In the history of the US, the federal and state governments have been at the forefront to facilitate effective social programs to ensure the citizens achieve the necessary basic social life. There are several programs directed to the communities to promote the economic growth and development of the people across the country. However, despite the contribution of the governments in enhancing the livelihood of the communities, various social issues such as prostitution and drug addiction have remained a menace over the years. Many people are victims of social problems including adolescents making them unable to achieve their full potential. Some individuals have proposed varied solutions to prevent the issues such as legalizing the practices and imposing adequate regulations.
Cases of prostitution in the country are facilitated by the growing income inequality in society. The majority of individuals who engage in the act are prompted by the need to achieve livelihood. Similarly, drug addiction is influenced by the inability of the users to meet their social welfare. Due to the lack of income and other reliable sources of employment, most people become depressed and opt for substance abuse as a means of relieving themselves from the related stress (Mokona et al., 2020). To address the mentioned social problems, the government should implement a compulsory paid internship policy. In other words, the authorities must ensure the companies and other well-established business organization in the country provides work programs that absorb graduates and eligible jobseekers. The policy will allow the majority of individuals to secure employment and hence earn basic income (Oh et al., 2021). The less fortunate people including women will be able to provide for themselves and their families hence limiting their engagement in prostitution (Karger & Stoesz, 2018). Similarly, having stable cash flow will reduce unemployment stress, therefore, reducing the involvement in substance abuse.
References
Karger, H. J., & Stoesz, D. (2018). American social welfare policy: A pluralist approach (8th ed.). Pearson.
Mokona, H., Yohannes, K., & Ayano, G. (2020). Youth unemployment and mental health: Prevalence and associated factors of depression among unemployed young adults in Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 14(1), 1-11.
Oh, S., DiNitto, D. M., & Kim, Y. (2021). Exiting poverty: A systematic review of US postsecondary education and job skills training programs in the post-welfare reform era. International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy.