Abstract This paper proposes research into the D.A.R.E. program which was formulated in 1983 with a view to reduce the rate of crime and drug use in American schools. The paper calls for a need to research this program due to the conflicting results of studies done on the effectiveness of the program, as well as the high cost involved in implementing D.A.R.E. The paper also proposes research methodology which will be used in the examination.
From the Paper "The research in this area is also important because of the conflicting views circulating about DARE's effectiveness. While some declare DARE to be a completely useless program, there are still some schools, which have reported positive results. For example in the state of Ohio, a study was conducted with 3,000 11th grade students and it was found that they had all been positively influenced by the DARE program. Misleading information can cause economic as well as social problems. OHIO students and teachers were of the view that DARE program did bring positive changes in the attitude of the youth towards drug use as some of them became more careful and peer resistance also increased. But it was also found that the youth that was already using drugs did not quit because of DARE messages."
Abstract This paper provides a detailed history of Native American families and the way they functioned. It traces these units from before the Americas were settled by the Europeans and their adaption to reservation life. The paper also examines the revival of Native American culture and family appreciation in modern America.
From the Paper "Native American girls are taught all they need to know to be a good Indian wife. They were taught to make clay pots, weave baskets, mend clothes, and scrape skins, set snare traps, cook and other chores. Some tribal women even constructed the homes and furniture for the homes. Young girls had much more responsibility in learning than young boys. Young girls reached adulthood when they experienced their first menstrual period. She was whisked off by the older tribal women to a isolated hut to spend at least four days. Many tribes performed rituals when a girl reached womanhood. Some were painful and isolation was common, but public celebrations would follow the rituals."
Abstract Examines societal attitudes toward single-parent families, most negative. American ideal of the perfect family. Realities of contemporary society and families. Growing number of single-parent households. Discusses two major areas of concern for single parents (usually mothers): providing emotional support for the family and providing financial security. Problem of a single wage household in terms of adequate income. Some solutions.
From the Paper "The more things change, the more people wish that they would stay the same. Or at least that seems to be the case when it comes to Americans' ideas about what constitutes a "real" family. This paper examines the ways in which society assumes that a single-parent family is somehow not a real family and how this fact makes the other stresses faced by single parents even more difficult. It also looks at two of the most difficult areas for single parents - providing emotional support for their families and providing financial security for their families.
Despite the fact that the majority of American children born today are likely to find themselves in a single-parent household at some point (Wagonseller etal, 1997, p. 14), the ideal of a perfect family in most people's minds is still made up of a mother, a father and two or three children. The stereotype of this ..."
Abstract Examines why female victims of domestic abuse don't leave the abusive relationship. Issues of denial of violence, delay of treatment or help. Three phases of domestic violence and abuse. Three-stage cycle of violence. Need for intervention for IVP (Intimate Partner Violence) in emergency departments of hospitals or physician's office. Two types of batterers.
From the Paper "Standing By Their Man: Battered Women Who Don't Leave
A battered woman is faced with repeated acts of violence by her intimate partner (IP), who is can be a husband, boyfriend, or former spouse (Help for the. . ., 2000). Such abuse may be physical, sexual, and/or psychological, and can lead to serious physical or psychological damage and, in some instance, even to death. Over one-third of all female murder victims are killed by their male partners, a statistic indicative of the degree to which domestic violence has become commonplace in American society (Help for the. . ., 2000).
At issue herein is the important question of when, why and how female victims of domestic abuse elect to leave the abusive relationship. In conducting preliminary research for this topic, a major difficulty was encountered: for the most part, the ..."
Abstract Compares and contrasts two sitcoms. Examines the TV families of "The Jeffersons" and "The Hughleys." Compares similar episodes to analyze what has changed and what has stayed the same over the past 25 years. Basic premise and characters of both shows. Differing life styles portrayed on each. Topics based on societal changes.
From the Paper "Introduction
"The more things change, the more they stay the same," is how the old saying goes. It has also been said that stereotypes start somewhere. This could not be more true than when applied to the concept of the family as perceived by the pop culture on television. Ever since the days of radio, families all over the United States have spent evenings listening or watching as a make-believe families either laughed or cried themselves through another episode. Through the years the "face" of these families have remained the same, yet many other basic assumptions have changed along the way. This paper will compare and contrast two of those TV families, "The Jeffersons" and "The Hughleys", by comparing similar episodes to examine what has changed and what has stayed the same over the last 25 years."
Abstract Discussion of whether media violence promotes violent behavior in children. Explores issue by examining several journal articles on the subject; the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments presented. How exposure to violence seen on television stimulates aggressive behavior. Makes argument for ethical considerations based on contention that TV violence is bad for children.
From the Paper "Introduction
Due to recent events around the country regarding teen violence, many commentators and critics have pointed to the increase in violent images on television, in movies, and in video games as cause for this violence (Halgin, 2001, p. 186). In "Issue 12: Does Media Violence Promote Violent Behavior in Young People?", R. P. Halgin sets forth two articles, "Media Violence: A Demonstrated Public Health Threat to Children" and "Violence in the Mass Media and Violence in Society: The Link is Unproven" to explore the apparent link between media violence and violence displayed by children (2001, p. 187).
Summary of Articles
In their article, "Media Violence: A Demonstrated Public Health Threat to Children," Huesmann and Moise attack Dr..."
Abstract Examines how the family role and structure impact academic achievement in children. Uses structural family theory and parental attachment theory as theoretical background in a discussion of the effects of different family structures. Historical perspective. Early and contemporary research studies. Crucial importance of family involvement and parental support.
From the Paper "EFFECT OF FAMILY ROLE AND STRUCTURE ON
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN CHILDREN
Theoretical Background
Structural family theory and parental attachment theory will be used as a theoretical background to assist with the investigation into the effects of family role and structure on academic achievement in children. Kenny and Donaldson (1991) report on the theory of structural family theory, developed by Minuchin in 1974. According to this theory, a healthy family yields feelings of belongingness and differentiation to its members. With this in mind, a family that is either excessively enmeshed or disengaged tends to provide the opposite to its members. Interpersonal boundaries in the healthy ..."
Abstract Discusses peer influence as a key factor in drug use. Analyzes five research studies that examine the relationahip. Peer influence vs. parental involvement. Effects of peer affiliation and family structure. Risk behaviors and peer relationships. Peer pressure, influence of drug-using peers. Refusal skills. Adolescent alcohol use. Social and emotional development factors.
From the Paper "Introduction
A. Purpose
The prevalence of drug use among adolescents is a disturbing phenomenon that has been investigated for decades. When adolescents abuse drugs, their lives can be adversely affected (Jenkins & Zunguze, 1998, p. 811; Wynn, Schulenberg, Kloska, & Laetz, 1997, p. 390). In an effort to uncover the underlying causes of this phenomenon, researchers have highlighted peer influence as one of the key factors in determining drug use (Jenkins & Zunguze, 1998, p. 811). Thus, the purpose of this paper is to analyze research articles that examine the relationship between peer influence and drug use among adolescents.
This paper looks at the book "The Children of the Dream" by Bruno Bettelheim. The book explores the topic of children growing up on kibbutzim in Israel.
Abstract Dr. Berkelium visited the kibbutzim in Israel during 1964, and reported on the state of children's development. The paper looks at the definition of a kibbutz and discusses the ways in which this system of living affected the lives of the children. The writer juxtaposes the work of Berkelium with a critical piece entitled "Children of the Kibbutz".
From the Paper "Methodologically, Dr. Bettelheim admits that the book displays severe weaknesses. Due to time constraints, he was able to visit only a very limited number of kibbutzim, spending most of his time at just one large institution. He was also unable to speak Hebrew, so that much of the material either had to be gathered through an interpreter or was delivered in the respondent's second language. However, despite all of these limitations, the reader does get a clear and detailed picture of kibbutz life for the younger generation, both the positive and negative aspects."
This paper explores several different types of therapy groups that have been created for CSA survivors under the premise that group therapy has been an effective form of treatment for other groups with PTSD.
Abstract The writer defines the terms, gives a history of successful group therapy situations and examines the proposal of group therapy for this population. The paper concludes that further research needs to be conducted surrounding the validity of using group therapy with this population, differences in outcome using different models of group therapy and the differences between individual and group therapy.
From the Paper "Another factor to consider when designing a group for CSA survivors is the amount of structure under which the group will operate. Mennen & Meadow (1993) believe structure is an especially important concern when dealing with this population due to the history of these clients. Many of their histories include an abuser who created and defined their reality and feelings, a situation that should not be recreated in the therapy group. An overemphasis on structure can lead the members into a dependent relationship with the group leaders in which the survivors wait for the therapists to define and direct the process of the group, rather than taking charge of their own recovery (Ettin, 1989). In defense of a structured format, it has been found that through structured exercises, common themes can be raised and explored in a way that has proven effective for other groups (Mennen & Meadow, 1993)."
Abstract This paper discusses the factors that contribute to the choice by teens to use drugs. Parental involvement and approach, peer pressure, a need to assert one's individuality and identity as well as psychological disorders are all examined as contributing factors in drug use. Current statistics of drug use in teens are provided and the relevant literature reviewed. Warning signs, high-risk behaviors and other information and suggestions for parents are included.
From the Paper "Adolescence can be described as a midpoint in ones life; when a person is neither a child nor an adult. During these years, teens go through both physical and emotional changes, which may result in confusion and frustration. Teens have passed the age when they were called kids but are not yet qualified to be responsible grownups. As is appropriate to this developmental state of life, teenagers tend to feel indestructible and immune to life's problems and tragedies. This state of feeling invincible, prevents most teenagers from linking present actions to future consequences."
Abstract This paper examines how the causes of school violence extend beyond gangs and gang membership, but how gangs are a significant contributing factor. It analyzes how gang members participate in violent acts at school and how the presence of gangs increases both the availability of weapons and the perceived need to seek the protection of a gang. It looks at the typically three different approaches that are used to manage the risk of school violence-- precaution, intervention and enforcement. Precaution includes taking steps to minimize the opportunity for violence such as metal detectors, intervention typically focuses on providing alternative activities for at-risk youths, such as after-school programs and extra-curricular activities and enforcement are those actions taken once an act of violence has occurred.
From the Paper "Intervention typically focuses on providing alternative activities for at-risk youths, such as after-school programs and extra-curricular activities, and on crisis intervention for students who participate in violent (or pre-violent) acts. Effective intervention requires that school personnel and law enforcement work together to ensure that incidents are reported accurately and that opportunities for early intervention are not missed. However, some school officials note that while law enforcement has been generally helpful in areas such as how to conduct a search legally, there remains a lack of knowledge among school personnel about how to conduct such a search effectively (Zolkos, 1996, p. 3)."
Analyzes two articles on juvenile delinquency: "Is Child Maltreatment a Leading Cause of Delinquency?" by I. M. Schwartz, J.A Rendon, and C.M. Hsieh and "Drug Use and Violent Crime Among Adolescents" by M.P Dawkins.
Abstract This paper discusses the article "Is Child Maltreatment a Leading Cause of Delinquency?" (I. M. Schwartz, J.A Rendon, and C.M. Hsieh) which appeared in the September 1994 edition of "Child Welfare". The paper shows that the purpose of this article is to connect the methods, discipline and theories of social work with adolescents to the wider field of the influence of government policy on crime. The paper then discusses M.P Dawkins 1997 article, "Drug Use and Violent Crime Among Adolescents" in which the author reports conducting research at a juvenile detention facility.
From the Paper "What makes this article potentially useful to social-work or psychotherapy practitioners is that its findings are somewhat out of line with the popular view that illicit drugs constitute the main catalyst for youth crime. Dawkins reports that alcohol, which is a controlled but otherwise legal substance, and marijuana, which though an illicit substance is not usually considered a hard drug, are more prominent in the background of a good deal of youth violence and nonviolent offenses. Dawkins develops the idea that youths? use of these two substances also cuts across socioeconomic and ethnic lines, though not necessarily an existing criminal record, as more important predictors of future youthful criminal behavior."
Abstract Juvenile crime has become one of America's most prominent issues, even as the overall crime rate has declined to the lowest point in decades. Several celebrated cases have helped create an image of teenagers run amok and younger and younger kids committing major felonies. Once apprehended, these children enter a juvenile justice system that many claim utilizes an outdated approach. In some cases, murderers have gone free at age 25 simply because that is the incarceration limit for the juvenile justice system. The paper shows that, in response, an advocacy group placed a get-tough measure (called Proposition 21) on the California ballot. This initiative, which passed overwhelmingly (62 percent to 38 percent), calls for dramatic changes in the juvenile justice system. This paper examines Proposition 21, highlighting the arguments for and against the initiative and submits that the initiative ultimately is a fatally flawed attempt to correct a problem that has been greatly overstated.
From the Paper "The solution to these problems, according to the authors, lies in junking the current juvenile justice system and making it more like the adult courts. The juvenile court philosophy of rehabilitation and treatment of juvenile offenders was adopted at a time when most juvenile crime consisted of petty offenses. That philosophy is woefully out of date at a time when juveniles are increasingly committing violent crimes, and it leaves the public at risk (California Secretary of State)."
Abstract According to the paper, parent involvement has not always been successfully accomplished in the school system. The writer utilizes the sources to gain greater understanding of what parent involvement is, what it can accomplish and how it can be implemented successfully. The paper then gives models of of ways in which parents can successful invest time in the educational systems of their children.
From the Paper "Lazar and Slostad (1999) believe that teachers are actually trained into perceiving parents as obstacles, rather than as supporters or partners. They contend that historical patterns lead to a educational climate that negatively impacts teacher-parent relationships. Much of this developed as teachers increasingly became seen as the "professionals" in dealing with children, while parents were seen as ignorant, uneducated, and likely to be part of the problem, rather than part of the solution. They name several factors, including (a) socio-historical factors, (b) the failure of teacher education, (c) school culture systems that divide home and school, and (d) issues for teachers of older children."
