You are asked to complete an academic literature review of a specific topic area.  For example, if you choose to discuss the social justice issues related to opiate use in teens, you will research the current literature on education, prevention, treatment, policy, etc. as it relates to opiate use/treatment in that specific population. 

Also, in this literature review, you will need to highlight aspects of our society (systemic and political policy structures) that place people “at-risk” for substance use disorders.  This may include community factors such as job opportunities and economic resources, educational programs within the local schools, availability of illicit substances, access to treatment within a specific community, and factors related to the stigma of addiction. 

Find a way to engage in a community within the Chicagoland area.  Gather some general information on a substance abuse issue (for example: opioid use amongst Chicago teens in low-SES neighborhoods or substance abuse disorders amongst individuals who also struggle with homelessness). Be sure to provide context to the issue you choose to address and outline the unique challenges faced by your chosen group of interest. 

Once you’ve gathered the necessary information and treatment programs provided by your chosen clinic/mental health setting.  You choose a local mental health organization currently offering addiction services. You will then review the types of programs offered by that organization and briefly describe some of the social, financial, and political challenges they may face. 

This next step is when you get creative.  In this section of the paper, I ask that you present at least 5-8 creative ideas for how this organization may improve their delivery of services (given the specific population you’ve chosen). For instance, if they are providing services to adults who work full-time, there should be evening programs available.  Also, please be sure that your program addresses the systemic and political policy structures currently in place that may need improvement.  Specifically, in addition to treatment services, what are your ideas for fundraising (grants etc.), community outreach and accessibility? 

In the conclusions area of your paper, you should provide a brief summary of your overall topic and include a reflection on what you have learned from completing this project as well as how you will use this information to advocate for clients in the future. 

I have also included a separate document called “Helpful Guidelines for your Social Justice Advocacy Project” (with even more specific directions) located in the syllabus section of this course.