Interactions among Policy Interactions among Policy ElementsElementsLooking at Program Components

Policy ElementsPolicy ElementsCoentitlement – people eligible for one

program will be eligible for others (example, TANF, Medi-cal, Food Stamps)

Disentitlement-use of one benefit will make people ineligible for others (example, SSI receipt makes people ineligible for TANF).

Lipsky argues that there is also a program effect called “bureaucratic disentitlement – this is when the rules make it almost impossible for people to apply for a service and establish eligibility for it. (for example, the relative responsibility rule; some types of work requirements or eligibility restrictions)

Program Elements Program Elements (continued)(continued) Contrary effects – operation of one program or

policy cancels out another. (For example, increasing accountability or paperwork requirements may decrease program access).

Duplication of services (someone may receive the same benefits from more than one source – prompting concerns about the individual receiving too much and reducing services/benefits available to others.)

Government-level interaction. Benefits administered or financed at one level may cancel out those received at another. (example – receipt of emergency shelter or food may affect eligibility for some types of federal benefits).

Things to take into Things to take into consideration in policy consideration in policy analysis:analysis:Context of Social ProblemDefinition of ProblemIdeological PerspectiveCausal analysis (what theories are used

to explain the problem).Gainers & LosersJudicial & Historical ContextSocial Program/PolicyGoals & ObjectivesEligibility RulesBenefit or Service

Policy analysis (continued)Policy analysis (continued)Administration & Service Delivery Program Theory (why is program expected to work/causal

chain)

Program Design

Type of Service Delivery Organization

Is it integrated/continuous?

Accessible

How is accountability enforced?

Financing Mechanism

Example: Child Abuse Example: Child Abuse ProgramsProgramsWhat are the theories about why

child abuse happens? Have our ideas about child abuse

changed over time?What types of programs are

effective in counseling adult abusers? What are the theories associated with these programs?