discuss at least two behaviors common in adolescents in those two cultures. Look for resources from sites such as National Geographic or similar sources. Examples of typical adolescent behavior in our culture include dating, learning to drive, getting a first part time job. Choose two other cultures to look at what adolescents do. Are behaviors similar or different than typical teenagers in the United States?

Cultural Relativity is the idea that behavior is different depending on culture. Choose two countries and, using articles from the internet (legitimate sources with authors – no Wikipedia or about.com or encyclopedia sources), discuss at least two behaviors common in adolescents in those two cultures. Look for resources from sites such as National Geographic or similar sources. Examples of typical adolescent behavior in our culture include dating, learning to drive, getting a first part time job. Choose two other cultures to look at what adolescents do. Are behaviors similar or different than typical teenagers in the United States?

Module-5-Puberty-and-Adolescent-Development.pdf

Module 5 Puberty and Adolescence

PUBERTY & PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN ADOLESCENCE
Module 5: Part 1

Puberty Includes 1. Adolescent growth spurt, 2. Development of secondary sexual
characteristics. 3. Attainment of fertility. 4. Establishment of individual sexual identity. 5. Timing for Puberty onset has wide variability- 6. Girls- 8-12 years and Boys- 9-14 years of age.

Puberty cont’d
• From a biological perspective, the beginning of adolescence is marked by the onset of puberty
• Cultural influences on puberty include nutrition, the quality of health care and living conditions

Changes in Puberty
• In the developed world the biologic age of menarche (start of menstruation) has declined over the past centuries from 16.6 years in 1840 to 12.5 years by 1980
• Data on boys, though less reliable, suggest that they may be beginning maturation earlier as well

Tanner Stages Measures puberty through physical development in boys and girls For girls:
• Stage 1: pre-pubertal, no hair, no breasts • Stage 2: light, downy hair along the base of the scrotum and phallus in
the male or the labia majora in females, breast buds, small amount of glandular tissue, areola widens
• Stage 3: moderate amount of more curly, pigmented, and coarser hair, extending more laterally, breasts enlarge, reola continues to enlarge but remains in contour with breast
• Stage 4: hair that resembles adult hair in coarseness and curliness but does not extend to medial surface of thighs, Breasts continue to enlarge with more elevation. Areola and papilla form a mound projecting from the breast contour.
• Stage 5: adult type and quantity, extending to medial surface of thighs, Areola and breast in same plane, with papilla projecting above areola

Tanner Stages • For Boys: • Genital Stage 1 pre-pubertal • Genital Stage 2 (G2) Testicular volume 1.6-6ml,
scrotum red, thinner, larger phallus unchanged, Testicular volume 6-12 ml
• Genital Stage 3 (G3) scrotum enlarges phallus increases length
• Genital Stage 4 (G4) Testicular volume 12-20 ml, Scrotum enlarges and darkens, Phallus increases in length and circumference
• Genital Stage 5 (G5): Testicular volume >20 ml Scrotum and phallus adult size

Other Physical Changes in Adolescence Boys and Girls: • Growth spurt • Acne • Girls tend to lose less of their body fat than boys • An awkwardness as various body parts grow at
different rates • Biologic changes in the brain causing dynamic
emotional and cognitive changes • Boys: Voice Changes • Menarche: Start of menstruation for girls

Impact of Puberty • Variations in the timing of puberty can have psychosocial
impact on the teen who vary from the mean. • Early developing males have greater self confidence and
greater likely hood of academic, social and athletic success.
• Early puberty in girls appears to be related to lower self esteem and more concerns about body image.
• Unlike boys, late developing girls do not seem to have problems with poor self esteem.
• Poor self esteem correlates with many of the problems that arise during adolescence including difficulties in relationships, risky behavior and poor school performance.

Sleep and Adolescence • Increased need for sleep at puberty • Adequate sleep is essential to support healthy
physical development • During puberty changes in melatonin secretion
cause a sleep delay leading to later sleep onset and later waking times
• Adolescents need 9-9.5 hours of sleep/night • Sleep enhances the consolidation of learning • Insufficient sleep
– Irritability/Low frustration tolerance – Difficulties with attention and self control

Nutrition & Health • Around 17.6% of adolescents are obese
• Proper diet and exercise continues to be important
• Many adolescents engage in risky behaviors and experimenting with alcohol and drugs
• Eating disorders become more common • Onset of many mental disorders begins in
late adolescence

Stages of Adolescence
• In all countries adolescence go through the same stages but age ranges may vary
• Early Adolescence: USA 10-13 years
• Middle Adolescence: USA 14-17 years
• Late Adolescence: USA 17-21 years

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN ADOLESCENCE
Module 5: Part 2

The Adolescent Brain There may be a biologic basis for the increased
risk taking and impulsivity in adolescence o Areas of the brain that are associated with the
capacity evaluate risk and reward are one of the last regions of the brain to mature
o Areas of the brain associated with working memory, emotion regulation and the capacity for long term planning mature during adolescence

Piaget: Formal Operations Stage
• Abstract thinking the final, most complex stage in the development of cognitive thinking, in which thought is characterized by adaptability, flexibility, and the use of concepts and generalizations. Problem solving is accomplished by drawing logical conclusions from a set of observations, such as making hypotheses and testing them

Reasoning in Adolescence
• Dialetical reasoning • Problem solving
o Task analysis o Encoding
• Moral reasoning o Preconventional level o Conventional level o Postconventional level

Cognitive Development in Adolescence
• Retain concrete thinking • Begin to question authority and societal
standards • Conformist morality of childhood • Learning by trial and error • Beginning abstraction • Imaginary audience, on stage all the time,
others are thinking only about them

By Mid-Adolescence: • Thinking tends to be less childlike, more
abstract, introspective and analytic • Begin to realize they are sexual beings • Can consider facts and make better decisions
based on knowledge of the consequences of their choices
• Sensitive to criticism • Increased openness of feelings and sensitivity to
the feelings of others • Continue to be influenced by peers

Cognition in Late Adolescence o Conceptualize/verbalize thoughts o Full adult reasoning/identity o Ability for abstract thinking o Understanding consequences of behavioral
choices o Increased thoughts about more global concepts
such as justice, history, politics, patriotism and their emerging role in adult society

SOCIO-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN ADOLESCENCE
Module 5: Part 3

Socio-emotional Devlopment
• Begin to separate from parents and identify with peers
• Confrontational with parents • Preoccupation with self • Preoccupation with being like peers • Conformity • Same gender in clique

Socio-Emotional Dev. In Early Adolescece
• Interest in other gender for friendship • Travel in “packs” • Greater need for privacy • Still need “down-time” • Mood swings/Erratic behavior • Lack of impulse control

Socio-Emotional Changes Mid-Adolescence
• Peak – Parental conflicts – Peer involvement – Risk taking behavior
• Conformity with peer values • Feeling of omnipotence and immortality • Egocentric
– Personal fable, belief in own uniqueness and invulnerability
• Self centeredness and vanity

Mid-Adolescence Continued
• Increasing independence • Less idealistic vocational aspirations • Questioning “who is the real me ?” • Behave differently with different people • Conflicting view of the self can be troubling
o Ability to recognize that they have different roles with different people but don’t yet understand why and this can be troubling

Socio-emotional Development in Late Adolescence • Integration of the diverse views of self • Less importance placed on peer group • May accept parental values or develop own • Realistic vocational goals • Less self centered • Decreased impulsivity and increased ability to
compromise • Fully understanding lack of invincibility • Ability to compromise and set limits • Refinement of moral and religious values

Identity Formation • Erikson’s Stage: Identity vs. Role Confusion • At this stage the individual develops a fairly
stable identity to carry with them into adulthood. • Psychosocial moratorium – Gap between
childhood security and adult autonomy • Adolescents experiment with different roles and
personalities • Adolescents must cope with conflicting identities
emerge with a new sense of self

Identity
• Self-portrait composed of many pieces o Vocational/career o Political o Religious o Relationship o Achievement, intellectual o Sexual o Cultural/ethnic o Interests

Ethnic Identity
• Ethnic identity: Enduring aspect of the self that includes: o Sense of membership in an ethnic group o Attitudes and feelings related to that membership
• Many adolescents develop a bicultural identity o Identify in some ways with their ethnic group and
in other ways with the majority culture

Family Dynamics
• Parental monitoring and information management o Supervising adolescents’ choice of:
• Social settings • Activities • Friends • Academic efforts

Attachment • Autonomy and attachment • Role of attachment
o Securely attached adolescents are less likely to have emotional difficulties and to engage in problem behaviors:
• Juvenile delinquency and drug abuse o Parents must weigh needs for autonomy and control,
independence and connection o The push for autonomy
• May puzzle and anger many parents • Adolescents’ ability to attain autonomy is acquired through appropriate
adult reactions to their desire for control • Boys are given more independence Parent-adolescent conflict
o Increases in early adolescence but does not reach the tumultuous proportions
o Remains somewhat stable during the high school years • Lessens as the adolescent reaches 17 to 20 years of age

Friends and Peers • Friendships
o Most teens prefer a smaller number of friendships that are more intense and more intimate
o Friends become increasingly important in meeting social needs • Peer groups
o Peer pressure • Young adolescents conform more to peer standards than children do
o Cliques and crowds • Cliques: Small group averaging 5 or 6 individuals that may form among
adolescents o Engage in similar activities
• Crowds: Larger than cliques and less personal o Members are based on reputation o May not spend much time together

Dating and Intimate Relationships o Developmental changes in dating and romantic
relationships • Three stages
o Entry into romantic attractions and affiliations at about 11 to 13 years of age o Exploring romantic relationships at approximately 14 to 16 years of age o Consolidating dyadic romantic bonds at about 17 to 19 years of age
o Dating in gay and lesbian youth • Many date other-sex peers, which can help clarify their sexual
orientation or disguise it from others o Sociocultural contexts and dating
• Values, beliefs, and traditions dictate the age at which dating begins
o Dating and adjustment • Linked with measures of how well-adjusted adolescents are

Culture and Adolescence
• Cross-cultural comparisons o Traditions and changes in adolescence around
the globe • Health • Gender • Family • Peers • Rites of passage: Ceremony that marks an individual’s
transition from one status to another

Ethnicity o Immigration
• High rates of immigration are contributing to the growth of ethnic minorities in the U.S.
• Immigrants experience stressors uncommon to longtime residents
o Ethnicity and socioeconomic status • Interact in ways that exaggerate the influence of
ethnicity • Ethnic minority adolescents experience:
o Prejudice, discrimination, and bias o Stressful effects of poverty

Impact of Technology o Technology and digitally mediated communication
• e-mail, instant messaging, social networking sites: o Facebook, chat rooms, video sharing and photo sharing,
• Multiplayer online computer games and virtual worlds
• Influences social interaction • Research looking at self-esteem • Risks of cyber-bullying • 97% of high school students and 95% of
middle school students use computers.

Adolescent Issues • Juvenile delinquency
o Juvenile delinquent: Adolescent who breaks the law or engages in behavior that is considered illegal
o Delinquency rates • Males more likely to engage in delinquency than females • Rates among minority groups and lower-SES youth are especially high
• Depression and suicide o Depression
• Factors contributing to depression o Genes o Certain family factors o Poor peer relationships
o Suicide • Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in 10- to 19-year-olds • Adolescents contemplate or attempt it unsuccessfully than actually commit it • Females are more likely to attempt suicide, but males are more likely to succeed

Module 5
Puberty & Physical development in adolescence
Puberty Includes
Puberty cont’d
Changes in Puberty
Tanner Stages
Tanner Stages
Other Physical Changes in Adolescence
Impact of Puberty
Sleep and Adolescence
Nutrition & Health
Stages of Adolescence
CognitiVe Development in Adolescence
The Adolescent Brain
Piaget: Formal Operations Stage
Reasoning in Adolescence
Cognitive Development in Adolescence
By Mid-Adolescence:
Cognition in Late Adolescence
Socio-Emotional Development in Adolescence
Socio-emotional Devlopment
Socio-Emotional Dev. In Early Adolescece
Socio-Emotional Changes Mid-Adolescence
Mid-Adolescence Continued
Socio-emotional Development in Late Adolescence
Identity Formation
Identity
Ethnic Identity
Family Dynamics
Attachment
Friends and Peers
Dating and Intimate Relationships
Culture and Adolescence
Ethnicity
Impact of Technology
Adolescent Issues

Describe a change, big or small, that you feel should be implemented in your current or a prior workplace.

In your readings, Lewin’s change theory was described. This theory applies steps to any change process and these steps are identified as freezing, unfreezing, and refreezing.  Additionally, his Force Field Analysis evaluation described the influences of change’s likelihood of success. Considering this please address the following prompts in your discussion:

Describe a change, big or small, that you feel should be implemented in your current or a prior workplace.
If you were the unit manager, describe the steps you would take to facilitate this change according to Lewin.
Hypothesize the potential facilitators and barriers associated with a Force Field Analysis of this change, and how you would utilize this information.

Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references.

Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social service.

Assignment Overview
This assignment builds on the previous components of this research project, where you identified a social problem and selected a federal policy that affects it.
Once social workers have located a policy that addresses a social problem, the next step is to analyze the policy's development and potential impacts. In other words, does the policy resolve or mitigate the issue? Looking at China’s one-child policy, you would want to know whether it is indeed reducing fertility rates. Next, you would want to know if the policy has any unintended consequences that must also be addressed. For example, China’s one-child policy has led to significant labor shortages in the country.
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following EPAs and practice behaviors:

Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice

C5.GP.A: Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social service.

Related Assignment Criterion:

1. Analyze the development of the chosen policy.

Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice

C5.GP.B: Assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services.

Related Assignment Criteria:

2. Evaluate the effectiveness of the policy with respect to the target population.
3. Evaluate the feasibility of the policy.

Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice

C5.GP.C: Apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

Related Assignment Criterion:

4. Identify the policy constraints that inhibit the policy from fully addressing the problem for the chosen population.

Assignment Description
In this assignment, you will analyze the federal policy you chose to address your social justice issue, including providing background of the development of the policy and evaluating its effectiveness and feasibility. Remember that the feasibility of a policy relates not only to its economic feasibility, but also to its political and social impact. You will also identify the policy constraints that inhibit the policy from most effectively reaching your targeted population.
Continue to consult Congress.gov, the Government Accountability Office, public policy analysis research and reports, and other peer-reviewed research to support your analysis. Also, use the NASW Code of Ethics Web page to guide your analysis.
Assignment Instructions
For this assignment:

Analyze the development of your chosen federal policy.

Analyze the historical background that led to the development of the policy.
Define the goals of the policy and how these goals are intended to be met, including services and programs intended to achieve the goals.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the policy with respect to the target population.

Consider how well the policy has met the needs of your target population and to what extent it improves the social justice problem you initially researched. Does the policy seem to ignore, impede, or strengthen the social functioning of the target population?
To what extent does the policy meet or improve the social values of the target population?
To what extent does the policy adhere to best practice ethics and best practice standards?
If the outcome of your analysis is that best practice ethics and standards are not being adhered to, include that information in your analysis as well.

Evaluate the feasibility of the policy.

Is the policy politically, economically, and administratively feasible? Provide details and rationale.

Identify the policy constraints that inhibit the policy from fully addressing the problem for the chosen population. Have other constraints arisen since the passage of the policy that have made conditions worse or better for the chosen population?

Guidelines

Support your claims and recommendation with clear rationale and support from scholarly, peer-reviewed literature.
Refer to the rubric that will be used to grade your work, before completing this assignment.
Reference feedback you received from the previous assignment to improve the quality of your submission. Further feedback from this project component will help you improve your work for the final Federal Policy Analysis and Recommendations course project.

Example assignment: You may use the assignment example, linked in the Resources, to give you an idea of what a Proficient or higher rating on the rubric would look like.
Additional Requirements
The assignment you submit is expected to meet the following requirements:

Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and formatting standards.
Cited resources: Minimum of eight scholarly sources. All literature cited should be current, with publication dates within the past five years.
Length of paper: Six to eight double-spaced, typed pages.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
Due date: Assignment must be submitted to your instructor in the courseroom no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday of this week.

Resources

NASW Code of EthicsLinks to an external site..
Library Research and Information Skills: What Is Scholarly?
Introduction to the Capella Library.
Capella University Library.
United States CongressLinks to an external site..
Week 6 Assignment Example [PDF] Download Week 6 Assignment Example [PDF].
Evidence and APA.
How Do I Find Peer-Reviewed Articles?

View RubricWeek 6 Assignment – Policy AnalysisWeek 6 Assignment – Policy AnalysisCriteriaRatingsPtsAnalyze the development of the chosen policy. (C5.GP.A)view longer description55 to >46.75 ptsDISTINGUISHEDAnalyzes the development of the chosen policy and uses outstanding details and examples to support the analysis.46.75 to >38.5 ptsPROFICIENTAnalyzes the development of the chosen policy.38.5 to >0 ptsBASICDescribes but does not analyze the development of the chosen policy.0 ptsNON_PERFORMANCEDoes not describe the development of the chosen policy./ 55 ptsEvaluate the effectiveness of the policy with respect to the target population. (C5.GP.B)view longer description55 to >46.75 ptsDISTINGUISHEDEvaluates the effectiveness of the policy with respect to the target population, using outstanding details and examples to support the evaluation.46.75 to >38.5 ptsPROFICIENTEvaluates the effectiveness of the policy with respect to the target population.38.5 to >0 ptsBASICAnalyzes but does not evaluate the effectiveness of the policy with respect to the target population.0 ptsNON_PERFORMANCEDoes not analyze the effectiveness of the policy with respect to the target population./ 55 ptsEvaluate the feasibility of the policy. (C5.GP.B)view longer description55 to >46.75 ptsDISTINGUISHEDEvaluates the feasibility of the policy, using outstanding details and examples as support.46.75 to >38.5 ptsPROFICIENTEvaluates the feasibility of the policy.38.5 to >0 ptsBASICDescribes but does not evaluate the feasibility of the policy.0 ptsNON_PERFORMANCEDoes not describe the feasibility of the policy./ 55 ptsIdentify the policy constraints that inhibit the policy from fully addressing the problem for the chosen population. (C5.GP.C)view longer description55 to >46.75 ptsDISTINGUISHEDAnalyzes the policy constraints that inhibit the policy from fully addressing the problem for the chosen population, using outstanding details and examples as support.46.75 to >38.5 ptsPROFICIENTIdentifies the policy constraints that inhibit the policy from fully addressing the problem for the chosen population.38.5 to >0 ptsBASICIdentifies only some of the policy constraints that inhibit the policy from fully addressing the problem for the chosen population.0 ptsNON_PERFORMANCEDoes not identify policy constraints that inhibit the policy from fully addressing the problem for the chosen population./ 55 ptsCommunicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession.view longer description30 to >25.5 ptsDISTINGUISHEDCommunicates in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession, consistently and with no errors, referencing at least eight, well-chosen scholarly sources.25.5 to >21 ptsPROFICIENTCommunicates in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession, referencing at least eight scholarly sources.21 to >0 ptsBASICInconsistently communicates in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession, or does not support the claims with at least eight scholarly sources.

socialjusticeproblems..edited.docx

2

Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Racial and Ethnic Minorities through the Affordable Care Act

Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Racial and Ethnic Minorities through the Affordable Care Act
Racial and ethnic minority healthcare disparities are a serious social justice issue. Cultural obstacles, socioeconomic issues, implicit bias, and structural racism are the main causes of the discrepancies. The factors lead to poor health outcomes and unequal access to high-quality healthcare. United States crested the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to alleviate the healthcare inequities among racial and ethnic minorities (Adamson et al., 2019). Affordable Care Act (ACA) was a federal law enacted order to create health insurance markets and increase Medicaid eligibility. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) also mandates essential health benefits and forbids insurance companies from refusing coverage due to pre-existing diseases. The goal of the Affordable Care Act was to lessen racial and ethnic minority gaps in healthcare access and provision. This paper explores the ACA goals, services and programs it offers, the background, and its effects.
Purpose of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The 2010 Affordable Care Act aimed to improve healthcare access and reduce disparities, It was targeted to elevate healthcare disparity issues affecting racial and ethnic minorities. Many minorities were disproportionately represented and had limited access to health insurance. ACA's expansion of Medicaid eligibility extended coverage to numerous low-income individuals, a substantial portion of whom come from minority backgrounds. ACA anticipated to increase Medicaid eligibility and deliver insurance coverage to affected low-income individuals. (Snowden et al., 2022). The expansion was crucial in addressing disparities in access to healthcare services.

Second, the ACA created markets for health insurance. Families and individuals could shop about for and compare various insurance policies. According to Hero et al. (2019), the marketplaces provided a means for underrepresented groups to select plans that aligned with their health needs at an affordable cost. Thirdly, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) forbade insurance companies from refusing coverage to customers who already had medical issues. Numerous racial and ethnic minority groups frequently suffer from chronic illnesses or have had prior health problems; therefore, the service would be helpful to them. (Huguet et al., 2019). The ACA also mandated that essential health benefits be offered in insurance plans. The benefits included preventive care, mental health services, and prescription drug coverage, among others. The essential health benefits ensured racial and ethnic minority populations access necessary healthcare services. They removed financial barriers that often-prevented disadvantaged populations from seeking necessary healthcare.
Programs and Services Provided through the ACA
The ACA introduced several programs and services to achieve its objectives of reducing healthcare disparities and improving healthcare access for racial and ethnic minorities. Medicaid eligibility was expanded in many states and allowed individuals with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level to qualify for coverage. The expansion increased insurance coverage among low-income minority populations. Creation of health insurance marketplaces eases the access and purchase insurance plans that suit individual needs. Marketplaces offered options and subsidies to lower-income individuals to afford insurance (Ercia et al., 2021). The ACA's prohibition on coverage denials based on pre-existing conditions also removed barriers to accessing insurance for chronic ill. Racial and ethnic minorities often experience higher rates of chronic conditions.
The target population for the programs and services provided through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) primarily includes low-income individuals and families, many of whom belong to racial and ethnic minority populations. Specifically, these programs and services aim to benefit those with limited financial resources previously at risk of being uninsured or underinsured. Minority communities often encompass Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American populations. They often face disparities in healthcare access and coverage due to socioeconomic factors.
Connection to the Social Justice Problem
Healthcare disparities in racial and ethnic minority populations often manifest as unequal access to healthcare services and poorer health outcomes for minority individuals and communities. The disparities are deeply rooted in structural racism, implicit bias, socioeconomic factors, and cultural barriers. ACA directly addresses targeting the root causes of healthcare disparities. It recognizes that individuals from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds face greater barriers to accessing healthcare, like limited income, pre-existing conditions, and cultural differences that cause discrimination (Baumgartner et al., 2020). The ACA aims to mitigate the barriers by expanding Medicaid, establishing health insurance marketplaces, prohibiting coverage denials, and mandating essential health benefits. The provisions collectively bridge gap in healthcare access and provision for minority populations. Research has shown that the policy has resulted in substantial coverage gains among Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations, narrowing insurance coverage gaps (Baumgartner et al., 2020). Medicaid expansion under the ACA has also positively affected access to care for low-income minorities.
Historical Issues and Context Leading to the ACA
Complex historical situation and substantial political dynamics influenced Affordable Care Act development and enactment. Healthcare disparities in racial and ethnic minorities has a long history in the United States. The disparities are rooted in systemic racism, socioeconomic inequalities, and unequal access to quality healthcare. Healthcare disparities have been perpetuated by policies excluding racial and ethnic minorities from accessing essential services. Implicit bias among healthcare professionals also causes differential treatment based on race or ethnicity and exacerbates the disparities.
The ACA emerged in response to the longstanding disparities and need for comprehensive healthcare reform. President Barack Obama championed the policy and made it pass through a contentious political process. It was aimed at address the historical inequalities and create equitable healthcare system (Carrasco-Aguilar et al., 2022). However, the policy faced opposition from some political leaders. They argued that policy would result to government overreach and negatively impact the healthcare system.
The ACA's historical background is marked by debates in Congress and legal challenges that questioned the policy's constitutionality. Supreme Court upheld the law in 2012, affirming its place in the U.S. healthcare system (Jost & Keith, 2020). ACA has since made progress in reducing healthcare disparities among racial and ethnic minorities.
Impact of Historical Features on Policy Implementation
The historical features and challenges surrounding the ACA’s establishment impacted its implementation. The political debates and legal challenges delayed the ACA ‘s full implementation. They delayed the policy benefits, and targeted populations were forced to wait for the essential services. ACA allowed states choose between expanding Medicaid. The freedom of has brought disparities in access to Medicaid benefits. Some states opted to expand Medicaid, providing greater access to low-income individuals from minority backgrounds. However, others failed to adopt, leaving many without coverage (Crowley et al., 2020). The historical political controversy surrounding the ACA has also enhanced the ongoing efforts to repeal or amend the policy.
Some states choose to extend Medicaid, giving minority low-income people more access to healthcare. Some, nevertheless, failed to adopt the policy and left many without coverage (Crowley et al., 2020). The ACA's political turbulence in the past has bolstered current efforts to change or repeal the law. The ongoing debates have also created uncertainty for individuals and families who rely on the ACA for healthcare coverage.
Conclusion
Racial and ethnic minority healthcare disparities are a serious social justice issue that need for multipronged solutions. Significant progress has been made in addressing the disparities by the Affordable Care Act. The law has created health insurance markets, increased Medicaid eligibility, outlawed coverage denials due to pre-existing conditions, and mandated essential health benefits. For many minority populations, the provisions have greatly improved healthcare coverage and access. However, the ACA's past of legal disputes and political arguments has complicated its application and prolonged the uncertainty surrounding it. Despite these obstacles, the ACA has significantly decreased the number of people without health insurance and increased racial and ethnic minority populations' access to care. Collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and social workers are crucial in advancing equity and social justice in healthcare. Building upon the ACA's successes, addressing its limitations, and remaining committed ongoing efforts can mitigate healthcare disparities among these vulnerable communities.

References
Adamson, B. J. S., Cohen, A. B., Estevez, M., Magee, K., Williams, E., Gross, C. P., Meropol, N. J., & Davidoff, A. J. (2019). Affordable Care Act (ACA) Medicaid expansion impact on racial disparities in time to cancer treatment. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 37(18_suppl), LBA1–LBA1. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2019.37.18_suppl.lba1
Baumgartner, J., Collins, S., Radley, D., & Hayes, S. (2020). How the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has narrowed racial and ethnic disparities in insurance coverage and access to health care, 2013‐18. Health Services Research, 55(S1), 56–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.13406
Carrasco-Aguilar, A., Galán, J. J., & Carrasco, R. A. (2022). Obamacare: A bibliometric perspective. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.979064
Crowley, R., Daniel, H., Cooney, T. G., & Engel, L. S. (2020). Envisioning a better U.S. health care system for all: coverage and cost of care. Annals of Internal Medicine, 172(2), S7. https://doi.org/10.7326/m19-2415
Ercia, A., Le, N., & Wu, R. (2021). Health insurance enrollment strategies during the Affordable Care Act (ACA): a scoping review on what worked and for whom. Archives of Public Health, 79(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-021-00645-w
Hero, J. O., Sinaiko, A. D., Kingsdale, J., Gruver, R. S., & Galbraith, A. A. (2019). Decision-making experiences of consumers choosing individual market health insurance plans. Health Affairs (Project Hope), 38(3), 464–472. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2018.05036
Huguet, N., Angier, H., Hoopes, M. J., Marino, M., Heintzman, J., Schmidt, T., & DeVoe, J. E. (2019). Prevalence of pre-existing conditions among community health center patients before and after the Affordable Care Act. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 32(6), 883–889. https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2019.06.190087
Jost, T. S., & Keith, K. (2020). The ACA and the courts: litigation’s effects on the law’s implementation and beyond. Health Affairs, 39(3), 479–486. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.01324
Snowden, L. R., Graaf, G., Keyes, L., Kitchens, K., Ryan, A., & Wallace, N. (2022). Did Medicaid expansion close African American-white health care disparities nationwide? A scoping review. BMC Public Health, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-14033-8

Compare and contrast leasing versus purchasing. You may use the Rasmussen library to research articles addressing lease versus purchase decisions in order to support your assertions.

Health resources are finite. Therefore, it is incumbent on all health organizations to exercise responsible fiscal decision making when allocating their financial resources.
As the senior cost analyst for a local, nonprofit hospital, you are charged with determining the most appropriate use of financial resources and making recommendations. Your organization is seeking to secure a new CT Scan unit for the expanded emergency department. The hospital has the option of leasing the equipment or purchasing the equipment.
The CT scan cost is $1,300,000 at 10% (PV), with straight-line depreciation over 5 years. The trade-in value $130,000 at the end of its useful life. The maintenance expense equals $12,000 annually.
The cost to lease the equipment is $26,000 per month for 60 months, which includes all maintenance costs. The tables below provide the financial overview of the purchase and lease costs.
Instructions
In a written case analysis, use the figures provided in the tables to discuss the following:

Compare and contrast leasing versus purchasing. You may use the Rasmussen library to research articles addressing lease versus purchase decisions in order to support your assertions.
Calculate the figures relative to the principal payment, interest payment, maintenance expense, total expense, and PV expense and complete the table attached  (Please see attached file)
Provide a detailed explanation of the costs associated with leasing the equipment as depicted in the table.
Provide a detailed explanation of the costs associated with purchasing the equipment as depicted in the table.
Discuss the potential tax implications of leasing the equipment, assuming that the organization is a nonprofit.
Discuss the potential tax implications of purchasing the equipment, assuming that the organization is a nonprofit.
Recommend a course of action and the implications that your recommendation may have for the organization.

Rubric Below:
Clear and thorough discussion comparing and contrasting leasing versus purchasing. Includes multiple (at least three ) examples to support assertion
A – 4 – Mastery
Clear and thorough calculations of the figures relative to the principal payment, interest payment, maintenance expense, total expense, and PV expense.
A – 4 – Mastery
Clear and thorough explanation of the costs associated with leasing the equipment as depicted in the tables
A – 4 – Mastery
Clear and thorough explanation of the costs associated with purchasing the equipment as depicted in the tables.
A – 4 – Mastery
Clear and thorough discussion on the potential tax implications of leasing the equipment.
A – 4 – Mastery
Clear and thorough discussion on the potential tax implications of purchasing the equipment.
A – 4 – Mastery
Comprehensive recommendations for a course of action and the implications that the recommendation may have for the organization.

Explain one of the most interesting areas in applied social psychology for you.  Why was it interesting?

In this personal reflection, consider all that you have learned to date, and reflect upon how it has changed your thinking in an area of social psychology.  Use the number for each part you are answering.
Please answer the following questions:

Explain one of the most interesting areas in applied social psychology for you.  Why was it interesting? (10 points)
What you learned (this should be a few paragraphs). (10 points)
What you didn’t realize before (what is surprising) (this should be a few paragraphs). (10 points)
Tie this interesting area (in question 1) to other units and material (this could potentially be a few paragraphs). (10 points)
The muddiest point about this interesting area, or pose questions you still have (a few sentences). (10 points)

Describe the licensure requirements for obtaining a professional counselor license in your state. (state of Kentucky.) What state are you pursuing licensure in? What is the name of the state licensure board? What license(s) are offered that you are you pursuing (LPCA, LPC, etc.).  (Pursuing LPCC) How much does the licensure application cost?

Licensure Develop a comprehensive credentialing/licensure plan. This plan will detail the student’s goals for professional credentials, which will enable them to pursue their life goals. The student should indicate the requirements to obtain their primary license and their goals to pursue specialty certifications and licensures. The plan should include the following: 1. Describe the licensure requirements for obtaining a professional counselor license in your state. (state of Kentucky.) What state are you pursuing licensure in? What is the name of the state licensure board? What license(s) are offered that you are you pursuing (LPCA, LPC, etc.).  (Pursuing LPCC) How much does the licensure application cost? What examination or examinations does your state require for licensure, and when during the process do you take the exam or exams? (e.g., NCE, NCMHCE, etc.). What is the cost? In what settings may you obtain your supervised hours? (e.g., prison, private practice, hospital, etc.) (Private practice or school based clinician) Who can provide supervision? (a licensed counselor, social worker, psychiatrist, etc.) How long/many hours are required under supervision before obtaining independent licensure? Does the state have a two-tiered process? (e.g., LPCA leading to LPC; LMHCA leading to LMHC, etc.) Does the state specify any requirements for leading group counseling? Does the state specify any requirements for rendering mental health diagnoses? Are there any recent changes to the state credentialing/licensing process that you are aware of? If so, what does this entail? Tip! If there is another state that you hope to move to someday, consider finding this information for that state as well, it might be very important to know this in advance so that the new state will accept the hours you have earned. 2. Next, consider a specialty area that interests you, such as addictions counseling, trauma counseling, play therapy, working with Veterans, etc., and provide the following information: Is there a specific credential or license for this specialty area? (Working with children – play/art therapy and CBT) If so, how is it obtained? How can you obtain the training necessary for this specialized area? Does the American Counseling Association offer a division in this area? Are you a member? (Yes an ACA member) Is there another inter/national credentialing organization that oversees this specialty area? Are you a member? Does the credentialing body have a Code of Ethics? How will you address the possible integration of multiple codes into your practice? 3. Address at least 3 advocacy roles performed by professionals with your goal credentials, including examples

Discuss whether this course met, did not meet, or exceeded your expectations. Share any unexpected outcomes or identified gaps.

ASSIGNMENT HAVE TO 100% PLAGARISM FREE, I NEED SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTAND THE ASSIGNMENT. DUE DATE 5/26/2016 15:30 PM AMERICA/NEW YORK TIME
For this first Unit 5 IP, you will create a journal entry that is due mid-week.
Reflecting back over the entire course, prepare a narrative essay journal entry that shares your perception of your writing composition experience. Support your writing with examples from the course assignments and course resources, including the use of intellipath.
Be sure to consider the following:

Discuss whether this course met, did not meet, or exceeded your expectations.
Share any unexpected outcomes or identified gaps.
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of your writing skills, and discuss how this or future courses might be adjusted to address or support them.
List any surprises that you experienced throughout the course.
Discuss the role that your classmates played in the growth of your writing skills.

Specifically, your journal narrative should address the following:

Represent your personal point of view
Offer chronological support for a well-defined thesis statement
Tell a story with a beginning, middle, and an end
Make a point and present a series of events in an organized manner

Your submission should be an example of reflective writing, at least 500 words, and double-spaced with 12-point font and 1″ margins

The costs of inequality Read the article called “The costs of inequality: Money = quality health care = longer life” and watch the accompanying video called “A Doctor Battles Health Inequality.” Both are published by the Harvard Gazette and available on the same webpage at Based on what you learned from the article and the video, answer these two questions in your Discussion Board post:1) What is your understanding about how money and wealth are related to health and access to health care?2) What is an advantage to having health care providers (like doctors) that come from the same communities that experience health disparities?

The costs of inequality Read the article called “The costs of inequality: Money = quality health care = longer life” and watch the accompanying video called “A Doctor Battles Health Inequality.” Both are published by the Harvard Gazette and available on the same webpage at Based on what you learned from the article and the video, answer these two questions in your Discussion Board post:1) What is your understanding about how money and wealth are related to health and access to health care?2) What is an advantage to having health care providers (like doctors) that come from the same communities that experience health disparities?

A difficult challenge confronting many police departments is that of recruitment and hiring. Many departments find it difficult or impossible to recruit new officers to match the diversity of the community. How can a police chief address this challenge?

ne of the themes of this course has been the comparison between business leadership and leadership in the criminal justice field. In some ways, the techniques and challenges are similar between the two worlds, but in other ways there are vast differences.
For this assignment, you will compare the position of police chief with that of a business executive.

What are the similarities and differences in the leadership styles of a business executive and a police chief? Refer to the traits discussed earlier in the course.
In what specific ways do a police chief’s management tasks resemble those of an executive in private business? A police chief does not need to meet with stockholders, and a business executive doesn’t have to interrogate suspects, but they do have numerous tasks in common.
Strategic planning is an important part of leadership. Of course, a police chief will have the goal of reducing crime rates. Explain at least five other legitimate, measurable goals that a police chief will want to attain.
A difficult challenge confronting many police departments is that of recruitment and hiring. Many departments find it difficult or impossible to recruit new officers to match the diversity of the community. How can a police chief address this challenge?

Think about the challenges of getting all of the Active Directory audit policy settings right. For an infrastructure administrator, how important are these types of settings? What are the risks associated with logging too little data or not auditing the correct events?  What are the risks associated with logging too many events? 

Write a 2 to 2.5 Page paper in Microsoft Word answering the following questions regarding creating and analyzing audit logs in Microsoft Active Directory.
 

Think about the challenges of getting all of the Active Directory audit policy settings right. For an infrastructure administrator, how important are these types of settings?
What are the risks associated with logging too little data or not auditing the correct events? 
What are the risks associated with logging too many events? 
When the default configuration is to create audit logs, what impact can this have on security incident investigations?
This was just a single domain with two systems on a local LAN. How much more complicated would auditing and log management be for 100 computers? What about an enterprise with 10,000 computers in several domains on their LAN/WAN?
Consider a cloud-hosted Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) environment with many new, internet-accessible systems regularly being built and brought online. What challenges might there be managing audit policies and logs in such an environment?
Finally, conclude this week’s assignment with a page explaining how the tools and processes demonstrated in the labs might be used by an infrastructure administrator to help secure an environment.