Social problem in Australia today

 Identify a social problem in Australia today and present relevant theories and principles of community development which applies to this issue.
 Discuss the appropriate direction for change by making recommendations at a policy and practice level.
For example:
An “Australian social problem” might be some of the following:
 Homelessness
 Domestic violence
 Child abuse and neglect
 Unemployment
 Ageing population
Note: Consider sections of the populace that are disproportionately affected (who are they???) and how change might come about.

Heading 1: Introduction
Within this section, you are required to discuss the aim of the report.
 Firstly, provide a sentence or two re background information re community development by relating to the wider literature.
 Secondly, discuss the aim of the report as outlined within the assessment description.
 Be clear and concise.
Worked Example
Community development is a process where community members are supported by agencies to identify and take collective action on issues which are important to them (ref). This report will discuss and explore a current social problem in Australia in the form of unemployment by referring to the relevant theories and principles of community development. This report will discuss unemployment from the perspective and context of individuals who derive from culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD). The report will also discuss appropriate direction for change by making recommendations at a policy and practice level.
Heading 2: Social problem in Australia
Within this section, you are required to discuss your chosen social problem in Australia.
Things to consider
 Before we go any further, do you know what a social problem is? Which populace group are affected by it and why?
 The social problem must be based in Australia and needs to be current.
 Discuss only one social problem.
 Define the populace group.
 Discuss how and why it is a social problem with examples.
 Refer to the wider literature to substantiate your claims.

Heading 3: Relevant theories and principles
Within this section, you are required to discuss the relevant theories and principles of community development that will shed light and illuminate your social problem.
Things to consider
 What are the relevant theories and principles of community development that are congruent to your social problem?
 Refer to the wider literature to substantiate your claims.
 Provide examples where possible.
For example…
If I had chosen to talk about “disability” as a social problem whereby people with disabilities are routinely marginalized and face inclusion issues. The best frameworks that would shed light into my social problem are the following: the medical model of disability, the social model of disability, the social role valorization framework, the human rights framework and the normalization principle. I would also talk about feminism as the theory represents anyone who is oppressed (we went through this in class last week).
You would get these frameworks through referring to the wider literature.

Heading 4: Recommendations for policy and practice
Within this section, you are required to discuss discuss the appropriate direction for change by making recommendations at a policy and practice level.
Things to consider
 Why is the change needed?
 How can we initiate the change efforts?
 How can we implement the change?
 Who will benefit from the change?
 Policymakers?
 Practitioners?
 The people impacted by it themselves (service users)?

Sample Solution