This course examines the social welfare state in Canada by investigating the programs, theories, and approaches within it. Actions and attitudes, which shape Canadian social policy development at the political level, and social welfare policy implementation at the personal level, are also examined. The course directs the students to explore their attitudes, ethics and actions in relation to helping clients use social programs. The assumption that people can take responsibility for the direction of their own lives is challenged by examples of unsympathetic government policies, bureaucratic regulations and personal responses to people in need. Emphasis will be on developing an understanding of the impacts of social policies and programs on Indigenous peoples. The role of the social worker in influencing policy development is examined.
