Social Welfare Policy and the Psychological Needs of Low Income Women

Abstract

This manuscript analyzes policy that addresses the psychological needs of low income women, especially those on welfare. The sociopolitical model of policy analysis was used to examine the social, political, and economic context for addressing the psychological needs of low income women. Within the context of progressive physical and mental health enactments, the analysis examines the causes of psychological needs among poor women, the approaches that have been used to address the needs of poor women, and the need for policy that can result in service delivery systems and service provision to meet the psychological needs of low income women. The results of the analysis suggest the need for policy that allows for an umbrella approach to screening women on welfare for mental health issues and providing services that are not attached to financial eligibility or child welfare involvement.