Which is an unintended consequence of poorly designed social policies?

The unintended consequence of poorly designed social policies is that they can lead to disparities in access to services. When social policies are not carefully crafted, they often do not take into account the diverse needs of different populations. This oversight can result in some groups being left out or underserved, leading to inequitable access to necessary services.

For instance, a social policy might prioritize certain geographic areas or demographics, which can inadvertently neglect marginalized communities. These disparities can exacerbate existing inequalities, creating barriers for those who are already vulnerable. Thus, the lack of consideration for equitable access becomes a significant flaw in the design of such policies, highlighting the importance of inclusive approaches in social work.

In contrast, the other options reflect outcomes that would generally be seen as positive consequences rather than unintended negatives of poorly designed policies. Enhanced service delivery, increased community trust, and empowerment of disenfranchised groups are all aims that well-implemented social policies seek to achieve, rather than results that arise from their poor design.