Abstract
The growing movement of the gay rights movement in the United States, Canada and elsewhere has raised some sensitive issues. Not the least of these is whether gay couples should be allowed to adopt children. This paper explores this problem.

Tags:gay, couples, adopt

Abstract
This paper presents the thesis that America should adopt a nationalized healthcare system. The paper argues that whilst nationalization is not without its pitfalls, as exemplified by the UK's NHS system, it has distinct advantages over private, insurance-based healthcare in terms of personal welfare, equity and the macro-economy. The paper concludes that there are distinct advantages to America pursuing this course.

From the Paper
"A perennial debate in many industrialized countries is how the costs of the nation's healthcare expenditures should best be covered. Different models are in operation around the world. At one end of the spectrum is the fully nationalized model, where healthcare funding is provided within the general taxation system and every citizen has free care at the point of delivery. At the other end of the spectrum is the fully private model, where each citizen is responsible for arranging their own insurance of funding their own care and there is no state-funded provision at all. The United States occupies the middle-ground of this spectrum in that it has a..."

Tags:healthcare, nationalization, insurance

Abstract
This paper presents convincing arguments on the benefits of adoption, both for adoptive parents and children. Those who may want to consider adoption include people who may be experiencing problems conceiving their own children or even those who already have children, yet want to expand their family. The author cites current trends in adoption, and cautions that adoption is not something prospective parents should undertake lightly. There are some significant legal obligations and responsibilities that go hand in hand with adoption.

Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Lack of Follow-Up in Adoptive Services.
Current Trends in Foster Care and Adoption.
Conclusion

From the Paper
"While states have increasingly focused on changing law, policy, practice and agency culture to increase the number of adoptions across the country, there has been less emphasis on what happens to families after they adopt. The social and emotional wounds caused by abuse, neglect and frequent moves among foster homes are not healed by the issuance of an adoption decree. In this regard, one adoption service head reports that, "Adoption is not the cure for every problem a child has experienced. But we've acted like it is for a long time" (Christian, 2002, p. 31). In fact, child welfare agencies have traditionally regarded adoption as the end of their responsibilities to adoptive children and their new families alike, and this author notes that many American families have reported feeling abandoned by these social services once their adoption has been finalized. Many foster children are adopted by their foster parents, who often see a substantial reduction in the array of services and supports available to them (Christian, 2002). "

Tags:adoption

Abstract
This paper addresses the issue of the exclusion of homosexual individuals in the adoption of children. The author argues that a person's sexual orientation should not come into consideration when applying for the adoption of a child. The paper states that many homosexuals possess parenting skills and resources that far exceed the minimal requirements but are bypassed and precluded because of their sexual orientation. The author also includes research that, although children who grow up in a family with homosexual parents may suffer from some distress, there is no reliable evidence that sexual orientation per se impairs psychological functioning. In closing, the author states that homosexuals already face additional complications when they choose to adopt, and, if they are up to the challenge, should be supported and given every opportunity to adopt.

From the Paper
"Without a doubt, many Americans passionately believe that only heterosexual married couples should legitimately participate in the adoption process. However, many capable homosexual individuals, the majority of whom possess the desire and resources to adopt, exhibit parenting skills that exceed the minimal credit they are often given. Quite simply, a person's sexual orientation should not be a major consideration. Indeed, homosexuals should not be precluded from adopting children because doing so denies countless children the potential to gain a desperately needed home, fails to acknowledge that no significant developmental differences exist in children of gay and lesbian parents, and ignores the basic principle that ability to properly parent is independent of sexual orientation."

Tags:human rights, child development

Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that same-sex adoption, or as it is more commonly referred to in the media, gay adoption, is the adoption of children by individuals in a conjugal relationship with a member of the same sex. The writer notes that the topic of same-sex adoption is highly controversial, due to the arguments by those opposed to it that same-sex marriage would do a disservice to the nation, traditional values and the health and well being of the adopted children. The writer argues that the arguments against same-sex adoption are based on flawed assumptions and therefore hold little to no water in terms of being valid arguments. Furthermore, the writer maintains that research indicates that same-sex adoption provides equal, if not more benefits to children, as compared to children of heterosexuals, and that to deny same-sex couples the right to adopt is a denial of basic human and civil rights.

From the Paper
"To continue to deny same-sex couples the right and the ability to adopt children together, instead of going through long drawn out processes in which one parent adopts as a single parent followed by the partner adopting the child later, is a continuation of severe discrimination, and should not be allowed.
"There is a growing body of literature concerning same-sex parents and their children. The research covers a variety of topics, including the process same-sex couples go through when deciding to have children, how they come to the decision, and how they decide upon which method to use when having children. The literature discusses the impact on the health of the individuals within the relationship in terms of their concerns for their children about social stigma and discrimination, as well as how their own personal levels of internalized homophobia relate to their decision of whether or not to raise children together. However, the literature of most interest to this paper concerns the effects on the children of growing up in a same-sex parented household. "

Tags:children, rights, parents, couples

Abstract
This paper explores various pros and cons regarding businesses adopting voice over IP (VoIP). The paper first discusses some of the reasons underlining the slow adoption of such technology in the UK, as well as trends in types of businesses that adopt VoIP. The paper then presents a cost-benefit analysis of adopting voice over IP and presents a picture of small business' awareness, usage and perception of voice over IP relative to the corporate enterprises. The paper concludes with recommendations on how to encourage small businesses to make best use of voice over IP. The paper contains copies of original sources.

Table of Contents:
Chapter I
Introduction
VoIP Background
Study Area
Dissertation Structure
Aim and Objectives
Aim
Chapter II
Literature Review
Literature Review's Significance
The Way VoIP's Technology Functions
VoIP per SMEs and Corporate Businesses
Benefits of VoIP relative to traditional PSTN
Adoption of VoIP and Other Technology in the UK
Chapter III
Methodology
Slow Burning Fuse
Data Used
Methods and techniques
Chapter IV
The Results
Interpretations
Chapter 5
Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendations
Depends...
Aim and Objectives
Aim
Conclusion
Recommendation

From the Paper
"As the technology of VoIP remains relatively new, this researcher notes that even though an abundance of research, per se, exists regarding VoIP can be assessed, there appears to be a dearth of research relating to specific experiences of SMEs. In light of this obvious "need", this researcher recommends that more specific research relating accounts of SMEs experiences with VoIPs be completed.
"At the end of this study, as this researcher mentally reviews stages leading to this conclusion, and depending on time allocations, one thing comes to mind that this researcher would have considered doing differently. This one thing would have been to have included a questionnaire and/or conducted interviews with owners of SMEs. After all, this researcher knows, the best answer for the research question: Does adopting VoIP benefit business? ultimately would come from these individuals. After all, SMEs also qualify as the individuals answering the question presented at the introduction of this study exploring VoIPs:
"...Whose Advice Counts (Bland 2007)?""

Tags:SME, PSTN, phone, call

Abstract
The paper discusses the arguments against allowing gay and lesbian couples to adopt, that are based primarily on religious reasons and on the contention that growing up under two same sex parents will be damaging to the natural psychological and biological development of the child. The paper then presents research that children can lead normal and healthy lives without the every day influence of both genders working together and they can thrive without a heterosexual environment. The paper also notes the benefits of adoption for the couple to achieve a relatively normal family life. The paper strongly contends that gay and lesbian couples can offer millions of orphaned children the luxury of a happy home and truly caring parents.

From the Paper
"The process and statutes involved in same sex adoption policies vary greatly from state to state as well as within the minds and opinions of Americans across the country. Before a major taboo, the practice has become more common with less state restrictions across the United States. In cases where the states allow legal marriage between same sex partners, adoption laws are easier for same sex couples. Being legally married provides benefits within the adoption process that help the couple beyond the simple civil unions seen in other states where same sex marriage is not yet a legal practice; "The legal definition of marriage does not exist in isolation; changing it alters many areas of the law. For example, the definition of marriage plays an important role in the law of adoption, education, employee benefits, employment discrimination, government contracts and subsidies, taxation, tort law, and trusts and estates," (Severino 2007:941). Thus, states such as Vermont, where gay marriage is a legal practice, allow for an easier process during a gay or lesbian couple's path towards adoption. However, this does not prohibit all gay and lesbian couples living in states with legal restrictions on same sex marriage from adopting as well, the process is just made more complicated."

Tags:gender, same-sex, marriage, religion

Abstract
The paper discusses facts concerning children raised by same-sex couples and focuses on the effects on the children of growing up in a same-sex parented household. The paper states that there are no significant negative effects of lesbian or gay parents on children's mental, social, emotional and sexual development. The paper comments that the negative effects that do occur are very small and are a product of a stigmatizing and discriminating society that does not view same-sex relationships as equal to opposite-sex relationships. The paper concludes that to deny same-sex couples the right to adopt will only perpetuate society's discrimination of homosexuals and continue to create a vicious cycle of stigma and inequality.

From the Paper
"These differences have been mostly explained due to the nature of the same-sex parenting relationship. In same-sex households, children may acquire higher levels of empathy due to their more frequent experiences of social stress, stigma or harassment due to their family composition. Instead of reacting to these forms of discrimination with increased societal withdrawal, children of same-sex parents have been found to express themselves as being more tolerant of all members of society and more understanding of the pain and suffering of others. In addition, their increased comfort with their own sexuality has been attributed to the fact that the majority of same-sex parents do not have expectations for their children in terms of what their sexual orientation will be and are much more open minded to the variety of sexual orientations that exist. "

Tags:homosexuality, visitation, rights, gender, based, divisions

Abstract
This ten-page paper looks at the notion of homosexuality in America and how it affects society, how society looks upon homosexuals and those if a state of power such as teaching. And also whether homosexuals should adopt children or not.

Abstract
This paper discusses how prejudice against same-sex parents, preventing them from adopting, is not only unfounded but also transgresses the dignity and human rights of gay couples. It also relates how the issue of adoption is intrinsically linked to the larger social and moral question of the acceptance of gay couples as full and legitimate members of society.

From the Paper
"While society or sectors of society may regard parenting by gay couples with suspicion, there is no convincing scientific evidence to suggest that children raised by same-sex parents suffer any serious deficits or are deviant in any sense. (Hulbert, A. 2004) In truth much of the evidence points to the fact that children raised by gay parents are in some ways more balanced and resilient. There is also no evidence to suggest that children reared by same-sex partners are less intelligent or more likely to have problems than children of straight parents.
However, there are many prejudicial views against same-sex parents and the adoption of children."

Tags:society, homosexual, Non-heterosexual