Objective 2: Identify areas of professional competence and weakness to better interact with the public policy system.

The assigned readings include a comprehensive summary of the elements of public policy design, execution, and analysis that we have discussed in the course. Keep in mind that a comprehensive understanding of public policy develops over time as one gains experience in the field of human services and concepts and policies are applied in real time. For this discussion, you are to reflect upon your overall understanding of the public policy arena, as well as your role as a professional in identifying areas of competence and those requiring continuous improvement

• Review the professional competency journal that you wrote in Week One.
• Prepare to share in discussion the following points:
  • What areas of public policy do you feel most competent and confident in?
  • What areas of public policy do you feel will need the most improvement in terms of knowledge or delivery of services?
  • What steps will you take in your professional life to stay updated on public policy to increase your ability to effectively serve clients?
  • How does this information better allow you to be an advocate for those who you will serve?