Bridging the Gap

Purpose: The goal of this assignment is to help you analyze how Minnesota’s political systems and public policies shape human service programming, practice, and the outcomes of its clients.

Overview: You will need to examine a historical or current Minnesota state or local policy and trace how it moves from government decision-making into day-to-day human services practice.

Step 1: Select an MN Policy

Choose a current or recent policy relevant to Human Services in Minnesota. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Housing and Homelessness

• Minnesota Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)
• Housing Stabilization Services (Medical Assistance benefit)
• Local Continuum of Care (CoC) housing policies

Healthcare and Mental Health

• Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare eligibility policies
• Rule 79 (Adult Mental Health Act)
• Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) in Minnesota

Child Welfare and Family Services

• Minnesota Child Protection System reforms
• Minnesota African American Family Preservation Act
• Mandated reporting laws under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 626.556

Disability and Income Assistance

• MnCHOICES assessment process
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers
• Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA)

You will need to briefly summarize the policy, including its purpose, target population, and stated goals.

Step 2: Identify the Level of Government

Identify where the policy originates:

• State: Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)
• Local: County human services agencies, tribal governments, city ordinances

You will need to explain why this level of government has authority over the policy and how it is implemented at the practice level.

Step 3: Analyze Policy Impact on Human Services

Analyze how the policy affects human service programs in the following areas:

• Funding:
• How does the policy allocate, limit, or expand funding for programs or agencies?
• Service Availability:
• Does the policy expand access, restrict services, or change how services are delivered?
• Eligibility Requirements:
• Who qualifies for services under this policy? Who may be excluded?
• Case Management Practices:
• How does the policy affect assessments, documentation, timelines, service planning, or interagency coordination?

Step 4: Client & Provider Impact

Address the human impact of the policy:

• How does the policy affect clients access to services, stability, and overall well-being?
• What challenges, ethical issues, or professional dilemmas might Minnesota human service professionals face as a result?

Step 5: Reflection

In a brief reflection, respond to the following:

• How does this policy demonstrate the connection between Minnesotas political systems and human services practice?
• What responsibilities do human service professionals have in responding to, implementing, or advocating around this policy?

What will you turn in…

Option 1: Written Policy Analysis Paper

Format:

• 35 pages, double-spaced
• APA style citations
• Headings aligned with assignment steps

Content includes:

• Policy summary
• Level of government and authority
• Impact on funding, services, eligibility, and case management
• Client and provider impact
• Reflection on the policy-to-practice connection