Individual or family misfortunes are often a result of conditions for which society as a whole is responsible. When social barriers exist on a large scale and negatively alter the individual’s or family’s life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, and when self-reliance and charity are insufficient palliatives, it becomes the responsibility of government to intervene through creating and enacting legislation. This course examines a 120-year history of social issues requiring public assistance and the processes and resulting legislation to address these issues. Cases considered will include alleviating aspects of poverty through the Social Security Act, institutionalization reform achieved by several Mental Health acts, and elder security and community support promoted by the Older Americans Act. We will also examine child welfare and housing legislation and, in each noted topical area, review conditions, process and legislative remedies, including both victories and shortcomings, of legislative strategies.
((Don Goughler - Thursday - In-Person))
