1) Introduction: Briefly introduce the reader to the social problem or challenge. Why is this an important issue? You can briefly refer to evidence you observed, read about or heard from your interviews as a reason.
2) Overview. Here you will address some of the basic information the reader should know.
a. Prevalence. (Look at national and state figures – include local if you have that available)
i. Find most current statistics available
ii. Include indication of change over time, i.e., are there statistics that reflect whether the problem has been reduced, about the same or increased over recent years)
iii. Note differences in prevalence that are based upon factors like gender, race/ethnicity, income, etc.
b. Risk factors. What does the literature say about factors that contribute to a higher likelihood of this social problem occurring. (Protective factors usually refer to factors that protect individuals, families or the community – you can include this if you find this information, but note these as Protective Factors, not Risk Factors)
c. Impact. What does the literature say about the impact this problem has on individuals. Think of domains like health, mental health, education, employment, housing, social relationships. Include impact on family and communities if that information is available.
3) Theories or Conceptual Frameworks. What is or are theoretical or conceptual frameworks that explain the social problem or through which we are asked to understand the social problem. For example, you may find psychological frameworks that explain individual level factors; or structural frameworks that are related to inequality or factors like poverty, race, gender oppression, etc.?
4) Policies.
• What are major federal, state and/or local policies enacted to address this social problem (or are there any that have made it worse?)
• If there are significant policy debates relating to the framing and/or addressing of the social problem, identify the primary differences and policy implications (eg. homelessness – interventions supporting use of food pantries versus building of affordable housing).
5) Interventions. Describe the evidence-informed and best practice interventions (can also include prevention strategies) reported in the literature that have the best or promising outcomes related to this problem or challenge. Be sure to address the populations the interventions have been used with as well as the outcomes or possible challenges in the use of the intervention. NOTE: This is a very important section.
6) Conclusion
Summarize the main points of your paper in relation to practice and policies used to address this problem or challenge.
Discuss the relevance of the literature and interventions to your community including what may need to be changed in order to be relevant.
