Different representations of constituents of significant plot points Essay

Different representations of constituents of significant plot points in the moral choices as centre stage in the Stagecoach and The Player films - Essay Example These different films present moral choices in very different ways. For example, in the Stagecoach and The Player films, moral choices are at the centre stage in the development of their plots. However, the constituents of their significant plots and the moral choices are represented differently. This paper discusses the way these constituents and the moral choices are represented differently in these two films. The Player (1992) is an American film that belongs to a satirical genre and directed by Altman Robert. The film is based on Michael Tolkin’s screen play based on his 1988 novel by the name The Player. The film recounts a chilling story of Hollywood studio executive who kills a screenwriter after suspecting that he could be the one sending him death threats. The film’s plot is strewn with a series of instances when characters are required to make moral choices. Stagecoach (1939) is adapted by John Ford from Ernest Haycox’s short story ‘the stage to Lordsburg.† The story recounts a journey of strangers riding on a Stagecoach that passes via a precarious apache territory in New Mexico. Among the strangers are a prostitute called Dallas who is being driven from the town by members of the law and order league, an alcoholic doctor alongside a pregnant woman traveling to see her cavalry officer husband and a whiskey salesman. In their dangerous escapade to L ordsburg, the travelers contend with situations where moral choice is inevitable. In the film The Player, Griffin Mill had to make a quick moral choice when his life was threatened. He searched the person who was putting his life at danger to kill him. While they were fighting, he lost the game and decided to kill David Kahane, and he succeeded and got away with it. In the start of the film Stagecoach, Lucy Mallory is boarding a Stagecoach alongside a prostitute Dallas and an alcoholic doctor Doc Boone. She is warned by her friends not to travel along the two evil people. She had to make a moral choice to sacrifice her love for her husband or to avoid being associated with ‘those creatures.’ Lucy was heavily pregnant to take such a risk and was advised by Curley not to take the trip in her status, but she insisted that if her husband is in danger, she wanted to be with him, and it was as she resolved. These two scenes are different in the way each presents moral choice concept (Dudley 51), but they function to kick start significant plots in the two films. In The Player, Griffin Mill, when he was threatened by a rattle snake realized that he was attracted to June, the girlfriend to David Kahane, whom he killed. He had to make a choice to take her and have David’s thoughts haunting him or go against his pleasure pressures and betray his passions. On the other hand, June was aware that Griffin Mill was a chief suspect for having killed her former boyfriend, David Kahane; but she was in love with him and had to make a moral choice to marry a suspect murderer to her boyfriend or stay without a boyfriend and a husband. In a similar plot scene in the film Stagecoach, Dallas was also in a situation to make a moral choice when Ringo proposed to marry her. She was to choose to risk marrying him, or refuse in fear of her checkered past as a prostitute. In the following morning, Ringo had to choice to give up his revenge for plummers and marry Dallas or lose Dallas and avenge by fighting plummers. Both scenes serve to develop a plot in which moral choices are at the centre of the characters, but in a very different way. Moreover, at one point, Bonnie in the film The

The Feminist Movement Development Essay Example for Free

The Feminist Movement Development Essay Different sources offer different information regarding exactly when the feminist movement started. Some references state that the feminism thought dates back to the sixth century BC. The New Internationalist (1992) states: There have always been independent feminists. In sixth century BC Greece, Sappho wrote lesbian poetry and ran a girls school. The fifteenth century French writer Christine de Pisan is now regarded as a feminist thinker. In the seventeenth century English adventurer and political activist Aphra Benn was getting embroiled in the West Indian slave rebellion and writing 13 novels. The radical way in which some men were thinking during the Age of Reason incidentally changed attitudes towards women. Thinkers like Newton, Locke, Voltaire and Diderot believed that science and reason could explain the world. They began to analyze women in terms of what they deemed natural rather than what was divinely ordained. This was not necessarily better for women. From the 17th century onwards below are the major feminist movement developments according to the New Internationalist (1992). Women played a major role in the 1789 French Revolution and the ideal of Republican Motherhood took shape. But, some argued, if women had the task of bringing up the new citizens, they should also have status. Feminist pamphlets proliferated. In her Rights of Woman, Olympe de Gourges wrote: Woman is born free and her rights are the same as those of man if women have the right to go to the scaffold, they must also have the right to go to Parliament. Parisian women formed political clubs and associations to campaign on issues affecting them. But the male leaders of the Revolution were basically hostile and in 1793 they outlawed all womens clubs. A womans place was in the home, they ruled. This hostility persisted through the nineteenth century. The Napoleonic Code gave all management of family funds to the husband. Not until 1909 did French women have control over their own earnings. Not until 1944 did they get the vote. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2004) states the below developments on feminism from the 1800s onwards: In the mid-1800s the term ‘feminism’ was used to refer to the qualities of females, and it was not until after the First International Womens Conference in Paris in 1892 that the term, following the French term feministe, was used regularly in English for a belief in and advocacy of equal rights for women based on the idea of the equality of the sexes. Although the term feminism in English is rooted in the mobilization for woman suffrage in Europe and the US during the late 19th and early 20th century, of course efforts to obtain justice for women did not begin or end with this period of activism. So some have found it useful to think of the womens movement in the US as occurring in waves. On the wave model, the struggle to achieve basic political rights during the period from the mid-19th century until the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920 counts as First Wave feminism. Feminism waned between the two world wars, to be revived in the late 1960s and early 1970s as Second Wave feminism. In this second wave, feminists pushed beyond the early quest for political rights to fight for greater equality across the board, e. g. , in education, the workplace, and at home. More recent transformations of feminism have resulted in a Third Wave.

The Problem With Sweatshops Economics Essay

The Problem With Sweatshops Economics Essay Sweat shops can be included by harmful materials, hazardous situations, extreme temperatures, or abuse from employers. The sweatshop workers often work long hours but just for a little pay, regardless of any laws mandating overtime pay or a minimum wage. A minimum wage means the lowest hourly, daily or monthly wage which employers pay to employees or workers legally . It is the lowest wage at which workers sell their labour without consider anything of their rights. The Sweatshops may not only exist in developing countries but also in developed countries. This kind of factory have existed in several different countries and cultures, including in the United States and European countries. And sweatshops usually ask for low levels of technology, but can produce many different kinds of goods, for example like toys, shoes, clothing, and furniture etc. Currently, the existence of sweat shops came out lots of arguments, problem like wether there have enough sweat shops for the humans who are in poor situations are more and more put forward to. In my point of view, the sweat shops can not be build up more, enterprise should treat their workers in human nature and government should give the factory a supervisory control. Discussion of the problem-There are not enough sweat shops of them There is no right or wrong for people judging to sweat shops. Like one proverbs said that every coin have two sides. Setting more sweat shops absolutly can increase the power of productions and also can reduce the rate of unemployment. But if we take a look at the situation of how workers work in the sweat shops and the way of how the tsarists treat their workers, issues which relate to human naturals and moral arguments will come out and make people deeply thinks. Sweat shops What is a sweat shop? When people think of sweat shop always image women and childern work in that place. They may working long hours in hot, dusty factories, under conditions that are bad for their health, and usually get very low wages paid. The location of this sort of sweatshop is often in a developing country. Actually, the description is not far from the reality, besides there are many kinds of sweatshops and they are found all over the world. A sweatshop is any factory which does not treat its workers in a fair way. And the condition of the sweat shops is terrible out of peopleà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s imaging. If any one of the above labour standards is not followed, life at a factory can be very umcomfortable and unpleasant. Workers may have more demanded of them than is humanly possible, and may lose their jobs if they do not comply. Sweatshops are notorious for having unsafe conditions. Buildings that have been built quickly and without obeying with building regulations can collapse on workers, and machinery can be faulty to cause other hazards, including dangerous chemicals or electrical products, the serious of accidents can all cause terrible injuries. Excessive overtime is common in sweatshops. Working 12-hour days, six days a week is not uncommon in garment factories. Short-term contracts that favour the employer are also a very common issue. Origenally, the poor people or the migrants who desperate to find work, will accept a position on the very loosest of contractual agreements and as a result, when the employer fails to pay people or simply fires them without good reason, they have few legal rights to fall back on to gain compensation. The division of labour in sweatshops is gendered because of the vast majority of workers are young women. The problems faced by many workers are also gendered as a result of gender-based notions of what is acceptable inform working conditions. Thus medical or maternity leave, employer and employee relations and the right to organize can all become gender biased. So the negative aspects of sweatshops have a disproportionate impact on women. And because of this, some people argue that efforts to fight with the poor working conditions in sweatshops should focus more on empowering women. Things like mistreatment of workers can come in various forms too. It is not useful to compare the actual hourly wage of workers across different countries because the standard of living varies from country to country is different. So a better way of comparing how a person is being well paid is whether or not they can support the basic needs of a family by their wage alone. This benchmark is often used rather than a countryà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s minimum wage, if the minimum wage is quite low, people cannot realistically survive on it. In any case, the pressure from Apple company soon will be to the Foxconn, because it can not afford any further damage to its brand, which can improve the working environment of workers. Years, Nikeà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s sweatshops in Vietnam events, so that severely damaged the Nike brand, after Nike to promote the implementation of a strict foundry policy. Economic globalization and Labour Protections Economic globalization, promoting worldwide economic development and wealth growth, but also led some labor issues worldwide. Reflected in the labor problem is not inadequate social-economic underdevelopment or wealth, but wealth and the inequitable distribution of social rights. This situation is due to the nature of economic globalization decision. The so-called economic globalization refers to a new world economic landscape. In this situation, the world has become a common market, economic and trade activities break the national and regional boundaries, not only commodities, but also capital flows which have also been broken the boundaries of national and regional capital Without Borders. The rules and practices of a market economy has become the worlds economic and trade activities within the framework of common values. WTO aims to free trade under capitalism and the market can not be non-discriminatory treatment of intervention. In promoting a global scale market economy, free trade can be realized with the undeniable positive significance. However, this promotion is based on the expansion of capital for the purpose and means, while capital requirements are for the expansion of the direct repression of labor. With economic globalization and trade liberalization, rapid development, social issues and labor-management conflict s have also become increasingly prominent problems. This is mainly as follows: the wealthy beneficiaries of globalization, the serious polarization of wealth distribution, a significant increase in unemployed workers, inadequate social security, working conditions deteriorate, a considerable number of workers trapped in poverty. The problems are not just widespread in developing countries, but also starting to spread to developed countries. With the economic globalization, the labor issue has already became a global issue. Thus, in order to make labor as the main body of the anti-globalization movement, and with the process of globalization go hand in hand, especially in December 1999, the WTO meeting was held in Seattle simultaneous large-scale public protests against globalization protesters in order to Protection of the rights of workers and against unfair competition as the call to dissolve the WTO. Then from the Quebec Summit of the Organization of American States, to the European Union summit in Gothenburg and Genoa Group of Eight summit, accompanied by labor as the main body of the public anti-globalization protests. As intensified anti-globalization movement around the world, showing that labor-management conflicts brought about by globalization has reached a very intense level. However, economic globalization has become an irreversible trend of development. And the WTO status and role are also can not be replaced and shaked. But if we do not face up and coordination of the growing international labor dispute, the aims and objectives of WTO will be fulfilled. Solving labor problem is not only an important condition for economic development, but also is important content of the economic and social development. Because globalization has brought wealth, but also brings inequality, while the greatest threat we face will be widening inequalities instability. A realistic option is that in the process of economic globalization, labor rights must be protected at the same time as a global goal. To achieve this goal, the basic purpose of the implementation of WTO and trade rules must be accompanied by implementation of the provisions of international labor conventions and of the international labor standards. Wether an enterprises should contract outside of the social responsibility is based on economic responsibility system and also depends on factors in enterprises. Under different social systems have different performance. The changes in Chinas corporate responsibility are decided by the change of government. If in the economic system, China is still a planned economy, then the corporate social responsibility is both infinite and limited. If the Chinese society is still a big government, small society model, then the business does not entail the number of do nothing outside social responsibility. If the change of government toward small government, big society, the direction of change, then the enterprise undertaken by the social responsibility of non-rigid bound must be increased. Therefore, the number of Chinese enterprises to take social responsibility in the future depends largely on the Chinese government in the direction of reform. On the current situation in China, Chinas compan ies rests primarily due to stay in the envy of things, some companies even within the responsibility of also failed to meet, such as payment of social insurance fund. The enterprises come from the society, and also will restore the society. This is a new situation for the relationship between social enterprises. Whatever the corporate life or death, grow or stay, it will finally taken by a community to accept its price of failure. More importantly, the society is the living environment of enterprises. Without a good environment, the enterprises hard to survive. Therefore, enterprises have a common prosperity and social relations, the market economy, enterprises and society even have a closer relationship, rather than become relatively distant relationship. The famouse strategic master Michael Porter (Michael E. Porter) said that there is no one company will have sufficient capacity and resources to solve all social problems, they must select and cross-cutting business of their own social problems to resolve. In one hand, the sweat shops engage market share to the enterpreneur, in the other hand, the sweat shops deprive the rights of the worker. It is the issue crossed by business and social ethics. We need to find an appropriate way to give the sweat shops and world economy a balance. Conclusion Although the argument of the existence of the sweat shops still continued. And what matter the effect it will take. The workers who are working in the sweat shops are still suffering with terribel accidents that anytime can happened. They still just can get lowest paid and still have their poor family on their more and more heavier shoulders. They are unhappy and that is againest the human naturals. We can hang up a slogn said that we want to fairness but we can not see the workers in the sweat shops are treated in equality. The Chinaà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s chairman Mao Zedong taught us that: the people, only the people, is the real motive force of historical development. A corporation can not stay in a long time without the people, the man power. Doing business in ethical way, considering problem with moral principle and treat human beings in human natural are the keys for corporations to be successful and evergreen.

The Freedom of Information Essay -- Technology Computers Essays

The Freedom of Information There are different kinds of freedoms: freedom of expression, of opinion, of speech, of information, to copy, to own and to read, and freedom from interference and observation. This research is an ethical analysis of the freedom of information in the new Internet era and how the new technology should be implemented globally as a universal human right. Not so many years ago, I still remember in High School my research with books, magazines, and newspapers as the only resources to get information. When I did my undergraduate thesis in Direct Reduced Iron, I could get information thanks to my brother in law directly from the company that owns the technology. It is not possible to get all the information that you want from the Internet, because some are confidential documents or data with personal information, but there are people that find ways to access information illegally that is not open to the general public. These people called Hackers are not acting morally, because they are not respecting the people’s rights of privacy. This case is not included in the freedom of information mentioned in this research, but the issue itself is affecting in some way the freedom of information. Global Information Infrastructure Something that brought my attention to this subject was the speech of the Vice President Al Gore in 1994 at the International Telecommunications Union Conference about his determination for the creation of a network of networks to all members of our societies and his ethical analysis in Global Information Infrastructure (GII). The plan was based on five principles: Encourage private investment Promote competition Create a flexible regulatory framework Provide open access to the network Ensure universal service Now in 2003 we can see the tremend us benefits of GII in all the countries where it has been implemented. When I started to do this research I didn’t realize all the advances in communications this commitment made. Most of these advances were in the telecommunications industry with private investments and free competition in an industry that was in the past a monopoly. Each country has their own laws in telecommunications, and it is a universal right from an ethical point of view that each individual around the world has to have some kind of access to get information. Let’s say a li... ...f the person is literate or illiterate. Endnotes [1] Deborah G. Johnson and Helen Nissenbaum, Computers, Ethics & Social Values (New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1995), 621. [2] John Weckert and Douglas Adeney, Computer and Information Ethics (Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc., 1997), 32. [3] Johnson and Nissenbaum, 622. [4] â€Å"Motivating a Human Rights Perspective on Access to Cyberspace: The Human Right to Communicate†. CPSR Newsletter Vol. 18, Number 3.6 June2003 http://www.cpsr.org/publications/newsletter/issues/2000/Summer2000/mciver.html [5] Richard A. Spinello, Case Studies in Information and Computer Ethics (New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1997), 249. Bibliography Hester, D. Micah, and Paul J. Ford. Computers and Ethics in the Cyberage. Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2001. Johnson, Deborah G. Computer Ethics. Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1985. Johnson, Deborah G. and Helen Nissenbaum. Computers, Ethics & Social Values. Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1995. Spinello, Richard A. Case Studies in Information and Computer Ethics. Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1997. Weckert, John and Douglas Adeney. Computer and Information Ethics. Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc., 1997.

Inclusive Classrooms Essay

The Success of Inclusive Classrooms Introduction Inclusive classroom is the cause of debates between families with children who have learning disabilities and those that do not have children with learning disabilities (Brehm, 2003). Inclusion can be understood as Brehm states it, Providing to all students, including those with significant disabilities, equitable opportunities to receive effective education; services, with the needed supplementary aids and support services, in age-appropriate classrooms in their neighborhood schools, in order to prepare students for productive lives as full members of society. (2003, p. 89) With the collaboration of the school and home, inclusive classrooms can be successful. Students who have learning disabilities and those who do not have learning disabilities will have the opportunity to develop in a personal fashion, social relationships, and helps students with learning disabilities become â€Å"productive†¦ as full members of society† (Brehm, 2003, p. 89). Inclusive classrooms are consistent with the law that all students should be educated in the least restrictive environment (Banerji & Dailey, 1995). Results Some are opposed inclusion because they believe it will be costly for the school. One school wanted to test inclusive classrooms in their own school and to see the effects. They froze their budget so the public cannot attribute their success to an increase in expenses (Van Dyke, Stallings, & Colley, 1995). Their per-pupil expenditures for students with learning  disabilities were slightly lower than neighboring schools. Since all students were included in the general education the budget was reformed (not increased) to support that. For example, the school did not have to provide separate transportation for students with special needs nor did the district have to pay private tuition for the students they could not accommodate. The school had â€Å"educational supplies† as opposed to separate supplies for the regular education classes and the special education classes (Van Dyke, et al. 1995). Another criticism is that the training needed for teachers, the workshops for school staff, and the collaboration that is needed to make inclusion successful will take a lot of extra time (Van Dyke, et al. 1995). That is true. However, the training and education teachers receive is valuable and improves their teaching to typical students and special students. The benefits that are gained by all students is worth the time (Benerji & Dailey, 1995). Lastly, after a few trainings teachers learn how to run an inclusive classroom so less time is needed for workshops. If we implement the proper education for inclusion in college, teachers will begin teaching with greater skills and knowledge of how to run an inclusive classroom. Another concern is that students with learning disabilities do not necessarily do better academically in an inclusive setting compared to the special education classes. Through research it has been found that after one year of inclusive classrooms in three different districts, 54% of the students with learning disabilities learned what they were e xpected to (Zigmund, Jenkins, Fuchs, & Fafard, 1995). That number was only given after one year of inclusion classroom. The success stories will keep growing if inclusion is done with the right focus and method. Classrooms are an introduction to the community that we live in. Children with disabilities need to be in regular classrooms to help them prepare for the challenges that will arise in the â€Å"real world,† (Van Dyke, et al. 1995). Segregating students puts a label on them that they are different and are therefore treated differently. But, really they are apart our community so they should be part of our schools (Van Dyke, et al. 1995). As, Van Dyke, Stallings, and Colley state, â€Å"To be truly prepared to take part in the real world as adults, children with disabilities need to be educated in language rich classrooms and to interact daily with peers who are appropriate role models† (p. 475, 1995). There are tremendous social gains for students in inclusive  environments. Included students have higher peer ratings and are more accepted compared to students in the resource program (Brehm, 2003). According to the research that was done by Benjeri and Dailey (2003), students with learning disabilities improved in their self-esteem and motivation. Students also changed in their social behavior, which helped them make friends and be part of a group of friends (Benjeri & Dailey, 2003). In addition, students learned to care for one another, to learn and work together. One teacher reported that while all the students were at free play, the teachers were standing around and watching them. One teacher jokingly said that the teachers were not needed anymore because the students have learned to interact and problem solve with one another without the intervention of a teacher (Benjeri & Dailey, 1995). The students without disabilities also gain from inclusive classrooms. Firstly, students learned to accept all types of people no matter what they look like and value the differences of their classmates. They learned that everyone has something valuable to share. Students were less afraid of their classmates that looked or behaved differently. The students learning effected the parents too. In an ethnographic yearlong study it was found t hat students became more tolerant with others as a result of their awareness of their peers with disabilities (Staub & Peck, 1994). Additionally, the study has shown that students developed positive feeling of themselves after they helped or spent time with a peer who was disabled. Their self-esteem was increased as a result of their interactions with their peers. They felt that their â€Å"helping role† with a disabled peer elevated their status in the classroom and gave them a stronger sense of belonging. The relationships between students with all different types of abilities were strong, meaningful, and long-lasting friendships (Staub & Peck, 1994). We can facilitate successful inclusion in our classrooms with the right intervention, approaches, and supports. Most importantly, there must be collaboration between the school psychologist or social worker, the special education teacher, the general education teacher, the principal, and the home. Everyone has to be informed a nd in agreement. When there is unity between all the parties involved in a child’s education, the child has a sense of security and can be educated in the best possible way (Van Dyke, et al., 1995). Support systems must be put in place for the teachers to turn to for advice and to help with instruction in the  classroom. The teachers should meet with a special education teacher and teacher consultant to discuss strategies for their classroom. Every classroom should have a general education teacher and a special education teacher who will be in the classroom for a part of the day and a co-teacher. Trainings and workshops should be given to educate teachers about effective inclusion and instruction (Van Dyke, et al., 1995). One up-and-coming new style of teaching is known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This style of teaching meets the needs of all learners. UDL encourages teachers to create a flexible curriculum that is customized for each student. It allows students to progress from where they are and not where one imagines them to be. For an inclusive classroom, UDL is especially important because there are different learners and each child needs to learn at his o wn pace (www.udlcenter.org). The curriculum should include visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. Assistive technology such as alternative keyboards, electronic pointing devices, Sip-and-puff systems, wands and sticks, joysticks, trackballs, touch screens, should be available for any student. Assistive technology makes the classroom a friendlier place for a student who needs it. UDL offers different ways for students to express themselves and what they have learned. Students learn how to self-regulate their emotions and motivations. They don’t just learn information rather, they learn skills in how to learn and process information. They also expand their executive functioning which helps them set goals for themselves, monitor their progress, and control impulsions (www.udlcenter.org). Discussion Based on the research that was read, inclusion is an ideal way of teaching our children about the world and social relationships. The classroom is a model of a child’s community. Every child belongs to a community and so does every child deserve the chance to receive the best education in the least restrictive environment (Van Dyke, et al., 1995). Inclusive classrooms teach the skills and life lessons to all the students of all types of abilities. Students develop healthier self-esteems, learn how to interact with each other and problem solve together. Students become more accepting of others differences and learn to look out for each individuals unique traits. Inclusion removes the labels that make others different and not good enough.  It lets the classroom be a growing place for all no matter the disabilities (Van Dyke, et al., 1995). The key to Inclusion is communication. The school and the home must be involved in aspects of the child’s education . Teachers need to be trained and taught how to be effective in an inclusive classroom (Van Dyke, et al., 1995). Additionally, UDL will help the curriculum be shaped to help each child succeed in their own way (www.udlcener.org). The limitations of this paper is that it does not state what types of disabilities should be included in the classroom and at what level of functioning a student must be to be included. The paper does not discuss whether a pull out program may be needed or not and to what extent it can be used. References: Benerji, M., Dailey, R. A. (1995). A Study of the Effects of an Inclusive Model on Students with Specific Learning Disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 28(8), p511-522. doi: 10.1177/002221949502800806 Brehm, K. (2003). Lessons to Be Learned and the End of the Day. School Psychology Quarterly, 18(1), p.88-95. doi:10.1521/scpq.18.1.88.20875 http://www.udlcenter.org/ Staub, D., Peck, C. A. (1994). What Are the Outcomes for Nondisabled Students? Educaional Leadership, 6, p36-40. Retrieved from http://rdas-proxy.mercy.edu:3176/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=4bf1b7b5-27eb-4c47-9b29-43509138eaff%40sessionmgr110&vid=4&hid=125 Van Dyke, R., Stallings, M. A., Colley, K. (1995). How to Build an Inclusive Community: A Success Story. Phi Delta Kappan, 76, p475-479. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/218474563?accountid=12387 Zigmond, N., Jenkins, J., Fuchs, L. S., Fafard, M. (1995). Special Education in Restructured Schools: Findings from Three Multi-Year Studies. Phi Delta Kappan, 76(7), p531-540. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/218510466?accountid=12387

Dynamite Alfred Nobel Essay Example

Dynamite Alfred Nobel Essay Example Dynamite Alfred Nobel Essay Dynamite Alfred Nobel Essay For the implementation of the tests for explosive-based cable bolts, three different explosives gunpowder, emulsion dynamite and gelatinite dynamite were used (Thompson, 285-291). The amount of explosive to be placed into the cap is very important. If the amount of explosive becomes relatively high, a greater than required pressure will be applied onto the borehole wall. As a result of this pressure, some cracks may occur in the rockmass. In contrast to this, if the explosive is less than needed, the cap will not expand adequately, and the anchorage capacity will be decreased. According to calculations carried out for the gelatinite dynamite, the required amount of the explosive was found to be ~780 g. However, this amount is only a reference quantity for a first approach. The real quantity, found using the trial and error method in the tests, amounts to 75 g/cap. Similarly, explosions are conducted on large scales in the destruction of buildings, in a way that the surrounding areas have minimal effects of the dynamite blasts and the tasks of the engineers are accomplished very efficiently and effectively (Perrings, 129-135). â€Å"In 1867 dynamite was invented, and in 1869 the mechanical drill run by compressed air was invented. These two inventions created a technological revolution in the mining industry. Dynamite was safer and easier to control than black powder. A steam engine-driven air compressor for the mechanical drill was generally installed outside the mine, and air lines were extended to the drills under ground. Most mines were worked on a small scale, with only a few miners and support personnel. † (Technology of Colonial and Victorian Iron Mining) The anchorage of the first 8 concepts was provided by a friction force developed through expansion of the cap in the borehole wall (Thompson, 285-291). However, for the oblique concept, a rotational moment has been additionally created by the pulling of the cable attached to the cap. The cap designed for this concept is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. In this concept, the upper part of the cap has been designed to be inclined. There were also 2-mm deep scratches on the cap as for the other concepts. These scratches facilitate the expansion of the cap. In this system, the barrel and wedge anchor for holding the cable causes the rotational moment on the cap. This rotational moment gives rise to additional friction between the cap and the borehole wall. These oblique caps are illustrated in Fig. 3. The invention of dynamite in the middle of 19th century was surely a breakthrough in some of the industrial processes. It was through this dynamite that, Alfred Nobel made further discoveries and went on to make a number of industries. The use of dynamite still dominates in the mining and construction industries and is considered to be one of the most significant discoveries of its time. A. G. Thompson: Tensioning reinforcing cables. Rock support in mining and underground construction, Rotterdam, Balkema, 1992, 285-291. Alfred Nobel His Life and Work http://nobelprize. org/alfred_nobel/biographical/articles/life-work/index. html Accessed, March 18, 2007

9 Ways To Avoid Being The Office Jerk

9 Ways To Avoid Being The Office Jerk We all have crazy coworkers- and that’s not even counting the guys going AWOL on the printer in an abandoned field. But you don’t have to be the office psycho to make an enemy of yourself at work. Here are nine things not to do on the job- or really ever.1. Don’t lieEven if it’s a little white lie with good intentions, it can easily get out of hand. Getting caught up in a lie, however, will only make it harder for your coworkers to trust you†¦ and for you to respect yourself.2. Don’t gossipBut†¦ work is dull, and that secret is just so juicy Still,  hold on to your schadenfreude and keep quiet about your coworkers’ misery. You won’t hurt anybody’s feelings, and no one will think you’re a spiteful grump.3. Don’t  be a downerEverybody hates their job a little- at least once in a while. But don’t be the one who’s constantly complaining. It’s a bummer and will bring the whole group do wn, plus it will make you look like a total downer. Remember how replaceable you are!4. Don’t ExplodeNo, seriously. We all want to go AWOL on the printer. Or occasionally even our boss. Before you pick up that stapler to hurl it at your coworker, remember: it might make you feel better, but it’s really just an easy way to get fired. Once you become the office crazy person, there’s no coming back.5. Don’t  hog all the creditEven if you feel you did the lion’s share, taking credit for someone else’s work or ideas is just a jerk move, plain and simple. Keep it classy, and focus on what you can accomplish.6. Don’t bragPlaying it cool is the strongest possible move when you’ve done something excellent. Give the impression that you’re that good all the time, rather than crowing about every small success.7. Don’t  backstabBe sensitive to the climate you work in, and the hierarchy. Don’t go over anybody’ s head or talk about anyone behind their back. (And just hope your coworkers do you the same courtesy.)8. Don’t  eat gross stuffNo, really. That leftover flounder your boyfriend made you is just going to stink up the microwave, the kitchenette, your cubicle, and the entire office. Don’t be the one who brings in smelly leftovers and makes everybody nauseous. If you wouldn’t eat it on an airplane, don’t bring it into work.9. Don’t burn bridgesEven if you do have to peace out, resist the urge to do it in dramatic fashion. You’re invariably hurting your coworkers more than your boss, and you never know when you might need the connections you have made.These sound like outrageous behaviors, but it’s quite easy to be driven to them gradually. So check your ego, stay calm, and make sure to keep your head above the fray.

A biography of Ralph Waldo Emerson essays

A biography of Ralph Waldo Emerson essays One of Americas most influential thinkers and authors was Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph Waldo Emerson was born in Boston on May 25, 1803. Emerson's dad died when he was only eight, which forced his mom to take in boarders to support the family's needs. When Emerson was only 14, he entered Harvard, where he ran became a sort of secretary for the president of the university. When he graduated Harvard, at age 18, he became a teacher. When he got tired or teaching, he enrolled in the Divinity School, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to become a preacher. After his graduation of the Divinity School, he started his minister career as a guest speaker at local churches. Three years after his graduation, he was appointed minister of the Second Church of Boston. Because of personal doubts about the Church doctrine, he felt he could no longer administer the Lord's supper, he quit as minister of the Second Church of Boston. After Emerson left his career as a minister, he sailed to Europe, where he met many prominent European writers. A year later, he returned back to the United States, where he settled in Concord Massachusetts. At an oration at Harvard, he gave one of his most famous, if not his most famous speech, "The American Scholar." "The American Scholar," was a speech about being intellectually independent. Intellectually Independent simply means that everyone should think for themselves, and not become a "parrot of other mens thinking." This speech was very important in Emerson's life, because he was able to mention his theory of Transcendentalism to an open audience. Emerson's most popular written work, was probably "Nature." "Nature," was an essay on the theory of Transcendentalism, and his personal views of nature. Although Emerson wrote many famous works, his main source of income was being a public speaker. Among the places Emerson spoke were lyceums, and universities. Although Emerson mainly spoke at l ...

Media Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

Media Journal - Essay Example New details were recently uncovered with relations to the phone hacking scandals that involved Rupert Murdoch’s papers. The revealed evidence contained names of those involved in the illegal acts plus the lawmakers behind hack. A panel consisting of British Parliamentary members recently stated that Mr. Murdoch was not the right person to steer an international media company. Investors who have been weary of his control over the company took the report as evidence that leadership change was imminent. The reports have led officials to start speculating on the effect of those remarks to corporations broadcast licensing. A team of reporters who accompanied Mr. Romney report the changes that have started taking place in preparations for the general elections. Some of the changes include the arrival of the secret service, waning of access and course, the buffer between them and the candidates have become common (Kleinfield & Peters 23-25). Judicial inquiry has been on the case of British newspapers over the recent past trying to get answers on questions between Murdoch and his son James. Besides the judicial, book reviews have covered the relations of Murdoch and his son in connection with the accusations of phone hacking (Burns 14-15). The immediate issue over the recent past has built around the revelation of the connection between Jeremy Hunt and a lobbyist for Mr. Rupert. Mr. Cameron now wants, according to the reports, the ties verified. A profession at the media limelight has now become victim of the same media. This are reports from China, where several consultations with the editors and media owners gave a hint of how propaganda has really gotten the best of its own machinery at a time of very high political tension (Parker 2-4). Seven people died, and scores wounded in Nigeria when a suicide bomber launched an attack in a newspaper office. The newspaper company named ‘This Day’ had its daily activities running normally when the

Business game modified assignmen Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Business game modified assignmen - Essay Example This company has gained great praise due to its ability to maintain its name in Europe as a car-manufacturing corporation. The corporation has endeavoured to produce high quality cars by using high technology. The company has also managed to remain stable in the competitive European market. In order to fit in the market, the company created an initiative of assessing its target customers, with the aim of acquiring maximum profits from their business initiative. Effective marketing ensures competitive advantage by appealing to consumer values and preferences (Porter 1985; Porter, 1987). At the commencement of the project, our team embarked on a mission to maximise the company’s profits by weighing the shareholders’ investment. At the end of Round 4, our group had managed to acquire about four percent of the market share inclusive of the City and Large car. Our company is keen to check the profit and losses incurred by VICA. Focus on the workers’ demands is among t he company’s major concerns, which it does in order to develop a rapport between the management and the workers, as well as to keep the company on its toes. The target group of the company’s City car falls below 25 years of age while the Large car is aimed at persons between the ages of 41-55 years. In terms of the City car the vehicle is suitable for short distances and is affordable for young people. On the other hand, the Large car is suitable for older people who need to carry luggage of varying sizes and move over longer distances. The forecast for Round 1 can be summarised in the table on the following page. The table is inclusive of sales, profits and balance. The forecast for the City car stood at 53300b while that of the large car was 40950b. CASH FLOW FORECAST Cash In Cash Out Opening Bank Balance ?500,000,000.00 Sales Income ?1,628,805,750.00 Total Material Cost ?1,211,774,167.50 Total Labour Cost ?47,000,000.00 Total Overheads ?242,508,062.56 Factory Cost ? 650,000,000.00 Automation Expenditure ?17,500,000.00 Tax Payment ?38,392,055.98 Net Interest Payment ?0.00 Bank Balance before Loan -?77,918,536.04 Loan Requested ?200,000,000.001 Closing Bank Balance ?122,081,463.96 Company Performance Round 1 Forecast Model based on production, sales and bank balances pre- and post-loan Production 94,250 Sales ?1,630 m Post-Tax Profit ?86.9 m Bank Balance Before Loan ?- 77 m Bank Balance After Loan ?123 m The process of launching the cars into the European market was a complex task that needed to consider elements of establishing an appropriate pricing model, determining manufacturing capacity, the volume of labourers required, and profit/loss projections based on cost recognition. Strategies for launch included first identifying key market characteristics associated with lifestyle and preferences for small/large cars along with environmental attitudes. Market Share Analysis, Gross Margin and Post-tax Profit Round 1 Overheads Overheads Income Cost Fixed Overheads ?128,958,062.56 Market Promotion ?55,000,000.00 Research & Development ?48,700,000.00 Training Cost ?940,000.00 Total Overheads ?233,598,062.56 Budget capabilities, which maintained oversight related to loan procurement as a failure to include loan capital in the figures, dictated limited production capabilities due to overhead and other associated factors related to economies of scale and capital availability. The first production run for Citzen cars was 53,300 whilst larger cars were to be produced

Working mothers shoudn't go back to work year aftergiving birth Research Paper

Working mothers shoudn't go back to work year aftergiving birth - Research Paper Example However, most countries limit such leave to six months after which mothers are expected to return to work. Various reasons have been cited that force the mothers to return to work. These include economic reasons as well as loss of work opportunities in case they delay the return. However, the positive impact that delayed return to employment has on the infant, on the mother, on the society, far exceeds the adverse impact of early return to labor market. Thus, working mothers should not return to work for a year after giving birth. Child-birth – the period of transition The birth of a child is a period of transition for the couple as it brings about significant changes in their relationship, responsibilities and preoccupations. Mothers are the primary caregivers of the family and their return to re-employment soon after birth of a child affects several factors – parental well-being, investment in parenting, marital relationship, attitudes towards the work and family, and the infant’s disposition and temperament (Feldman, Sussman & Zigler, 2004). It may be argued that childcare centers could be used when mothers return to work but low quality care can result in maternal insensitivity and feeling of insecurity in the child. The number of caregivers in childcare centers may not be adequate. Parents are better caregivers and feel more secure of their infants’ safety when they attend to the infants themselves. Breast-feeding leads to important and long-term health benefits for the infants and their mothers (Murtagh & Moulton, 2011). It also positively affects the cognitive development of the infants and their health as adults. The American Academy of Pediatrics highly recommends exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months of birth and continued breast-feeding till the infant is 12 months of age. If mothers work outside the home, it negatively influences the duration of breast-feeding. Unsupportive work environments reduce the breast- feeding duration. Adverse impact of early return US based studies find that maternal employment in the first year of life leads to poorer outcomes, later in childhood. In particular, poorer cognitive outcomes have been reported. The adverse effects are pronounced when mothers return to full-time work before the child is one year old (Gregg, Washbrook, Propper & Burgess, 2005). As participation of women with infants in the labor market has gone up, prevalence rate of breast-feeding has declined. In a study based in Taiwan, Chuang et al (2010) find that return to work within six months of giving birth, is a barrier to continuation of breast-feeding. This study was based in Taiwan where maternity leave does not extend beyond 8 weeks. Women were found to stop breast-feeding after this 8-week period during which they were confined at home. Role of legislation in early return Women are being forced to return to work soon after giving birth to the child for economic reasons. In addition, s elf-esteem and a sense of worth are associated with the paid worker status. However, this causes time pressure on family members and adversely impacts the welfare of the children (Smeaton, 2006). Men should be encouraged to perform more active roles in the family and child-rearing. Work-life balance and increasing nursery provision at workplace, part-time work for some months upon return to work should be given due consideration. In the UK before 1990, mothers were paid to stay at home for 18 weeks following child birth. They could return to work anytime up to 29 weeks of child birth. This study by Burgess et al (2008) found that legislation plays a vital role in the work return rates. Most women returned to work at the end of paid leave (18 months) and beginning of unpaid leave. If the partner’

Educated Citizenry Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Educated Citizenry - Personal Statement Example Educated masses are an important asset to any country, more so for one that follows the democratic form of government. By education, we do not simply mean the literacy rate and its level in the democracy, but the level of awareness that exists amidst them. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "Democracy is a form of government by the people, of the people and for the people". Therefore, those people need to be aware of the way the government functions, why a certain policy is being adopted and what are the rights he or she can avail in the system. An educated citizenry, that is well-informed about the current affairs of the State, the rights and the duties it needs to perform and the process of give of take, can be of crucial help to the government and the democracy, as a whole. Therefore, this is one of the reasons why a Democracy can benefit from an educated citizenry. The second reason stated deals with the fact that the citizenry should be well informed and educated, since it needs to identify and recognise where the democracy is headed.

Based on the issue of ways in which the internet has changed political Essay

Based on the issue of ways in which the internet has changed political interactions globally - Essay Example Therefore, internet has offered many services like ease of communication, information flow, entertainment and advent of e-commerce. The foremost and main services provided by internet are the ease of communication in every walk of life. It is one of the few endowments of scientific knowledge that have helped ameliorate the global political interactions. The political sphere of interaction has changed immensely worldwide through internet. The term ‘democracy’ has taken a more direct and greater meaning now. Countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt and Libya are the clear examples of prevailing political instability and the warfare, which more or less has been worsened by the inappropriate and over use of internet; and has affected the political position of these countries globally. Today, nothing is hidden; a single weird movement in a country is spread throughout the world like a wildfire. Perhaps, internet has more often than not steered the country into a more depressing abyss. The countries have never faced such an adverse condition in past, though there were countries who had political instability, faced battles and even wars; but what was different? The difference this time has been internet. Where media is somewhat controlled and is censored by the government depending on scenarios, internet has been flooded with blatant proofs. Furthermore, any sort of news spreads like a wild fire because of the extensive social networking mediums such as facebook, twitter etc. Media in general, cannot talk much about the inside news because of the fact that such news is censored. However, internet –specifically YouTube and face book, have been filled with the proof of terrorism, extremists, unethical conducts of our leaders, which otherwise in media have been either deleted or censored. This has overall led to a change in general awareness of people who were aloof to such acts. Now there is active resistance to its activities and has led to much more

Health care marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Health care marketing - Essay Example It should finally carry out promotion incentives to avail their customers with the necessary information concerning their goods (Hoffmann, 2008). Therefore, the four P’s of marketing can  be said to consist of promotions, prices, products and place. These variables are vital for businesses that may wish to define their marketing strategies and pursue their desired sales levels (Hoffmann, 2008). The Evanston hospital indulges in the provision of services and plans within the health care department. Their range of products has changed in the past thirty to forty years from the provision of simple medical procedures and orthotic devices meant to correct physical disabilities (Peterson, 2008). However, the hospital is currently into providing modern services in addition to the traditional products that include contracted emergencies physician organizations that run their emergency rooms, group purchasing contracts and consulting services found on the web (Habiyaremye, 2011). ... ent challenges that these products are supposed to go through as they pass the different stages that may be found within their life-cycles (Peterson, 2008). The product mix is also another important aspect of the hospital’s product that should be put into consideration. The expansion of the current product mix being utilized by the hospital’s management can be carried out by augmenting a certain product’s depth or their product lines (Hoffmann, 2008). The hospital’s marketers should consider how they will position their products or configure their product mixes to enable their products complement each other (Habiyaremye, 2011). In view of the hospital’s product, the marketers should consider the most appropriate development strategies that should be used (Peterson, 2008). Price is described as what the customers to a business may be willing to pay for their services or products (Habiyaremye, 2011). In other words, when the hospital provides either a service or a product to its customer, then he or she is supposed to pay a certain amount referred to as the price (Peterson, 2008). However, the issues of pricing have become major concerns for various marketing strategies in the health care sector as its environment changes (Hoffmann, 2008). According to previous reports there are several factors that contribute to the role played by the pricing variables in the development of a marketing strategy (Peterson, 2008). For instance, the rising costs for health care services have created a major concern for many businesses in the profession (Hoffmann, 2008). These reports additionally state that the costs of providing health care previously rose by 5.8% in the US, 6.8% in the UK, 7.1% in Greece and 9.6% in a country like South Korea (Habiyaremye, 2011). These

Educated Citizenry Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Educated Citizenry - Personal Statement Example Educated masses are an important asset to any country, more so for one that follows the democratic form of government. By education, we do not simply mean the literacy rate and its level in the democracy, but the level of awareness that exists amidst them. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, "Democracy is a form of government by the people, of the people and for the people". Therefore, those people need to be aware of the way the government functions, why a certain policy is being adopted and what are the rights he or she can avail in the system. An educated citizenry, that is well-informed about the current affairs of the State, the rights and the duties it needs to perform and the process of give of take, can be of crucial help to the government and the democracy, as a whole. Therefore, this is one of the reasons why a Democracy can benefit from an educated citizenry. The second reason stated deals with the fact that the citizenry should be well informed and educated, since it needs to identify and recognise where the democracy is headed.

Health care marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Health care marketing - Essay Example It should finally carry out promotion incentives to avail their customers with the necessary information concerning their goods (Hoffmann, 2008). Therefore, the four P’s of marketing can  be said to consist of promotions, prices, products and place. These variables are vital for businesses that may wish to define their marketing strategies and pursue their desired sales levels (Hoffmann, 2008). The Evanston hospital indulges in the provision of services and plans within the health care department. Their range of products has changed in the past thirty to forty years from the provision of simple medical procedures and orthotic devices meant to correct physical disabilities (Peterson, 2008). However, the hospital is currently into providing modern services in addition to the traditional products that include contracted emergencies physician organizations that run their emergency rooms, group purchasing contracts and consulting services found on the web (Habiyaremye, 2011). ... ent challenges that these products are supposed to go through as they pass the different stages that may be found within their life-cycles (Peterson, 2008). The product mix is also another important aspect of the hospital’s product that should be put into consideration. The expansion of the current product mix being utilized by the hospital’s management can be carried out by augmenting a certain product’s depth or their product lines (Hoffmann, 2008). The hospital’s marketers should consider how they will position their products or configure their product mixes to enable their products complement each other (Habiyaremye, 2011). In view of the hospital’s product, the marketers should consider the most appropriate development strategies that should be used (Peterson, 2008). Price is described as what the customers to a business may be willing to pay for their services or products (Habiyaremye, 2011). In other words, when the hospital provides either a service or a product to its customer, then he or she is supposed to pay a certain amount referred to as the price (Peterson, 2008). However, the issues of pricing have become major concerns for various marketing strategies in the health care sector as its environment changes (Hoffmann, 2008). According to previous reports there are several factors that contribute to the role played by the pricing variables in the development of a marketing strategy (Peterson, 2008). For instance, the rising costs for health care services have created a major concern for many businesses in the profession (Hoffmann, 2008). These reports additionally state that the costs of providing health care previously rose by 5.8% in the US, 6.8% in the UK, 7.1% in Greece and 9.6% in a country like South Korea (Habiyaremye, 2011). These

Research Paper on Statistics on Health Care Prescription Errors Essay Example for Free

Research Paper on Statistics on Health Care Prescription Errors Essay Research Paper on Statistics on Health Care Prescription Errors Introduction Relation between Error in Healthcare prescription and the inconsistency in Technological information Background Information            A lot of errors are occurring within the healthcare field lately. They result from many factors. Among the principle causes of error are related to wrong prescriptions. As indicated by Benjamin (770), one of the elements that play a critical role in this is the use of advanced technological methods. Computers have been used to aid in the computerized entry of prescription orders. For instance, Walgreens pharmacy, where I work is an online drug store that allows customers to purchase drugs over the internet. This poses a great danger of wrong order interpretations, inconsistencies and misfills. In the past, these have resulted in the possession of dangerous drugs, dosing errors and other mix-ups.Depending on the intensity of the prescription, they can result in severe injuries on the patient or even lead to fatality incidences. In turn, they lead to unnecessary court cases and legal suits that eventually cost many healthcare institutions and practitioners a lot of funds that are paid to cater for the damages (Carroll 52-8). For this, there is a necessity to examine the main causes of faulty prescriptions to ensure that such avoidable consequences are kept at their possible minimal rates. This paper explored the occurrence of prescription errors as a result of order entries at Walgreens. The principleconcerns that were dealt with in this study include: What are the common causes of drug inconsistencies at the pharmacy? What kind of information technology is used in the provision of proper prescription? Are there specific actions that are related to inconsistently provided information in the same prescription order entry? What dispensing errors are most likely to occur in an online drug store? Methodology            The study was prospective as it was comprised of 20 pharmacists from medical centers and Walgreens chemist, which is an online store based in Wasilla in Alaska. For approximately 2 months, they issued a report about the inconsistent order entry of prescriptions. It was principally based on communication. As such, both primary and secondary data collection methodswere employed. Therefore, it included the use of surveys for the collection of first-hand information. In this sense questionnaires and interviews from the participantswereused to gather information for the data. For accuracy and proper validation, these were combined with secondarysources such as the national health statistics (Wu, Pronovost, Morlock 88). It involved the selection of 30 electronically retrieved prescriptions from the free text field for any comments on prescription errors with regard to Walgreens pharmacy. Thus, the study entailed the overall evaluation of 60 prescription records. Data collection            The data was used to capture the medication, focus dispensing errors and the types of inconsistencies in error. Among the elements to considered included dosage, incorrect drug, wrong quantity, inappropriate, inadequate and incorrect labelling. The other elements that caused inconsistencies were inadequate directions for use, inappropriate packaging, preparation and storage of medication before dispensing. It was necessary to use predictive values to determine when the prescriptive errors are likely to be higher. Data analysis            The data was entered in a Microsoft database. 30 records were selected randomly to validate the data. From research, 99.7% of these are expected to be correct. Descriptive statistics characterized inconsistency. Some of the determinants of error such as inpatients and outpatients, analgesics and antibiotics, those that are less frequently prescribed and those on high alert wereanalyzed. They will be provided for harm categories where t tests and χ2 tests will be used. Categorical variables made use of the Fisher test for categorical variables of 2 levels and the χ2 for those with more than 2. Statistical significance or ÃŽ ± =.05 were applied to test predators with the Wald χ2 test. In this study, the regression model of multivariantlogistics method of data analysis will be used. The method will mainly identify different factors in communication prescriptive errors in relation to their severity. It will make use of a generalized approach with estimated equations. Results            The results were filled in the table below:            Similar names and packages Medications not commonly used or prescribed Commonly used medication where patients are allergic Medication that need proper testing for proper therapeutic administration Entry and confirmation of prescription Zeros and abbreviations Organized workforce and reduction of distraction and stress Patient counselling Storage            Dispensing incorrect drug 40% 20% 2% 2% 10% 5% 10% 11% Dose 20% 30% 10% 5% 20% 10% 5% 5% Dosage form 8% 2% 1% 5% 50% 10% 20% 4% Quantity 1% 20% 1% 3% 10% 30% 20% 15% Administration time 1% 5% 3% 2% 10% 30% 40% 9% Wrong labeling 30% 30% 5% 2% 10% 5% `10% 8% Inadequate directions 5% 20% 10% 10% 5% 2% 10% 38% Inappropriate preparation, packaging and storage 20% 40% 5% 1% 1% 5% 29% 1% Graphical Representation of the results Findings            It was discovered that at a pharmacy such as Walgreens where about 250 prescriptions entries are made in a day, about 4 errors occur. Reports relate these to a higher rate of inconsistent communication. The principle cause was drug dosage. There were also some drugs that were associated with a higher rate of overdosing and incorrect prescriptions when compared to others. Thus, in relation to this study, it was evident that medical centers that have a higher flow of patients and the chances of admission have higher rates of errors when compared to other private clinics and chemists. Conclusion            It is important that the laid down professional ethics are adhered to in different fields. This is especially within the medical field where a slight mistake can lead to devastating consequences. Therefore, healthcare providers are always obligated to use the knowledge that they acquired in their studies as well as new knowledge and practices appropriately. They should ensure that drugs are prescribed in the most appropriate ways to avoid errors. In particular, computerized drug entries should be counterchecked to eliminate disparities. However, owing to the continuous change in the nature of disease processes and hence the production of advanced drug formulas, there is need to conduct more research. These will provide more guidance to guarantee safe drug prescription by providers of healthcare services using new technological methods. Recommendations            The employees at Walgreens need to reduce the rates of prescription errors to help retain customers and avoid unnecessary lawsuits. Some of the steps they can take are to ensure the correct entry of prescriptions. These should be confirmed. They should be careful with drugs that look alike and sound alike as well as take care with zeros and abbreviations. They should make the workplace organized and reduce distractions, stress and heavy workloads as much as possible. They should also ensure that drugs are stored properly and check all prescriptions. The most important thing is to ensure that patients are cancelled before taking the drugs. References Benjamin, D. M. Reducing medication errors and increasing patient safety: case studies inclinical pharmacology. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.2003;43:768–83. Carroll, P. Medication issues: the bigger picture.RN. 2003;66(1):52–8. Wu, A. W., Pronovost, P., and Morlock, L. ICU incident reporting systems.Journal of CriticalCare. 2006;17(2):86–94 Source document

Parental Substance Abuse And Safeguarding Children Social Work Essay

Parental Substance Abuse And Safeguarding Children Social Work Essay Substance misuse causes considerable harm and is presently an immense global issue of public concern. It is a wide-ranging problem, damaging individuals, families and entire communities. In general, substance misuse is not only growing considerably within the United Kingdom, but also worldwide. Simultaneously, the number of children involved in the vicious circle of drug taking and problem drinking by their parents is also increasing. Although governments, policy makers and practitioners are recognizing the problem and taking steps towards tackling the effects of substance abuse within families; the issue in general seems far from being solved. Alcohol is legally available and easily accessible throughout England. It is positively associated with socialising, relaxing and celebrating. Although problems linked to excessive alcohol consumption are widespread and well established, it seems that alcohol misuse is somehow more socially accepted and does not have the same stigma as using drugs. Consequently, the issue of alcohol abuse, especially in families with children, often remains undiscovered, and the negative impact and effects of the excessive drinking behaviour of parents on children remain under-recognized and neglected. Estimates by the Prime Ministers Strategy Unit (2004) are that between 780,000 and 1,3 million children in England are (in)directly affected by an alcohol problem of at least one parent in other words: 1 in 11 children live in a household where alcohol misuse is present. While alcohol and the negative consequences associated with its uncontrolled use have been around and well documented for centuries, the drug industry has only been developing and growing rapidly over the last few years. Concordant with the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (2003) up to 300,000 children or 3% of all children under 16 currently belong to a family where one or two of their parents struggle with a dangerous drug issue. Parental substance misuse is also not unheard of in social services caseloads with one quarter to one third of families known to social services as being involved with misusing drugs or alcohol (Cleaver et al., 1999; Kearney et al., 2003). Many of these children do at least temporarily not live with their addicted parents. Putting these figures together, more than 10% of all children in England are exposed to suffer under the effects of their parental drug or alcohol misuse and it is extremely likely that these numbers will continue to grow over the following years. It seems also reasonable to believe that the official figures of affected children may be under-estimating the true scale of the problem as it is extremely difficult to calculate how many families have to cope with some form or the other of substance abuse (Templeton, 2006). First, not all drug and alcohol services take proper care to establish whether or not their clients are also parents and second, not all clients are willing to provide information about the existence of own children. Third, some institutions do not disclose figures, collect data properly or tend to under-report; and fourth, nobody knows how many substance misuser are not seeking treatment and, therefore do not appear on any official statistics (Keen et al., 2001; ACMD, 2003). Consequently, missing data and a clear underestimate of the total number of affected children by parental substance misuse seem obvious. Substance abuse can include negative physical (such as health risks and neglect), psychological (such as attachment disorders and depression) as well as social (such as poverty and crime) influences on both parents and their children (Kroll et al., 2000). Parental alcohol and drug abuse can affect childrens health and development in the long term from as early as conception and often into adulthood, leading to varying forms of strong, adverse and complex consequences (Turning Point, 2006). Additionally, all conceivable types of child maltreatment have repeatedly been associated and clarified in various studies with parental substance abuse including negligence (as the most common type of abuse), sexual, emotional and physical abuse (Cleaver et al., 1999; Alison, 2000; Forrester et al., 2006). The impact of alcohol and/or drugs may also significantly affect the parents capacity of adequate parenting (Alison, 2000). The negative impact of a dependency on the substance misuser himself can lead to chaotic lifestyles, complicating and preventing parents to support and care for their own children, meeting their basic needs and providing a safe and encouraging home environment (Keen et al., 2001; Home Office, 2008). With the knowledge that parental misuse of certain substances can have a seriously negative impact on childrens physical, psychological and emotional health and development, it is essential that these children potentially at risk are identified as early as possible in order to arrange for appropriate protection and safeguard their welfare (Nottingham City, 2004). This is the responsibility of all professionals in different ranges of services; they all must be able to identify and treat substance misuse related problems by adults, and also focus on the problems of affected children (Keen and Alison, 2001). Therefore, increasingly more research is being done, policy initiatives started and family-supporting services and projects have developed rapidly (Templeton et al., 2006). Although considerable progress has been made in recognizing and tackling the problem of substance abuse and the issue has won much public awareness in the last years, sadly, the death of children through the hand s of their parents recalls that the system still fails to safeguard children at risk. Professionals face a variety of often complex issues and struggle with working unimpeded. The most common problems are a lack of understanding, gaining access to the substance misuser and their children, resilience, dilemmas about confidentiality and information sharing, inter-agency tensions, assessment, lack of training and the ability to focus on both, adults and childrens needs (Kroll and Taylor, 2000; Taylor and Kroll, 2004). Without a doubt, changes and new approaches are needed, and through joint assessment, better information sharing and inter-agency cooperation, the focus should be on effective intervention and treatment for the substance misuser as well as of the so far often invisible and neglected children (Kroll and Talyor, 2000; Head of Safeguarding Children, 2008). The first section of this essay describes effects and causes associated with parental substance abuse. It highlights the impact of drug and alcohol misuse on the foetus during pregnancy and later on the child from newborn to adulthood, as well as resilience and protective factors for affected children. Part two focuses on professionals: their responsibilities regarding childrens safeguarding and the challenges they face when confronted with substance misuse. The third section covers the legal framework of safeguarding children and other related political measures. The fourth section examines the progress made so far by looking at different projects, interventions implemented and recent developments. In contrast, section five gives an insight into reality, pointing out some of the most obvious problems and recent incidents. It touches thoroughly discussed issues such as information sharing, inter-agency cooperation and training. The last section considers aims and goals, their impleme ntation and suggests recommendations for a more effective strategy in the future. Throughout this article substance misuse/abuse refers to the use either dependant use or associated with adverse effects of prescribed (such as tranquilizers, sleeping pills, pain-killers, depressants) and illicit (such as opioids, cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis) drugs as well as alcohol (Newcastle Child Protection, 2002) with critical social, interpersonal, financial, physical and psychological negative effects for both the users and those around them (ACMD, 2003). 78 SUBSTANCE MISUSE AND EFFECTS ON PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN There is reasonable basis in research to suggest that a child whose parent is misusing substances is at increased risk. Substance misuse can demand a significant proportion of a parents time, money and energy, which will unavoidably reduce resources available to the child. Substance misuse may also put the child at an increased risk of neglect and emotional, physical or sexual abuse, either by the parent or because the child becomes more vulnerable to abuse by others (Lewis, 1997) Parental substance abuse does not necessarily mean that children are at risk of harm or in need or receive poor parenting in some cases they would not even be affected in a negative way (Newcastle Child Protection, 2002). However, only a few children will not have to deal with multiple, mounting and varying negative consequences and survive such a complex issue entirely unscathed. While a concrete pattern of effects can never be clearly determined due to the complexity of the issue, many of the children may be permanently affected in an adverse manner, either emotionally, physically, socially, intellectually or developmentally (ACPC, 2004). Problems include a variety of health and developmental issues, ineffective parenting, criminal activity, poverty, chaotic lifestyles and educational attainment, and have long been underestimated and an abandoned research field (Keen and Alison, 2001; HM Government, 2008). The Children Act (1989, s17 (10)) defines a child in need as unlikely to achieve or maintain, or to have the opportunity of achieving or maintaining, a reasonable standard of health or development without the provision for him of services by a local authority; his health or development is likely to be significantly impaired, or further impaired, without the provision for him of such services; or he is disabled. In this context harm means ill-treatment (sexual abuse and forms of ill-treatment which are not physical) or impairment of health (physical or mental health) or development (physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development) (The Children Act 1989, s31 (9)). Among hundreds of other prescribable substances, alcohol and opiates should be reduced or avoided at all during pregnancy. Although it is not possible to evaluate all the effects of drugs and alcohol to a full extend on a fetus, it is known that it can be damaging at any time during pregnancy (from conception onwards up to birth, with the first 3 months being particularly vulnerable), causing a variety of health and development problems. Babies whose mothers were dependant on opiates or alcohol during their pregnancy are more likely to be smaller, of lower birth weight, premature and at higher risk of the sudden infant death (ACMD, 2003). Additionally the addicted mothers affected health and her possibly poor nutrition (high levels of sugar, not enough calcium, proteins, fruits and vegetables) often have an additional negative impact on the fetus physical and psychical development and the babys health. If an unborn is exposed to maternal alcohol abuse, this cannot only lead to the familiar serious impairments related to substance abuse mentioned before, but also to a remarkably common developmental problem known as Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome includes a series of potential effects on children such as learning disabilities, heart defects, lower body weight, decreased height, facial deformities, vision and hearing difficulties, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity), conduct disorder and inappropriate behaviour (Dore et al., 1995). Expecting women sharing injection equipment or working as prostitutes to finance their drug use, live with the constant threat of being infected with HIV or hepatitis B; for children born to drug dependent mothers who are infected with HIV, hepatitis C or hepatitis B, there is also a remarkably elevated risk to be also infected during pregnancy, birth or while being breastfed (ACMD, 2003). Heavy and prolonged maternal substance abuse, both opiates and alcohol, will very likely expose the child to the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, which is a term for a range of problems a newborn may encounter when withdrawing from exposure to narcotics. Typical symptoms include high-pitched and excessively long periods of crying, shivering, sneezing, sweating and temperature, vomiting and diarrhea, feeding difficulties, disturbed sleeping patterns, convulsions,, irritability and hyperactivity, high sensitivity to touch, wild sucking, rapid breathing and cardiac action (Marcory and Harbin, 2000). Despite the chance that appropriate antenatal care from the beginning would increase the possibility of a healthy and normal pregnancy and satisfactory development of the fetus, mothers involved with substance dependence often do not seek antenatal care, particularly due to their fear of being stigmatized. (Newcastle Child Protection, 2002). As a baby grows older, the likelihood of experiencing some negative consequences due to its parents substance abuse is not diminished in any way and the impact will vary considerably, depending on several factors such as the childs age and stage of development. The establishment of a decent, confident and secure relationship to at least one caregiver in the early months has widely been recognized as the foundation of a childs normal development. However, children of substance misusing parents often experience parental unavailability, inconsistent care and conflictual relationships (ACMD, 2003). A habit often lets a parent focus more on acquiring and using his drugs or alcohol rather than its childrens needs. Intoxication and coping with withdrawals symptoms lead to limited time, attention and emotional unavailability (Kroll and Taylor, 2000). Further, children of drug and alcohol abusers often have to experience an enforced temporary or permanent separation or loss of a parent due to abandonment, hospitalization, imprisonment, treatment, removal or other emergencies (ACMD, 2003). All these points contribute to life-long complicated and insecure attachment. The above-specified problems commonly also affect the nature and quality of parenting, which in turn often naturally results in further difficulties in a childs development (ACMD, 2003). Research proves that many substance abusing parents lack exemplary models for parenting as they have received poor parenting and maltreatment themselves (Keen and Alison, 2001). As dependence on a substance becomes central, parents are more likely to neglect their children which bears various risks and dangers them, regardless of their age group. Children may be inadequately supervised or left alone at home, exposed to preventable accidents and/or injuries (Kroll and Taylor, 2000). But not only children are at risk of accidents, also drugged or drunken adults are exposed to a higher level of self-induced incidents such as falls, forgetting food on the hob or falling asleep with still glowing cigarettes. Parents with an addiction repeatedly also tend to be unable to fulfill their childrens own basic needs so daily hygiene, a balanced diet and general health may suffer as well as stability, routines (such as bedtimes, getting up and out for school) and boundaries (Alison, 2000). Further health risks may be provoked not taking childrens routine health appointments or problems seriously enough or careless disposal and therefore easy access to drugs, bottles, syringes and needles (Kroll and Taylor, 2000; Alison, 2000). There is also notable danger for children that have observed their parents using substances, copying them (ACMD, 2003). Girl, 2, dies drinking her mothers methadone (2002) Boy, 2, died after taking parents methadone (2006) Boy, 14, dies after drinking methadone at his aunts flat (2008) Another consequence of parental unavailability is that children are often left alone with daily adult/parental responsibilities such as caring for their younger siblings, meeting their parents needs, managing finances and household chores (Kroll, 2004). Such additional and inadequate responsibilities may in turn result in the loss of social opportunities and poor academic performance of child- some research gives evidence that children miss school (regularly) by being kept at home due to caring responsibilities and left with little time to socialize. Social isolation becomes more severe as the child grows older and starts to be careful about exposing family life to outsiders and lives in a circle of denial and secrecy due to shame and fear (ACMD, 2003). Misusing drugs or alcohol does not only contribute to negligence but often goes hand and hand with other forms of child abuse and violence at home. The possibility of abuse and child maltreatment is enforced by the likelihood that children may be exposed to a number of possible dangerous strangers or inappropriate carers within their own home (Newcastle Child Protection, 2002). Research also reveals a lower tolerance level and moderate loss of temper associated with substance abuse, causing aggressive behaviour and resulting in violence to appear frequently (Kroll, 2004). Emotional neglect and abuse is also an issue within a parental substance misusing environment. Children often either feel rejected and unloved by their parents as they concentrate and spend considerably more time on their destructive habit than with them, or embarrassed and often also guilty (Kroll, 2004). Maintaining an addiction is a financial burden, not only making it difficult to complete household costs, but also regularly leading to criminal activity to buy drugs or alcohol. Children of addicted parents are also more likely to be exposed to early criminal conduct and/or its consequences not infrequently because they have been with a parent while they had been committing a crime (ACMD, 2003). Although parents try and tend to hide their habit from their children, children sooner or later discover it and typically have to deal with it by themselves which usually adds to a variety of already existent behavioural problems due to the mentioned consequences of parental substance abuse children tend to be more aggressive, feel upset or anxious and show anti-social behaviour (ACMD, 2003). Negative parental examples and role models such as drug taking, alcohol abuse, crime, poor living conditions and inappropriate behaviour inevitably can lead a child to view their parents actions as being normal and approved so that substance abuse and outrageous conduct by themselves becomes more likely as they enter into their teens and adulthood (ACMD, 2003). Research into child resilience has shown that key protective factors can have an enormous impact on preventing children from being damaged by parental substance misuse. The field of factors includes having a parent not misusing substances, a strong bond with a caring adult and support from extended family (Templeton and Velleman, 2007). Further to mention are a violence-free home, sufficient financial resources and an upstanding support system as well as educational success and involvement in different activities (19?). Working towards personal goals and dreams, taking education or career opportunities or even leaving the parental home are also common strategies to deal with experiencing substance abuse at home (Templeton and Velleman, 2007). Parents generally are aware of the negative consequences and influence on their children, and they often experience a range of impacts as a result of their weakness which moreover will have follow-on affects for their children, for example in their parenting capacity. Many of them have experienced difficult childhoods and were poorly parented themselves in this cases drugs or alcohol are often used to deal with a range of traumas and tension associated (Alison, 2000). PROFESSIONALS It is the reliability and function of all genres of professionals and agencies including general practitioners, health visitors, doctors, midwifes, pediatricians, mental health services, family support services, treatment institutions, social services, police, educational settings and voluntary sectors to safeguard and protect children. Safeguarding is equal to keep children safe from harm and abuse both deliberate abuse as well as accidents, bullying and crime and to promote their well-being and development in a healthy and safe environment (HM Government, 2006). Everyone having contact with children must be aware that it is not acceptable to remain sidelined if a child is in need or risk of harm (Lord Laming, 2003). However, it is noteworthy that each professional recognizes and accepts the limitations of his own roles and values the essential share of others (Keen and Alison, 2001) otherwise everyones duty and the mission to put a childs welfare first soon gets lost and remai ns no ones responsibility (Inter-Agency Guidelines, (2008). Challenges When encountering parental substance abuse, all professionals face a series of dilemmas, conflicts and tensions in their work with children and adults. They often simply feel unprepared and lack the expertise, skills and training to focus and work effectively with adults and children to the same purpose, and even if they do have the proper training, professionals often just do not see their role in engaging with children or substance misusing parents (Templeton and Velleman, 2007). Professionals interviewed by Taylor and Kroll (2004) stated one after another that they lack training which covers child safeguarding and protection processes and feel inexperienced to work with children of drug and alcohol users, children in need or risk of harm. Additionally, there seems to be a common confusion among different agencies regarding their individual roles and therefore allocation of clear responsibilities. A large part of these issues lay in the individual and independent development of sub stance misuse services and child welfare approaches over the last years. While adult treatment services place the substance abusers first and often do not involve existing children, the primary purpose of child protection agencies are solely the children, generally not taking into account parents needs (Colby and Murrell, 1998 in Taylor and Kroll, 2004). But agencies working with children must also take into account the situation and the problems of the respective parents, being aware of the impact parents behaviour have on children. At the same time, services for adults must not ignore existing children, so a great cooperation between agencies and services is needed (Templeton and Velleman, 2007). Professionals and agencies have to deal with parents who may bot be easy to engage with, who may not want to cooperate with them, are reluctant to open up, tell the truth or prepare to change (Nottingham City ACPC, 2004). Therefore it can be a challenge to obtain, establish and maintain t rusting relationships with either the parents or the effected children (Inter-Agency Guidelines, 2008). On the other hand, families with a drug and/or alcohol problem fear a range of consequences and rejection by opening themselves to professionals, which usually keeps them in a twist of silence and secrecy, thus preventing them access to support and help for themselves or their children (Nottingham City ACPC, 2004). Parents are often reluctant to approach services and seek treatment, have problems to confide in others and reveal their drug and/or alcohol problem as they particularly fear that any disclosure could lead to losing their children and that their family might be treated differently, stigmatized or denied by others (Nottingham City ACPC, 2004). Although confidentiality is a key principle for such agencies, no organization can guarantee it and in some cases, professionals have to share information, especially when a childs welfare is at risk (The Stella Project, 2002). SAFEGUARDING AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK As mentioned earlier in this article, agencies, services and professionals in touch with children or/and adults who are parents have a variety of responsibilities to safeguard children, assess their needs and promote their welfare. In the United Kingdom, considerable legislative framework exists for this purpose, with the Children Act 1989 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as the elementary and reforming pieces of child law. In general, the Children Act (1989) focuses on improving childrens lives and demands comprehensive services to all children as well as tailored ones for those with additional needs. It also clarifies that if a local authority has reasonable cause to suspect that a child who lives, or is found, in their area is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm, the authority shall make, or cause to be made, such enquiries as they consider necessary to enable them to decide whether they should take any action to safeguard or promote tha t childs welfare (The Children Act 1989, s47 (1)). The Children Act also provides the legal grounds for the five Every Child Matters (2003) outcomes in law be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution, achieve economic well-being. Later the Children Act (2004) implemented a requirement for local authorities and a range of agencies engaging with substance abusing parents to rank first the welfare and safety of their children. Local authorities and agencies are made responsible to determine if a child is in need and/or risk and then to take appropriate steps to protect him from (further) significant harm (ACMD, 2003). Further The Children Act (2004) focuses on co-operation to improve and secure the well-being of children. Early awareness and intervention is critical to reduce the numbers of child protection cases but assessment is an immensely complex process. When assessing the welfare of a child, practitioners must work sensitively and child-centred, analysing the parental substance misuse from the childs position to better understand the impact upon his development and life (Lord Laming, 2003). For a more standardized, coordinated, early and practical way to assess childrens individual needs, the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) was designed and forms part of the Every Child Matters (Lord Lamming, 2003). The Department of Health also provides the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families, which is based on a more ecological approach. Further, all local authorities are required to have an Area Child Protection Committee to organize and supervise child protection measures. When determining that a child is at risk of significant harm, child protection procedures should immediately be initiated to ensure that the necessary referral is made to the social services (ACMD, 2003). It is crucial that assessment is ongoing and changes are carefully monitored when a parent is in treatment or free from drugs or alcohol dependence it does not necessarily mean that children do not longer suffer from any adverse consequences (Nottingham City ACPC, 2004). Further, if no concerns regarding the well-being of a child are established, professionals should remain in connection with the family and carefully observe them as harmless situations often quickly change into an unpredictable environment for the child (Newcastle Child Protection, 2002). PROGRESS Over the last years, there has been a wide range of Government initiatives, programmes, strategies and policies aimed at tackling (parental) substance misuse. The Updated Drug Strategy for England 2002, Models of Care for Alcohol Misusers, the Green Paper on Children at Risk, Extended Schools, the Childrens National Service Framework, Sure Start and Early Excellence Centres, mentioned above, are only some examples of key initiatives (ACMD, 2003; The Stella Project, 2002): The Updated Drug Strategy for England in general specifies a variety of actions undertaken by the Government to tackle drug use and restrict the access to Class A (heroin, cocaine) drugs. Further it acknowledges that there is not enough attention given to children of drug dependent adults and thus more focus on helping them as well as addicted mothers is needed. The Models of Care for Alcohol Misusers first effort is to identify, work towards and minimize negative consequences of alcohol abuse on children. In particular, this strategy also addresses abuse and domestic violence as the main associated problems with alcohol dependence. The Green Paper on Children at Risk is a strategy addressing a series of key recommendations of the Laming Report and aiming to implement policies to improve the life chances of children. The concept behind the Extended Schools project, initiated by the Department for Education and Skills, is that schools could create stronger relationships parents and children, motivate their pupils and so raise standards by offering a wider service such as adult education, health services and childcare. The Childrens National Service Framework main goal is to reduce inequalities in health and social services as well as upgrading the overall standard of such services. The scheme specifically concentrates on the needs of children of drug and alcohol abusers. Sure Start provides different services and support of all kind to all families in more disadvantaged areas and in cases of parental substance misuse, the Sure Start team will seek advice, refer to and work closely with the relevant practitioners and agencies. Early Excellence Centres were established to raise childrens welfare and development by working coordinated with other community agencies and offering advice, support, childcare, health services and early learning. With a comprehensive legislative framework already established in the United Kingdom and several initiatives and programmes running, it does not seem especially needed to modify existing legislations or implement new ones or start more projects to protect children effectively. Nevertheless, those already existing must be fully understood and applied by practitioners in all areas, and everyone must clearly understand his responsibilities and those of the others (Lord Lamming, 2003). However, the death of the children Baby P and Victoria Climbià ¨ are tragic examples of the failings in the child protection system. Despite considerable commitment and progress made so far, challenges remain in the protection of children and their safeguarding as well as in the daily reality of practitioners. The issues mainly surround training, adequate levels of staffing, improvement of data systems and information sharing and better coordination and cooperation problematically (Lord Lamming, 2003). REALITY The exact number of minors suffering under parental substance abuse known to social services is not clearly determined. In 1999, Cleaver et al. estimated that around 25 to 60 percent of all children in child protection proceedings were living with a parent having a drug or alcohol problem. A more recent study of 290 child custody cases in four different London boroughs revealed that 34% (100 families) where affected by substance abuse, resulting in more than 50% of all children in care proceedings and over a third of all children on the child protection files being subjects of parental substance abuse (Forrester and Harwin, 2006). Both researchers also found that most affected children were under the age of five years. Information sharing Although the government set clear guidelines on sharing information with the publication of Information sharing: Guidance for practitioners and managers in 2008, breaching confidentiality, information sharing and data protection still remain some o