Social learning theory is a psychological view that people gain knowledge about how to function by modeling themselves on the people they have observed (Schmalleger, 2011). Albert Bandura's modeling theory of aggression analyzes the progression of aggressive behavior through an individual's observation of others (Osterburg, 2010). Although social learning theory states that people can learn through observation, learning does not necessarily lead to aggressive behavior. Adhering to the Jefferson County Department of Job and Family Services' new policy of removing every child from their family because of crime by one or more legal guardians will send the foster care system into overdrive, and it would be unethical to categorize or label children children as potentially violent or aggressive even if they have not yet demonstrated any antisocial behavior. Albert Bandura believed that children may shy away from being aggressive if they are not influenced or rewarded by their environment or family members (Siegel, 2010). In this essay, I will determine whether the Department of Job and Family Services misinterpreted or misapplied social learning theory when planning and implementing the policy. I will identify potential ethical or moral issues that may arise from the Jefferson County Department of Job and Family Services' implementation of this new policy. I will describe the positive and/or negative impact the policy might have on society at large or on the family unit. I will address the implications of criminological theories in the context of social policy. In the case study presented, the Jefferson County Department of Job and Family Services implemented a new policy r...... middle of paper ...... I addressed two criminological theories relevant to the case study provided . Works CitedCherry, K. (2014). Social Learning Theory: An Overview of Bandura's Social Learning Theory. Retrieved February 28, 2014, from psychology.about.com/od/developmentalpsychology/a/sociallearing.htmOsterburg, J. (2010). Criminal Investigation: A Method for Reconstructing the Past (6th ed.). [VitalSource shelf version]. Retrieved from http://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781437778946/id/P14-25Schmalleger, F. (2011). Criminal Justice Today an introductory text for the 21st century (11th ed.). [Adobe Digital Editions version]. Retrieved from http://online.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781256762744/pages/50966501Siegel, L. (2010). Criminology: The Core (4th ed.). [VitalSource shelf version]. Retrieved from http://online.vitalsource.com/books/1285276329/id/P5-233