Objective 2: Identify the intended benefits of policy formation while acknowledging inequality that may result. Policy formation and execution can be a frustrating experience as often the policy is tailored to meet broader societal needs. There will be countless individual circumstances that render a policy ineffective, unfair, or unrealistic for certain individuals. Yet, policy formation is critical in that it is impossible to account for all individual circumstances. The following activity will allow you to analyze how a policy designed for good can actually have negative repercussions for a variety of parties, even those it is intended to help. You will then explore a main issue with policy formation and implementation by identifying how a policy may serve the overall population, but fail to adequately serve certain individuals.

• Read the following article: National Conference of State Legislators. (2012). How the Child Support System Affects Low-Income Fathers. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/how-child-support-affects-low-income-fathers.aspx
• Address the following questions in a total of 1 page (double spaced).
  • What is the intent of the child support policy discussed? Who is intended to be helped by it? Identify at least 3 methods that the policy proposes to obtain child support from fathers.
  • Identify how the policy seeks to serve the entire population, but harms individuals with unique circumstances (be sure to discuss how both mothers and fathers may not adequately be served).
  • The text proposes that an alternative approach to collective policy making is taking a more individual approach. The professional would have access to a ‘pot’ of funds, and could use those funds in any way possible to meet the individual needs of their clients. What are at least 2 downfalls to this alternative policy formation methodology?