develop and thoroughly analyze a public policy in order to advocate for one that improves the health of the public and/or the nursing profession globally (local,
state, national, or international). To do this, you will reflect on several aspects of being a policy maker within the nursing position. A few things to consider are:
• Why did you select the health or nursing profession policy issue?
• How does this issue affect nursing practice, healthcare delivery, and health outcomes for individual, families, and/or communities?
• What are the values and the ethical positions that underpin your perspectives?
• What are the criteria you will use to evaluate the success (outcomes) of your proposed policy change?

By using both a top-down and a bottom-up approach, you will analyze and bring the nursing perspective to policy makers and stakeholders. Identifying the values and
ethical perspectives that underpin your position, you will develop criteria to evaluate the success of your work. This will lead to a created a policy brief that can
be sent to decision makers and created a plan to work with an organization/community to promote policy change at the local level.

To guide you to your conclusion, using nursing research to support your position is vital. This should include principles of community-based participatory research
(CBPR).

Public issue:
Mental health and lack of insurance or resources is an issue in our state. One population at risk for being under assessed is our children and adolescents.

Public schools are in an exceptional position to identify children with mental health issues and provide links to appropriate services.

Policy idea:
Public schools should be required to document a mental health assessment on each enrolled child once a year.
Resources are to be from Stanislaus County and Sylvan Union School District…utilize online sites.