Implementing the Changes

Implementing changes to policy is difficult. Challenges to changing policy include “high public expectations, confrontational politics, competing and vocal stakeholders, intense media scrutiny and a distrustful citizenry” (Kenny-Scherber, p. 92.) Kenny- Sherber also states that Social workers are expected to be active citizens who participate in influencing public discussion and shaping the decision- making of governments. Social Workers are expected to be advocates on behalf of the powerless (Kenny-Sherber).

The issue is complicated by the conflicting needs of the stakeholders: adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents.

There are many ways of working towards implementing changes to policy. These methods are currently being used to implement the policy that is currently being proposed. We suggest these methods could be used to promote further changes which would improve the policy that is to be fully implemented by June 1, 2009.

When changes to the policy are ready to be implemented, it is helpful to discuss and explain the proposed changes and the reasons for the changes to any Provincial Members of Parliament who is willing to listen. It is also helpful to speak with Public Servants to share research results, policy findings and options. Ultimately the goal is for the Minister in charge of Community and Social Services to receive the information from their staff, after they have reviewed the suggestions.

At the same time, the media can be used to provide news releases and to feature stories about real people who will be affected by the proposed policy changes in the existing form and in the proposed revised form. In the media releases, a consistent designated liason person and alternative contacts should be provided in case anyone has questions or wishes to provide further input. Television documentaries and public service announcements help to get the information out to the people about why change is needed. Advertisements in newspapers, magazines and websites help to get the information about proposed change to the people. Printed brochures provide information to anyone who is looking for facts, once a revised policy has been decided upon.

Public presentations can be made at social or service clubs or to explain the proposed changes to the people who are in attendance. Those people then take the information home to their own families or they may tell others about it when the topic arises. The internet can be used to send out information by way of blogs and emails and personal websites.

Partnerships can be developed with other groups who are also trying to make policy changes.And, as in every other situation where people are grateful for work that is being done, a thank-you is always helpful ( information taken from Lecture of November 5, 2008).

H.