Social science theories provide insight and understanding to various policy case studies. This is exemplified in the case study of young people transitioning from out of home care. There are a number of issues that young people face when transitioning from out of home care. This has resulted in a number of policies formed to both resolve and improve these issues. The use of social theories can be seen through the ways in which the theory of ideology has been used in the out of home care policy. This will be clear through a quick summary of the case study, an analysis of some important aspects of the policy that were of key interests to policy makers; including the best interests of the child principle and child development and finally, the
…show more content…
The many policies and laws surrounding this case study such as the out of home care policy, were formed to not only address the issues mentioned earlier, but to also reflect the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child (1989), to which Australia is a signatory of. Article 3 of the Conventions on the Rights of the Child, identifies the ‘best interests of the child’ as a core principle for all countries to reflect in their policies and legislation relating to children. Similarly, due to the high value placed on the ‘best interests of the child’ by the United Nations, it was in the interests of the policy makers to highlight this as paramount when forming various policies regarding out of home care. This principle is demonstrated in the out of home care policy where it states, “…ensuring that children’s interests are placed at the heart of decision making.”(CITE) However, this principle on its own is an ideology, because the best interests are determined by the ideologies of what case workers, government bodies and various NGO’s believe are the best interests for the child. This point is further highlighted in a book by Michael Freeman, where he highlights the best interests principle as an ideology because it is a principle that is, “of course, indeterminate.” In addition, Freeman further discusses how this ideological background of the best interests principle can be a danger, because in order to uphold societal …show more content…
This ideological background has been clearly demonstrated through the examination of key aspects within the policy that are of interest to policy makers, specifically child development and the best interests of the child principle, which have been heavily influence by various societal ideologies. In addition, it has been clear through analysing the various issues regarding the case study of young people transitioning from home, that the out of home care policy effectively seeks to both target and address the issues and challenges that young people face when transitioning from out of home
The many policies and laws surrounding this case study such as the out of home care policy, were formed to not only address the issues mentioned earlier, but to also reflect the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child (1989), to which Australia is a signatory of. Article 3 of the Conventions on the Rights of the Child, identifies the ‘best interests of the child’ as a core principle for all countries to reflect in their policies and legislation relating to children. Similarly, due to the high value placed on the ‘best interests of the child’ by the United Nations, it was in the interests of the policy makers to highlight this as paramount when forming various policies regarding out of home care. This principle is demonstrated in the out of home care policy where it states, “…ensuring that children’s interests are placed at the heart of decision making.”(CITE) However, this principle on its own is an ideology, because the best interests are determined by the ideologies of what case workers, government bodies and various NGO’s believe are the best interests for the child. This point is further highlighted in a book by Michael Freeman, where he highlights the best interests principle as an ideology because it is a principle that is, “of course, indeterminate.” In addition, Freeman further discusses how this ideological background of the best interests principle can be a danger, because in order to uphold societal …show more content…
This ideological background has been clearly demonstrated through the examination of key aspects within the policy that are of interest to policy makers, specifically child development and the best interests of the child principle, which have been heavily influence by various societal ideologies. In addition, it has been clear through analysing the various issues regarding the case study of young people transitioning from home, that the out of home care policy effectively seeks to both target and address the issues and challenges that young people face when transitioning from out of home