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Social Welfare Policies and Services II: SSW 5006

Library and other research resources for students in SSW 5006, Social Welfare Policy and Services II

Identifying Policies and Finding Background Information

Government research reports

State Level

Start with the state government website, which you can find using the State Legislative Websites.  Also go to state government resources.

For a multi-state or all state comparison, use HeinOnline National Survey of State Laws   or Nexis Uni. These sources can also be used to search for regulations or administrative codes and cases.

For a comparison of state bills, try the National Conference of State Legislatures bill tracking database first. 

Look up a state manual or "blue book." For an internet search, be aware that a state or city may use several domains (gov, us, edu, org, com). Look up the domains at Search government URL.

Agency and think tank reports

Think Tanks, advocacy organizations, and foundations often provide policy research reports. These can be found in databases, and on individual organization websites.