Students prepare a targeted memo for a client of interest to introduce a policy problem, articulate why the problem must be addressed, and provide information useful in deciding how to proceed.
¡ The goal is two-fold:
- Problem statement: Topic choice: “What actions can Chelsea, Ma Public Schools take to expand access to mental health education for elementary-aged children?”
- Background:
¡ Present data (research) to demonstrate that the problem is pervasive and severe enough to warrant a policy intervention immediately.
¡ Overview of contributing factors (including policy gaps)
¡ How these contributing factors might inform policy options
Note: For the background section, you could include data that demonstrates the behavioral health needs of elementary aged children in MA, the weaknesses of current school-based supports in MA elementary schools, and the impacts that untreated behavioral health conditions can have on elementary aged children and their families (e.g., academic performance, family functioning, juvenile justice involvement, etc.)
Description: The product should be succinct and targeted to a particular stakeholder. It should be prepared to assume the reader has some knowledge of the topic area but is not an expert. The goals are to persuade the reader that a policy problem must be addressed and to provide information that will be useful to the reader in deciding how to proceed.
Content: Introduce and demonstrate the extent of the policy problem. Articulate why the issue is important and should be addressed now. Discuss the relevant policy landscape including relevant policies and policy gaps; stakeholders and their interests; and underlying political, economic, practical, and/or legal considerations.
Please use this source
https://mhanational.org/addressing-youth-mental-health-crisis-urgent-need-more-education-services-and-supports