Nelson, B. (1984). Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press. Reviewed by Saidah Leatutufu

Putting on a Political Production  “the Crew”  Actors  “The Tour”

Problem Identification – “the Crew”  Learning about new problems  Those behind the scenes identifying the problem.  Who makes the “right” crew???  Visibility  Power

Child abuse then… Method: Several case studies of child abuse. Suggestion: Integrate more research on child abuse Catalyst

Decision Makers – “Actors” Federal Agencies interest groups $$$ media States Congress

Decision makers cont’d Formal decision makers Patterns of how institutions respond to certain categories (case studies) Right place, right time Engage public opinion; media; personal leadership (Senator Mondale effort) Liberal Progress: Shape agendas through social welfare; promote interest

Adoption - “The Tour” Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Child Abuse Prevention Tour Making a private deviance public Policy adoption: national attention CAPTA Child abuse reporting laws CAPTARA Child abuse/neglect  child abuse legislation Poverty/ lack of affordability  ACA, Covered CA

Adoption cont’d  Depends on the types of issues on the agenda determinants are more or less powerful. (dumblaws.com)  Government influence  Many of the case studies involve federal agencies, hence a more persuasive power.  Local and county levels more representative of the individuals affected (eliminate generalization and alleviate misinterpretation)  Ultimately, being at the right place, at the right time and having the power to impact change.

Mis(interpretation)use Now… Buy Why??? Different classes of people (economically, ethnically, socially)  misuses CatalinaShanesha

Where do WE go from here? Policy process  Inclusive – citizen engagement, technology (information gathering), community liaisons, interpreters  Community led cures (prevention strategies), but…  Expand the amount of information and knowledge  Individuals should be well versed in the policy making process  Example – 3 case studies, gentrification/displacement (involvement, media, “right” audience, unity of residents) And Foreign Policy??? Find the private illness and cure it with policy; ultimately, achieve the worthiness of the personal attention of the people with power to impact change in policy.

Questions???