Title of Abstract
Social Work and Criminal Justice Reform
Faculty Mentor
One WU mentor: Wendy Sellers, Ph.D.; sellersw@winthrop.edu
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Social Work
Faculty Mentor
Wendy Sellers, Ph.D.
Abstract
Inequality and injustice in the criminal justice system in America have been prevalent since its origin. Recently, there have been more violent police encounters and police brutality against people of color, specifically African Americans. Some notable instances include Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Freddie Gray, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor. This injustice is mainly due to overt racism and racial profiling. The “Achieve Equal Opportunity and Justice” policy from the 2021 Blueprint of Federal Social Policy focuses on these racial injustices within the legal system. The policy highlights the criminal justice system’s numerous problems, including discrimination, racial profiling, overcriminalization, and systemic racism. This paper will demonstrate how the “Achieve Equal Opportunity and Justice” policy correlates to social work’s purpose of promoting human and community well-being. Recommendations for advocacy related to this policy will also be addressed. Lastly, the paper will identify and discuss one social work agency/organization that addresses reform and equality in the criminal justice system.
Additional Fields About Your Abstract
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Course Assignment
SCWK 200 - Sellers
Social Work and Criminal Justice Reform
Inequality and injustice in the criminal justice system in America have been prevalent since its origin. Recently, there have been more violent police encounters and police brutality against people of color, specifically African Americans. Some notable instances include Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Freddie Gray, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor. This injustice is mainly due to overt racism and racial profiling. The “Achieve Equal Opportunity and Justice” policy from the 2021 Blueprint of Federal Social Policy focuses on these racial injustices within the legal system. The policy highlights the criminal justice system’s numerous problems, including discrimination, racial profiling, overcriminalization, and systemic racism. This paper will demonstrate how the “Achieve Equal Opportunity and Justice” policy correlates to social work’s purpose of promoting human and community well-being. Recommendations for advocacy related to this policy will also be addressed. Lastly, the paper will identify and discuss one social work agency/organization that addresses reform and equality in the criminal justice system.
