D.Q. #2

D.Q. # 2 Ch. 5

The term vulnerable populations can be used to describe individuals who fall into an oppressed, marginalized, or underrepresented group. An individual or group of individuals can even belong to more than one vulnerable population during the course of their lifetime. At times a vulnerable population may be the majority, but face many hardships and barriers to equitable services, fair representation, and other accessible resources that favor their groups’ ability to get ahead or even be considered equal to other groups. 　Old age, poverty, economic status, physical health conditions, mental illness, race, and sexual orientation are of the many factors that can influence an individual’s risk of becoming a member of a vulnerable population. Advocacy is an important aspect for many of these individuals who often do not know how, when, and where to properly advocate for themselves. 　 　 Many policies and procedures have been created in favor of these populations, largely due to social work and other helping professions use of advocacy. Without our efforts many vulnerable populations could go an entire lifetime without any change or hope for change in their future. For example, last semester our class got an opportunity to participate in social work day at the state capital. There we advocated for the social workers and client population issues/concerns and offered resolution ideas by speaking with state representatives and congressmen. This was an excellent opportunity to not only research issues vulnerable populations were facing such as immigration and healthcare issues, but also to be able to inform and speak with decisions makers at the capital. 　

References:
Fort Cowles, L.A.(2003). Social Work in the Health Field: A Care Perspective ( 2nd Ed.) Birmingham, Ny: The Haworth Press.