The purpose of this research paper is for you to become a mini-expert in an area of service provision for a population of your choosing. For example, you may be interested in mental health service provision for children or adults, PTSD services for returning veterans, employment services for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Elder Services (including nursing homes, assisted living or ageing in place), as well as services for persons with physical disabilities or children in Foster Care. Of course, I have not identified all possible areas of study, you certainly are invited to add other populations, for example, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Remember the focus of the research is not just how people are served, but about how they can or should be served in ways that really help them to participate in community. Therefore, you have to research current articles and papers that are forward looking—that identify current trends.
Your research paper must include the following:
I. Introduction:
Why this is an important or relevant topic.
II. A discussion of the population you are interested in:
For example, describe the evolution of elders remaining at home with their nuclear families and the rise of nursing facilities (mid 1900’s), the number of elders in the United States, the growth of the elder population ( remember the Baby-Boomers) and the predominate disabilities that elders experience. The same must be done for persons on the Autism Spectrum or disabled veterans, etc.
III. Describe how the majority of services are currently provided and what the service delivery trends are:
The majority of services are day, residential, vocational or recreational. Most services are not person centered since everyone receives the same type of services that are paid by Medicare, Medicaid or insurances. So your challenge is to identify how programs and services are currently provided and THEN identify how programs and services can/should be delivered. This is a bit of a challenge because you will have to research current trends in service and program delivery, not just identify “what is” but “what should be”. (Think Tools and SRV)
IV. Summary and Conclusion:
This is the place where you review what you have written about (summary) and you provide your analysis or thoughts about the topic. Let the reader know how your opinion (conclusion) based on facts not emotion.
The paper must be at least 5 pages. Double spaced, Normal margins, normal print.
V. GO TO APA RESEARCH PAPERS ON THE INTERNET AND READ THE SAMPLES SO YOU KNOW WHAT A RESEARCH PAPER SHOULD LOOK LIKE.
VI. THE PAPER MUST BE 5 PAGES LONG, DOUBLED SPACED WITH REGULAR MARGINS.
VII. YOU MUST CITE REFERENCES AND SOURCES.
