Abstract This paper reviews the requirements of California Child Support Services program and develops a model Web site for the program. The paper then compares the San Diego County Child Support Services Web site to the model.
Tags:Child, Support, Services, eGovernment, Web, site
Abstract This paper examines how children are the most vulnerable members of society and how, throughout history, they have been exploited both physically and mentally. It looks at how Child Protective Services (CPS) exists to curtail or prevent children from being abused and how it allows citizens to report the abuse of children. It also examines the history of the relationship between CPS and the public school system, as well as recent history of CPS as it relates to the foster care system.
Outline
Introduction
History of Child Protective Services Recent History: When Children Are Removed from Their Homes
Conclusion
From the Paper "Bridgeland and Duane (1993) explain that those that work at the school are often taken aback by the hostility that they may receive from the parents. Some of the school professionals mentioned in the study feared that parents would file lawsuits (Bridgeland and Duane 1993). The researchers explain that the uneasiness of the school professionals "can divert social-service people from child protection and into attempting some "psychic first-aid" to school staff. As one protective-service respondent suggested, more school districts could, through school in-service, provide legal information and coping strategies (Bridgeland and Duane 1993).""
Abstract The paper discusses concerns regarding the ability of service delivery models (SDMs) to give support to socio-economically challenged families and individuals in the community. The paper continues and relates that, although there is recognition of the need for welfare reform, policy changes have devolved in its efforts to support disenfranchised and socially excluded vulnerable groups. At the same time, the Ontario Ministry of Finance believes that the welfare restructuring will help the most vulnerable. In the course of this paper, these opinions are assessed and their subsequent impact on welfareservices in Ontario determined. The research focuses mainly on the impact of the reforms on childwelfareservices and income support services for low-income families. The criteria used for the research is whether the reforms have increased the social inclusion and capacity of clientele receiving these services.
Outline:
Introduction
Welfare reforms
Impact assessment and evaluation
Conclusion
From the Paper "The issue of welfare is not an issue that can be discussed without the need to delve in social, economic and political issues. Canada in general has been sensitive to social demographics and developments however there is also the realization that current demands on social services are stretching resources thin. Though there has been a number of a research highlighting the challenges of the current Ontario Works SDM, there is still significant room to facilitate the improvements. As it is, despite significant efforts to improve services and their delivery, the clientele of Ontario Works feel deficiencies in welfare services. There is no denying that there are parties who abuse welfare services, but this should not be the burden of people who really need welfare support. The prevailing perception is that policies have not just been unable to alleviate welfare concerns but have exacerbated concerns and limited the capacity of welfare services to respond to developing demands."
A discussion of how understanding the child-rearing practices of the Pacific Northwest Indians and Alaskan Native Indians is important in providing the best welfareservice to their children.
Abstract This paper discusses cultural competence within the context of the Pacific Northwest Indians and the Alaskan Native American. The paper describes family and community approaches to childwelfare practice and also looks at social and (to a lesser extent) racial constructs in these societies. Finally, the paper at various times touches upon the lessons that a careful study of Pacific Northwest culture can offer to a childwelfare agent eager to do the right thing.
From the Paper "About the Coeur d'Alene tribe somewhat less is known but it is known that kinship was bilaterally based and that the same terms were used to address a cousin from the mother's side of the family as from the father's side of the family (Frey, n.d.). Whether or not this sort of practice is still in place is hard to determine (the evidence is scant) but, to the extent that any members of the Coeur d'Alene still cling to the "old ways", it is advisable that child welfare representatives respect the fact that Coeur d'Alene families are extended and close-knit and that a child's well-being is everyone's concern."
Abstract This paper presents the personal statement of the writer who graduated from St. John's University in January 2007 with a Bachelors degree in Human Services. It describes experiences from her life and the life of her family to explain the factors that led to her personal growth and maturity. It then explains why the writer decided to pursue a career in childwelfare.
From the Paper "Getting Counseling helped Jennifer become stable, and understand the situation. I could not believe what a difference it makes talking for just one hour in an individual's life. I strongly believe that this experience lead me into my current career as you can never judge a book by it's cover. As this man seemed to be kind , but ended up being very cruel. Being objective is something I have learned through these experiences and helps me provide better assistance to my clients. In the year 2000 I started to work as a receptionist at Western Queens Recovery Services. This agency helps people to stay sober, and learn to live without using addictive substances. Here I would see how some people changed their living style. They will tell me they were glad to be able to stop drinking, because of the therapist help. Clients would tell me that the counselor would help them boost their self-esteem. Counselors were proud of their work, and they knew that most of the time they will be able to make a difference in a client's life no matter how small that difference may be. Being part of this environment made me decide what road to follow."
Abstract This paper presents a welfare professional's insights into the childwelfare system (CWS). The paper explains that the welfare professional was a foster child herself and then goes on to describe three areas that call for attention in terms of revision within CWS: These issues concern systems thinking and the interrelatedness of all CWS decisions, cultural issues in CWS dealings relating to both structural inequality and diversity theories and organizational structure issues, which are relevant in both leadership and change theories and organizational change theories.
From the Paper "Finally, changes in the organizational structure and overall running protocol of CWS agencies will allow improvements in the system. Expecting and fostering accountability will create an environment of strength and security, greatly improving the chances of success for CWS clients. Additional collaboration with outside and connected organizations will provide support and insight while maintaining that accountability through open expectations and goal sharing with those agencies. Most importantly, these changes must occur while moving CWS toward a flat organizational structure. This will address current structural and bureaucratic problems while increasing inter-agency communication. Reducing levels of management will also allow management to work more closely with "front line" staff and improve quality of care."
Abstract This paper examines the "Temporary Assistance to Needy Families" (TANF) package most often referred to as "welfare," which provides cash assistance and work support for low-income families with children. It discusses the effect of these new economic and social conditions on family reunification and preservation and examines the impact on the poor and needy. It also looks at the role of a childwelfare worker and how it is conceivably different in 2001 than it was prior to welfare reform.
From the Paper "In 2001, cash assistance is no longer an entitlement to low income parents raising children. Cash grants are now time-limited, and parents in need of financial help must meet a number of performance requirements. In the early to mid-1990s, prior to the passage of PRWORA, many states obtained waivers from the federal government that permitted them to put into action reforms to their welfare programs. With these state waivers and changes to the federal laws, the welfare system in the United States has undergone a dramatic alteration."
Tags: U.S., economic, social, conditions, jobs, hunger, health
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that identifying important factors and relationships in the educational and social progress of children is important for policy formation. To accurately inform the development of welfare legislation variables like income, parents' education levels and other variables, policy variables should be considered and the weight of those variables' effects on children should be measured. The writer points out that in some instances, locating a policy variable that intervenes in the relationship between variables like income and children's welfare outcomes can reveal less obvious determinants of important childwelfare outcomes. This paper analyzes data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health to assess how a mother's education is involved in the relationship between family income and indexes of children's educational and health welfare. The objective of this analysis is to aid policy recommendations in identifying important influences and obstacles faced by impoverished children. The paper includes an appendix with four tables.
Outline:
Introduction
Hypothesis
Alternative
Theory
Methods
Results
Recommendation
Appendix
From the Paper "The positive effect of mother's education on child educational welfare and its intervention in the positive relationship between income and education achievement suggest maternal schooling may be a point of interest in child welfare policy formation. Recommended policies could range from more sex education for girls in high school and college or new programs specially designed to help women in school who get pregnant continue their education. Programs to assist pregnant women in school could provide funds to relieve the burdens of tuition and necessary medical care or provide other forms of assistance such as student tax relief to encourage mothers and future mothers to finish their educations.
"With respect to the alternative hypothesis, the negative effect of income on the health index is possibly a result of wealthier children responding low to number of times exercised per week."
Abstract This paper analyzes Indian childwelfare in Oregon in the United States. It particularly discusses the 1978 Indian ChildWelfare Act (ICWA), which regulates placement proceedings involving Native-American children. It looks at the benefits of the law, as well as the problems associated with it, such as the lack of proper enforcement. The paper then discusses how these problems can be remedied.
From the Paper "In conclusion, the Indian Child Welfare Act was passed into law in 1978 because the federal government recognized that it was necessary to reestablish tribal authority in Oregon and other states in cases involving the adoption or removal of Native American children from their homes. The ICWA was considered necessary because a very high percentage of Indian families had been broken up by non-tribal agencies because state officials did not understand or accept Indian culture."
"In order to remedy this, the ICWA established minimum standards for the removal of Native American children from their homes and assured tribal participation in court proceedings. But in Oregon and many other states, establishing clearer guidelines is necessary so caseworkers can formulate plans that conform to federal ICWA standards and thus ensure that the intent of the federal Act is fulfilled, and the rights of Native American children and their families are protected."
Tags: native, adoption, culture, Oregon, government
Abstract This paper examines the importance of improvements in cultural sensitivity in the childwelfare system of the United States. It discusses the reasons for these requirements and how it would help to make the organization an effective entity within society. It also looks at the role of the leadership within the childwelfare system in supporting and promoting this cultural sensitivity.
From the Paper "The research supports the concept that child welfare agencies would benefit from developing culturally sensitive environments. This is evidenced through systems approaches that acknowledge that all elements within a system, or culture, should be considered as a means of understanding the system. Additionally, culturally sensitive environments can be impacted by the workers that support the organization and the leadership styles that inspire workers to meet new objectives and visions for a culturally sensitive workplace."
Abstract The paper compares essays written by experts in the field of childwelfare which examine the problems of the system and the solutions they offer. The paper discusses Duncan Lindsey's article "The Changing Welfare of Children" which involves the changing needs of children since the family structure has changed so dramatically over the last fifty years. The paper then examines Catharyn Baird's article "Conversations about Distributive Justice" which challenges people to seek equal distributive justice.
From the Paper "This essay first started by exposing the problem of child poverty. First, it pointed out that the United States is the wealthiest nation in the world with the highest rate of child poverty. Lindsey then explained the problem that developed due in part to mothers joining the workforce and the lack of childcare that stemmed from it. Lindsey gives many quotes that are difficult to read and require more analyzation to process. The essay is meant for concerned individuals. The charts and statistics give an insight into the problem of child poverty. The essay appeals to the reason individuals and their emotions toward children."
Abstract This paper explains that, in the 1960s, in response to findings of the National Council of Jewish Women that child care services for the poor were inadequate, new quality child care initiatives, such as "Head Start" sponsored by the government for children living in poverty, began. The author points out that the child care provider, staffing, environment, safety services and relationships between the parents and care provider are important for child care to have a positive impact on the development of children. The paper relates that "comprehensive services", such as healthy nutrition, preventative health care, monitoring of child development, provision for sick children, consultation with outside specialists for individual and family needs, advocacy; services to children with disabilities and parent involvement programs, are valued in quality child care programs.
From the Paper "In order to ensure that children grow up in healthy environments we also need to address the emotional and psychological needs of the parent. "Children are far more likely to be deprived of their basic needs by parents who are depressed, who feel helpless and hopeless, than by parents who are depraved." Regardless of the focus of the media, the depression of the primary caregiver has a greater impact than whether two parents live in the home. Stress and depression play a greater role in neglect and abuse, than does poverty or single parenthood. A depressed parent is more apt to neglect the basic needs of the child in ways that are subtler."
Tags: head-start, relationships, stress, poverty, government
Abstract This paper discusses how compared to other countries, the United States does not have a generous welfare system. The paper reports that unlike other countries, there is no federal paid maternity leave, for instance, or family allowances and no national health insurance. The paper further discusses how ideas have changed regarding reproduction and women's roles in society, and these have made an impact on the welfare state.
From the Paper "During the Nixon era, thinkers seriously debated establishing a universal basic income for all citizens. Some officials feared, however, that employers would "use the increased income received by the poor as an excuse to lower the wages that they pay these employees." In other words employers would say, "Well, you are getting money from the government, so you don't need me to pay you so much." They also feared that a "floor" under the income of poor families might actually operate "as a ceiling on earned income" so that the poor would actually be worse off instead of better (Block & Somers, 2003). The idea of a guaranteed annual income was defeated.
In 1988 the Family Support Act was signed into law. Single mothers on welfare had to participate in Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program if they wanted assistance. In 1996 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families was enacted, which limited the length of time a person could receive benefits. Thus, public programs that were once designed to discourage women from working outside their homes have been transformed and now require women to get jobs."
Abstract This paper discusses how poverty leads to more poverty. The writer describes how neglect leads to more neglect. The writer discusses child neglect and explains who is at the highest risk. The writer examines how can children be protected without violating the rights of the parents. Further, the writer examines the likely psychological makeup of neglectful parents.
From the Paper "There are different types of child abuse. One type of child abuse involves neglect. Neglect involves failure to provide for a child's basic needs. Michael Reiff writes in 'Journal of Development Behavioral Pediatrics' that neglect is determined by the extent to which a child feels protected by his or her family. Reiff also explains that neglect can be physical or emotional. Physical abuse is inflicting a non-accidental physical injury of a child. This may include burning, hitting, punching, shaking, kicking, beating or otherwise harming a child. "
Tags: Neglect, abuse, child abuse, abandonment, mandatory reporting, childwelfareservices, mental illness and drug or substance abuse.
Abstract The paper discusses the litigation directed toward the childwelfare system that has been the subject of much controversy. The paper contends that if arbitration or mediation can resolve problems and conflicts faster, and still promote the welfare of children, they should be initiated. The paper describes the litigation process resulting in the Colorado ChildWelfare Agreement (CCWA) and is of the opinion that rather than sue the government needlessly, citizens should collaborate to make programs better rather than simply complain about them.
Outline:
Introduction
Analysis of Issue
Conclusion
From the Paper "Large lawsuits involving litigation can result in very large and "systemic" change for child welfare, however the expense and time involved in these lawsuits could be solved through simpler measures including arbitration, which would save precious time and money, money needed to ensure the rights of children are supported (Stein, 1998; Kosanovich & Joseph, 2005). Other instances apart from class action lawsuits where litigation has occurred include litigation that required services including medical and dental care were offered to children and provisions that addressed parental issues including adoption (Kosanovich & Joseph, 2005)."
