Maximum points: 35

o Writing style/presentation grammar, spelling, use of language,

persuasive and compelling; written in accordance with page limits and

organizational instructions; professional in tone (5)

o Organization well thought out, clear, concise, logical and orderly (10)

o Effort demonstrates thoughtfulness, care and creativity (5)

o Relationship to the class ties to our material, shows substantial

understanding of the material, includes substantial references to course

content (15)

UCLAs policies pertaining to academic integrity apply. Please do not submit a

paper written by AIAI papers get an automatic 0.

Assignment

Throughout our class we have discussed an array of topics, including the origins of the

child welfare system, the processes by which the child welfare system operates, and

various special issues impacting youth and families involved in the child welfare

system. We have reviewed federal, state and local laws and policies. Finally, we have

discussed other ways we can arrive at policy reform, such as individual advocacy and

the press. To that end, Andrea Elliotts book, Invisible Child, offers lawmakers,

advocates, students and our communities much to consider with respect to the child

welfare system and ongoing policy reform.

In 2013, Andrea Elliott and the New York Times covered Dasani and her family in a

5-part feature story. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a policy maker,

later commented on the story and Dasanis family. As mayor, Bloomberg oversaw

the child welfare system among other relevant systems.

With the full extent of Dasanis story (as told in Invisible Child) in mind, please

prepare a letter to Mayor Bloomberg, in response to his remarks, citing relevant

concepts, law/policy from class and content from the book to support your

response. Specifically, please address Bloombergs points:

1. Hopefully the education she is getting will make a big difference and allow her to

realize the incredible potential and break the cycle of poverty that she was born

into.

2. This kid was dealt a bad hand, I dont quite know why, but its just the way God

works.

3. … the family situation is extremely atypical. The article implied that all people are

treated this way or all have the same problems and that just is not true.Given relevant concepts explored in class, including law and policy, your letter

should address:

– What does Mayor Bloomberg get right/wrong or overlook?

– What does he need to know about Dasanis family and others facing similar

circumstances?

– Do you suggest he reframe his remarks, and if so, how and on what basis?

Details

Your paper should be:

4 pages (not 3, not 5 or more 4!)

Double-spaced

Times New Roman 12pt font

1 inch margins

You MUST make reference to class slides, lectures, reading assignments, videos we

watched, and other class materials.1 Do not include outside research. Do not write a

paper about the housing crisis/homelessness.

This is not a book reportthis is an analysis of a policymakers response to system

failure. Please tie together course content with the book to demonstrate your

understanding of the class content as applied to a real world scenario.

WRITE MY PAPER