and anchors strongly on sustainability through active employment. The developments and changes that have been instituted within the policy framework indicate the rigorous processes involved in policymaking.

A public policy is an instrument used in addressing social issues related to governance and as such, it should be accommodative to social changes. The TANF policy is a practical example of the shaping of a public policy and its need of transformations and restructuring. The policy has been shaped and evaluated to meet specific needs established over time.

Reference

Weaver, R. Kent. Ending Welfare As We Know It. Washington, D.C: Brookings Institution Press, 2000

[1] Weaver, R. Kent. Ending Welfare As We Know It. Washington, D.C: Brookings Institution Press, 2000

[2] Weaver, R. Kent. Ending Welfare As We Know It. Washington, D.C: Brookings Institution Press, 2000

[3] Weaver, R. Kent. Ending Welfare As We Know It. Washington, D.C: Brookings Institution Press, 2000

[4] Weaver, R. Kent. Ending Welfare As We Know It. Washington, D.C: Brookings Institution Press, 2000

[5] Weaver, R. Kent. Ending Welfare As We Know It. Washington, D.C: Brookings Institution Press, 2000