Abstract This paper examines the problem of physical abuse in school-age children. The paper begins with a brief historical description of the problem, noting that it was not really until the later part of this century that the problem was fully recognized. This review of the historical background of the problem is followed by an examination of the scope of the problem, the psycho-emotional and physical effects of the problem, an epidemiological discussion and a delineation of several factors that place children at risk for physical abuse. The problem is shown to be both substantial and complex in nature. The second section of the paper proposes three health promotion strategies for remediating the problem of physical abuse in childhood. These strategies are: (1) a primary prevention screening strategy to be used to identify families at risk for abuse; (2) a secondary prevention strategy aimed at improving parents' knowledge of childhood development as well as their anger management and disciplinary skills; and (3) a tertiary prevention family counseling strategy. An evaluative method for determining the effectiveness of each strategy is also developed and described. Further, research is cited to support each developed strategy as an effective avenue for intervention with respect to the physical abuse of children.
The paper ends with a short summary of the nature of the problem. It also provides a summary of the three developed health promotion strategies.
From the Paper "Based on the research on assessment indicators of physical abuse (e.g., Logan and Dawkins, 1986; Klingbeil, 1986), the strategy developed here is two-fold. First, nurses would screen for the following indicators of physical abuse in children: (1) Unexplained injuries (e.g., burns, bite marks, subdural hematomas, old or recent fractures, etc.); (2) dehydration or malnourishment without obvious cause; (3) Ingestion of inappropriate food or drugs; (4) evidence of general poor hygiene; (5) the presence of strong fear of the nurse or others; (6) reports by the child of physical abuse; (7) old injuries not mentioned in the child's history; and (8) a tendency of the child to take care of the parent or speak for the parent."
Abstract Bing drinking is when five or more alcoholic beverages are consumed in one sitting. The paper discusses the worrying statistics that forty percent of college students binge drink at least once every two weeks and that the heaviest period of alcohol consumption for most drinkers in the U.S. is the eighteen to twenty-one year old age group. The paper examines the causes and consequences of binge drinking among college students.
From the Paper "According to Webster's Dictionary, alcoholism is defined as a chronic disorder characterized by dependence on and excessive use of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholism is ever present in our society, and there are many factors that may push someone towards it on a narrow, one-way path that may lead to recklessness, serious health problems, violence and even death. A serious problem that leads people to alcoholism is binge drinking, which is most commonly seen affecting college students. A recent survey revealed that eighty-eight percent of all college students (including students under the age of twenty-one) have consumed alcoholic beverages (O?Malley, Bachman)."
Abstract This paper develops a policy analysis of the change to Code Section 20-2-143 of the Official Code of Georgia annotated relating to sex education in Georgia public schools. This policy analysis is performed in relation to several factors including historical, social, economic, political, and policy evaluation. It examines the problems of the increasing prevalence of both teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases among teenagers and how attitudes toward school and educational expectations have the strongest influence on the problem of adolescent premarital pregnancy and its resolution.
Outline
Introduction
Historical Analysis
Prior Programs and Policies
Development of Bill 1654
Prior Experience in Dealing with Adolescent Sexual Activity: What Has Been Learned?
Consideration of Bill 1654 in Relation to Prior Experience
Social Analysis
Economic Analysis
Political Analysis
Policy Evaluation
Policy Alternatives
Summary
From the Paper "Adolescent pregnancies and resulting births are complex problems not only for the mother and child, but for society as a whole. The factors that place adolescents at risk for pregnancy and parenthood are varied. These factors include the sexual behavior of adolescents, the role of self esteem, attitudes toward school, educational expectations of parent and teachers and the adolescents themselves, and access to health care. The inherent problems related to adolescent pregnancies involve personal, physical, interpersonal, social, religious, ethical, and economic issues. The pregnant adolescent is placed at physical, psychological, social, and educational risks. The outcomes of such risks typically are come combination of poor parenting skills and a lifetime in a lower socioeconomic status (Frost & Forrest, 1995)."
Abstract This paper discusses how literature shows that adolescents who remain in school and are not frequently truant are less likely than their absent and truant peers to become involved with all kinds of criminal activities. It evaluates the theory that programs designed to reduce truancy behaviors will have the added benefit of reducing juvenile crime or at least reducing the risk that certain young people will become delinquent. It examines the most popular causes of truancy and looks at the factors which may well place a juvenile at risk for delinquency such as poverty, dysfunctional or one-parent families, high neighborhood crime rates and a tacit acceptance of certain forms of deviance, increased peer pressure to join gangs and poor academic performance. It evaluates how although school-based responses may not have the capacity to directly change family behaviors and/or attitudes, they can make a difference in the lives of at-risk students.
From the Paper "How effective are truancy programs in reducing risk of delinquency? In Charleston, South Carolina, Police Department Chief Reuben Greenberg, who came to the City in 1982, has implemented a truancy program that puts four uniformed officers on the street, every day, at the beck and call of school administrators reporting a truant student. The truancy patrol, which also involves juveniles themselves, picks up kids age 6 to 17 and then returns them to school. In its first four years, the program was associated with a 27 percent reduction in local juvenile crime - by keeping kids off the streets, and in school, Greenberg stated, crime rates decreased. Most significantly, juvenile-against-juvenile crime during typical school hours also plummeted. Between 1990 and 1994, not a single school-age student was shot, stabbed, beaten up or killed on a city street (Bennett, et al, 1996)."
Abstract This paper explores how the issue of violence on television, which was raised in the past, is once more being given considerable attention in the media, by congress, and in the public at large. The writer comments that one of the driving forces behind the current concerns over televised violence is the fact that the public perceives American society as itself becoming more violent, in spite of crime statistics showing otherwise. The paper makes reference to a number of studies conducted on this topic while mentioning their failure to really answer the questions raised on increasing violence on TV and its effects.
From the Paper "While these questions frame the issue, they are questions that have not been answered. An attempt to answer some of these has been made in various studies, the most prominent of the recent examples being the report by the UCLA Center for Communication Policy. The authors of the report point out that everyone has an opinion about television violence precisely because television is so accessible and important in people's lives."
Abstract This research paper studies how to suppress violent disruptive student behavior in secondary schools. Three major themes are identified during the qualitative analysis: (1) young people are falsely accused of anti-social behaviors, (2) violent behavior by young people derives from other social behavior, and (3) the dichotomy of social influence and choice as explanations for violent behavior by young people. The paper concludes that violent incidents committed by students in school tend to be associated with dysfunctional families, student illegal drug use, and student gang affiliation and that violent behavior of this type is correctable. The paper includes the actual questionnaire used in the study as an appendix.
From the Paper "Shootings at public schools in the United States over the past five years have shocked the nation. Unfortunately, that shock has not been translated into meaningful action to prevent the recurrence of such actions. School shootings, as violent, tragic, and attention grabbing as they are, also shield to some extent other violent behavior and disruptive that occur at schools in the United States. These other violent and disruptive behaviors also constitute substantial risk to school safety and may even contribute to the environment that facilitates school shootings."
Abstract This paper is a review of a study conducted at the El Camino Real Middle and High School to analyze the effectiveness of the mentor program. The writer lists the purpose of the mentorship program as to provide support for students from the earliest grades through junior high and high school. The following aims are explored in this paper: 1. To give young children positive role model for that which they may be lacking in their own environments. 2. To help students with the transition from middle school to junior high school. 3. To support students to identify and solidify academic skills and personal goals.
Contents:
Introduction
Review of Literature
Program Description
Evaluation of the Program
Discussion and Reaction
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The societal fragmentation that is a result of the rapid growth of technology and the fast pace of 21st Century living has exerted a force on our society that is creating essential structural changes. The nuclear family is almost nonexistent. Not only is the divorce rate increasing rapidly, so too is the number of single parent homes. Single parents are preoccupied with daily problems of balancing job, children, and financial obligations."
Abstract The paper shows that the death of a parent or sibling can be a wrenching experience for the child left to grieve. Children do not understand the concept of death, and having to face death and its consequences at an early age can lead to considerable psychological turmoil, which in turn may depend on a number of factors such as the age of both parent and child, the closeness of the sibling, the circumstances of the death, the structure of the family and so on. The paper examines literature on the subject and explains different stages of bereavement, the effect of death on different age groups and possible therapy solutions.
From the Paper "Harrington & Harrison (1999) note that many of the current assumptions about the impact of bereavement on children are unproven. Existing data does suggest that childhood bereavement is not a major risk factor for mental and behavioral disorder in either childhood or adult life, and some studies indicate that most children cope surprisingly well with this severe form of trauma. This means that in most cases, interventions by professionals will not be required, and in any case, we do not yet know whether these interventions are effective. However, some children and their families will require help. Children with mental or behavioral disorders may well benefit from interventions, and there may also be a case for intervening with some children who are at high risk of psychological disorder but who are currently healthy."
Abstract This paper begins by describing current statistics relating to poverty in American households. It states that the statistics indicate that poverty is disproportionately higher in single parent families than nuclear families. It looks at the social affect of this phenomena - ranging from abuse, high-school drop out rates, pregnancy and drug usage. It also discusses how poverty affects different ethnic groups in America, with the focus on African-American families.
From the Paper "If current trends continue, especially in metropolitan areas like New York, Aless than half of all children born today will live continuously with their father and mother throughout childhood@ (Whitehead 11). Statistics now reveal that there are more than 11.5 million single-parent families in the U.S. According to the U.S., census bureau, about one-third of these families are poor. Poverty does not come merely from a single parent heading a family, but that the majority of these families are headed by women, who have few job skills, and little time to even work, in order to care for their children. Child support received nationwide in recent years totaled more than $28 billion. And there are few signs of this sort of economic cost of single-parent families, the majority black, of being reduced. Why is family structure a major cause of poverty? One answer is the failing family structure of the urban ghettos: AChanges in the family structure resulting in a decline of husband-wife families@ (Wilson 87)."
Abstract This paper looks at the case of a 32-year old woman who is seeking help from a counselor after experiencing one of many beatings by her partner. The paper focuses on the steps which the counselor should take in order to assist the victim, such as informing and educating her and presenting her with the "Domestic Violence Handbook". The paper also discusses the three phases of the cycle of violence experienced by the abuser.
From the Paper "Different states have their own established counselor protocols with regard to domestic violence. Counselors and shelters answer to standards and ethics that are required. For example, the client's rights, confidentiality issues, and policies for reporting child abuse are considered. Needs for safety and security are a priority. The counselor must keep shelter location and all other information regarding the client, confidential to assist in the establishment of safe conditions. All counseling services need to provide empowerment, privacy, domestic violence dynamics and resources information, referrals, and legal information regarding due process (Davies & Lyon, 1998, pp. 1-20)."
Tags: Crime, Prevention, Center, CPC, tension, shelter
Abstract The International Labor Organization estimates that there are at least 250 million working children between the ages of five and fourteen in developing countries. About half of them work full-time. This paper examines the arguments for and against child labor. Those in favor of child labor state that the income that these children bring in, usually save their families from starvation. They also argue that trade restrictions will only harm families these countries by limiting their income and slowing their development. The paper shows that those who argue against child labor state reasons such as the risk to the child's health and well-being, the fact that the child's educational possibilities are stunted and various forms of child abuse.
From the Paper "Conservative concerns that developing countries are just too poor to do anything about child abuse are inane. Even if their beliefs were true, there's simply no economic justification for exposing children to life-threatening working conditions, abuse, slavery, and situations that cause irreversible harm to their physical development. Child labor only perpetuates poverty for the child as well as the country. Because developing countries are in a better position than developed countries were in when they began implementing child labor regulations, preventing "hazardous child labor" is really about a decision and commitment by developed and developing countries to place more value on the child's life. Government intervention through the creation and enforcement of laws is needed, not waiting for free trade to somehow magically convert unethical business people into humanitarians."
Abstract This paper focuses on the effects of violence in television programming on a youth's tendency for juvenile delinquency and violence. The introductory part of the paper thus examines the violent content in television programming, particularly programming geared towards children. This section discusses how violent content is often embedded in even the most innocuous children's programming. The next part of the paper looks at the ways television contributes to delinquent behavior among teens and children. This paper argues that television contributes to such behavior in three main ways. First, children tend to imitate the behavior they see on television. Second, depictions of violence and crime often desensitize young viewers to the dire consequences of these actions. Finally, such depictions often falsely give teens and children a much bleaker picture of the world around them, contributing to a "nothing to lose" worldview that can contribute to criminal behavior.
In the last section, the paper looks at ways in which media and television have contributed positively to the behavior and values of children and teens. Towards this, the various ways in which media can have positive effects are discussed.
From the Paper "In its evaluation of almost 10,000 hours of broadcast programming from 1995 to 1997, the National Television Violence Study found that 61 percent of television programs portrayed acts of violence. Most of this violence was glamorized, committed by characters that are otherwise presented as positive role models. While many of the violent acts that would cause serious harm or death in real life, the programs neutralize these lethal effects through the lack of painful effects or through humor (Center for Communication and Social Policy 1998). In addition, less that 20 percent of these programs devote airtime to the long-term effects of violence on the victims, their families, their friends or the community in general. Less than five percent of violent programs feature an anti-violence message. In fact, in more than one-third of these programs, the violent offenders go unpunished (Center for Communication and Social Policy 1998)."
Abstract This paper investigates the literature regarding child abuse in a cross-cultural context. This includes alleged child abuse cases among South Asian families in Britain, concepts of abuse and discipline among immigrant Latino families in the United States and among American Indian and native Alaskan communities and ultra-Orthodox Jewish families in Israel. In the conclusion, the paper notes the continued difficulty of imposing a universal definition of child abuse and the continued need for a culturally sensitive approach towards the child rearing and parenting traditions of other cultures.
From the Paper "Since the 1950s, the issue of child abuse has often been framed in terms of children or minors being battered by adults. Because extensive research shows that victimized children grow up to victimize others (Heyman and Slep 2002), researchers and psychiatrists continue to devise diagnostic tools to recognize the early signs of child abuse and ways to treat children who have been abused. However, psychiatrists like Maita Begum assert that the professionalization of the care and protection of children from child abuse is based largely on Western cultural values, particularly individuality, subjective experiences and proper interpersonal communications."
Abstract This paper explains that the purpose of this proposed formal research study is to examine further the influence of maternal incarceration on the social, emotional and educational well-being of children. The author uses an ecological perspective to better understand the problems experienced by families and individuals by considering the larger environment and systems that impact them and are a part of their everyday experiences. The author believes that when a child's mother is incarcerated, separation between parent and child can be expected to be nothing less than distressing and painful, regardless of the disruption that may have been present in their lives prior to incarceration. The research method is a survey using a questionnaire; the population is incarcerated mothers, their children, the caretakers of children, and others involved in working with the family of children whose mothers have been incarcerated.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Relevant Background Information
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Significance of the Study
Theoretical Framework
Literature Review
Demographics of Incarcerated Mothers and their Children
Impact of Mother's Incarceration on Children
An Ecological Perspective of Incarcerated Mothers and their Children
Summary of the Literature Review
Methods and Procedures
Research Design
Research Hypotheses
Research Methods
Sample
Sampling Procedure
Instrumentation
External Validity
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Data Coding
Statistical Analyses
From the Paper "Special issues may also arise when children are placed with grandparents. As explained by Johnson and Smith (2000), efforts to raise children after one has already raised their own to adulthood may be particularly difficult for grandparents. Stresses increase as grandparents find themselves challenged by a number of losses, including loss of one's freedom, time, and adult friendships as well as the loss of expectations concerning the typical role assumed by most grandparents.Grandparents are faced with the experience of dealing with their own feelings about an altered lifestyle and sense of personal sacrifice as well as a child or children who may have very special needs because of their parent's incarceration. Respite care is not always available and the relationship with the incarcerated mother may become increasingly strained. These problems may be further complicated by fatigue, which has been identified by grandparents raising grandchildren as a major problem and physical and mental health may also be affected as well. According to Burton (1992), grandparents faced with raising their grandchildren have reported an increase in anxiety and depression; in their use of tobacco and alcohol; and in health problems, including arthritis, diabetes, slight strokes, and mild heart attacks."
Abstract This paper presents an overview of divorce as one of the major factors that can impact families today. The paper begins with some basic statistics on divorce rates in the United States, followed by a review of factors that have found to be associated with divorce. The paper then continues with a discussion on the divorce process, including a look at a number of the issues and problems associated with divorce. The paper concludes with a summary of the findings of this overview.
From the Paper "On the basis of the current information concerning the occurrence of divorce in the U.S., a number of factors have been identified as associated with divorce. Information suggests that age at the time of marriage can influence whether marriage results in divorce. Younger people who are marrying for the first time face roughly a 40-50% chance of divorcing in their lifetime under current trends."
