Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Operation of an efficient market and causes of market inefficiencies

Operation of an efficient market and causes of market inefficiencies Introduction Market efficiency can be defined as the degree to which the prices reflect all the available information in the market. In other words, market efficiency is a condition where the market prices display the prevailing conditions.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Operation of an efficient market and causes of market inefficiencies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In some cases, the market prices may not reflect the prevailing market conditions based on the available information. In this case, the market is said to be inefficient. Market inefficiencies occur in rare cases. When this occurs, the market is interrupted from the normal arrangements and this lead to complications. Explanation for an Efficient Market and How It Operates As already seen, market efficiency can be defined as the situation where the prices charged in the market reflects all the information available to the participants. In order for th e market to function effectively, it is always necessary to have enough participants willing to sell or buy goods (Kirschen and Strbac, 2004). The price determination process is of great significance in the market. However, this is based on the information available in the market. The information available to buyers and sellers should be unbiased in order to come up with reliable and sustainable prices. The market where all these conditions are satisfied is referred to as an efficient market. Therefore, under the efficient market conditions for instance, buying or selling of the stock reflects fair returns after deducting the costs incurred through a transaction. In many cases, when people puts money in the stock market their main goal is generation of returns. In some cases, many investors even aim at getting more than necessary returns by surpassing the market (Heakal, 2011). However, the prices of a particular stock reflect all the information available about the stock. This impl ies that there is no investor who can have an advantage of forecasting on the returns of a stock because all the players have access to all available information. Such kind of a market is efficient. Decisions are made with reference to the information available (Investo 2011). All investors have similar knowledge about a certain stock. In this case, all investors are assumed to be rational.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Consequently, they will most likely have similar choices. In other words, investors are assumed to behave in a certain way. Mankiw (2008, Essentials of Economics), observed that the prices only respond to the information available in the market. Therefore, since every person in the market has equal access to the same information, then no one has the ability to make more profit than the other. In a perfect market, it is assumed that there are a lar ge number of buyers and sellers and a homogenous product and full information (Evans 2004). Therefore, a perfect market is efficient since the participants make informed decisions. Example of an efficient market; Market for polythene bags In the illustration above, the supply curve reflects the costs of the sellers where in this case are the polythene bag sellers. On the other hand, the demand curve reflects the value of the buyers. In this case, both the consumer and producer surplus is maximised. Therefore, this leads to an efficient market. In other words, the equilibrium market price leads to an efficient market. Explanation for Market Inefficiency and Its Causes In an inefficient market, the prices become random rather than predictable. Even with access to all the available information about the market, the participants’ prediction is rarely reflected in the prices (Barnes, 2009). In this case, the prices become random. When there are market inefficiencies, the prices m ay be set in such a way that they don’t reflect the market value. This difference is what is referred to as the market inefficiency. The prices are determined by external forces rather than the market forces. Market inefficiency is regarded as one of the market failure.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Operation of an efficient market and causes of market inefficiencies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Externalities are the main causes of the market inefficiencies. Externalities lead to an inefficient allocation of resources (Mankiw, 2008, principles of economics). This is the main reason why externalities cause inefficiency in the market. One of the common causes of these inefficiencies through externalities is the government intervention. For instance, the government may intervene in the market fort the polythene bags due to its contribution in environmental pollution. In the absence of the government interv ention, the equilibrium price will be reflecting what the consumers are willing to pay for the product given the prices in the market (Boyes and Melvin, 2006). This is determined by the information available to both sellers and buyers in the market. Therefore when there is no government intervention, the prices will adjust to balance the supply and demand of the polyphone bags in this case. In this case, both consumers and sellers are able to maximize their surplus. In other words, this allocation leads to maximization of the total value to the consumers who purchase the polythene bags less the costs incurred in its production (Dimson and Mussavian, 2000). In this case, the supply curve reflects the costs of the sellers where in this case are the polythene bag sellers. On the other hand, the demand curve reflects the value of the buyers. In this case, both the consumer and producer surplus is maximised. Therefore, this leads to an efficient market. The case of government interventi onAdvertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In this case, the government intervention in effort to reduce the level of pollution has led to a drop in the quantity provided in the market below the equilibrium level. The government intervention interferes with the equilibrium level of prices. This shifts the equilibrium level from the original position to another. This will lead to shortage in polythene bags which will induce the suppliers to increase their prices. This will lead to a decrease in consumer surplus. The prices charged will also not reflect the equilibrium price. This will lead to inefficiency in the market. In other words, any intervention in the market will lead to the market inefficiency. Similarly, taxation will also act by increasing the prices above the equilibrium level. Consequently, this will result into market inefficiency. This is because the prices will not reflect the equilibrium, market prices. Other government interventions will lead into similar results. Conclusion In conclusion, this discussion h as given a clear understanding of an efficient market and inefficient market. The study has clearly shown that in an efficient market, all the participants have equal access to the available information. The market price in a particular time is reflected by the information available in the market (Crosier, 2004). On the other hand, an inefficient market is characterised by random prices. In this case, the prices are not predictable. From the discussion, it can be seen that the markets cannot be absolutely efficient all absolutely inefficient. In most cases, the market reflects all these aspects of the market. Based on this information, it is advisable for all participants to refer to all the information available in the market in order to come up with the most feasible decisions. To those investors seeking to invest on shares, they are advised to find out all information necessary about the company in question. This will enable the company. This will enable the investor to determine whether the prices set for shares are reasonable before making their final decisions to buy. Reference List Barnes, P., 2009. Stock Market Efficiency, Insider Dealing and Market Abuse. England, Gower Publishing, Ltd. Boyes, W. and Melvin, M., 2006. Economics. U.S.A., Cengage Learning. Crosier, L., 2004. Selling Your Business: The Transition from Entrepreneur to Investor. New Jersey, John Wiley and Sons. Dimson, E. and Mussavian, M., 2000. â€Å"Market Efficiency.† Spellbound Publications, 2000. Vol.3, Pp. 959-970. Evans, A. 2004. Economics, Real Estate and the Supply of Land. Wiley-Blackwell. Heakal, R., 2011. What Is Market Efficiency? [Online] Available at:  https://www.investopedia.com/insights/what-is-market-efficiency/ . Investo, 2011. What Is an Efficient Market and How Does It Affect Individual Investors? [Online] Available at:  https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/05/marketefficiency.asp . Kirschen, D. and Strbac, G., 2004. West Sussex: Fundamentals of power system economics. New York, John Wiley and Sons. Mankiw, N., 2008. Essentials of Economics. Mason, OH, Cengage Learning. Mankiw, N., 2008. Principles of Economics. Mason, OH, Cengage Learning.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Au Cas Où - French Expression Explained

Au Cas Oà ¹ - French Expression Explained The French expression Au cas oà ¹ (pronounced [o ka oo], note that there is no liaison between cas and oà ¹) literally translates  to in the case where Explanation and Examples The French expression au cas oà ¹ is exactly equivalent to (just) in case in English. You can use it in front of a subject plus verb in the conditional, in which case its register is normal to formal. The more interesting - and informal - usage is when its tacked on to the end of a sentence. If you dont already use au cas oà ¹ regularly, you soon will.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Au cas oà ¹ il rentrerait avant nous, je vais lui laisser un mot.  Ã‚  Ã‚  (Just) in case he gets home before us, Im going to leave him a note.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Apporte un parapluie, au cas oà ¹ il pleuvrait.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bring an umbrella, (just) in case it rains.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Apporte un blouson, au cas oà ¹.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bring a jacket, just in case. Synonymous Expressions For au cas oà ¹ conditional: dans le cas oà ¹des fois quepour le cas oà ¹ For the informal au cas oà ¹ at the end of a sentence: tout hasardpour le cas oà ¹

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Production Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5250 words

Production Management - Essay Example ated tasks are being attended to with necessary know how and skills.The deepening of this trend is evidenced by the fact that several of these sub contracting firms(SMEs particularly) have acquired specialist status and their deployment is much sought after.In fact doing business in such a fashion equates working in highly organized networks of organizations that are lined up for specific responsibilities for delivering the final products or services.In the construction business there has been a concerted move towards systematic hiring of contractors and as a catching trend of last 20 years such hiring has become highly specialized with a large and growing network of specialist trade sub contractors. The growth of the specialist sub-contract sector in the construction industry has ensured the importance of specialist trade sub contractors to the overall project development process. ... aptations required by the construction industry to accommodate the design, contractual, administrative, control and co-ordination aspects of various levels of involvement on construction projects. A bird's eye view of a typically networked and partnered construction effort-Comparison between UK and US In order to serve as an illustration a large sized state construction effort in US can be cited as below: "In most cases, the Department of Finance and Administration's Bureau of Building serves as the construction program manager for state construction projects in Mississippi. The Bureau of Building represents the interests of the entity and exercises independent oversight of the professional contractor and constructor team (i.e., general contractor and sub-contractors). The Bureau of Building, professional team, constructor team, and a building commissioning agent, when applicable, enter a contractual relationship for a project. The Bureau of Building exercises direct oversight of architects, engineers, building commissioning agents and other contract professionals, while it performs indirect supervision of the construction contractors through the primary professional contractor and the building commissioning agent. Because the bureau does not have the in-house capability to perform some of the design and construction tasks that some private construction program managers can provide, it may employ engineers, contract analysts, architects, or construction project administrators to manage and monitor projects. The bureau has authority to compel adherence to contract specifications and schedules, applying sanctions to firms or individuals within the constructor team that do not fulfill their responsibilities"(Joint,2005). The above is a typical

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

American Literature Exam question Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

American Literature Exam question - Coursework Example Linda is denied the right to raise her own children, as are many other black women. Slaves are not allowed to marry whom they choose, and a black husband and wife sometimes are not allowed to live together. White men father children with black women, but lack absolutely any kind of parental obligation towards the children, and in some cases, like with Mr. Sands, may be tempted to sell them to get out of financial trouble. We see that the hatred slavery enforces distorts the most basic of all emotions: that of a parent towards his child. The lack of freedom and basic human rights does not affect only individuals, but all social structures. Normal human relationships inside and outside of a family cannot survive the devastating influence of the slavery system which deliberately dehumanizes black people, shamelessly stripping them off their dignity and rights as human beings.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Australian Income Tax Guidance Notes Essay Example for Free

Australian Income Tax Guidance Notes Essay However, there is a catch; you can only treat it as your main residence for 6 years. Hence nearing the end of the 6 year period you would need to move back into the house and re-establish it as your main residence. Put simply, you can only have one tax free house at any one time that has to be established as your main residence and if you move out you only have 6 years for it to continue to be your main residence. Topic 5 Annuities and Foreign Pensions Topic 6 Termination payments Topic 7 Small Business Entities Valuation of trading stock (S9-180) The three bases to value the trading stock are as following: * Cost (S9-190) * Market selling value (S9-220) * Replacement value (S9-225) 08. 1. 1 Methods used to work out the cost of trading stock (S9-200) The commissioner accepts the following valuation methods: * FIFO: The first items purchased are assumed to be disposed of first and the cost of trading stock on hand at the end of the year is the cost of the items most recently acquired. Where shares cannot be specifically identified, taxpayers must normally use the FIFO method to value trading stock. * Average cost: the cost of each item of a particular type on hand at the end of the year is the weighted average of the cost of all such items that were on hand at the beginning of the year and all those acquired during the year. * Standard cost: a predetermined standard cost per unit is used. The following valuation methods are not acceptable: * LIFO: Late in first out * Base stock: 08. 1. 1. 1 Trading stock on hand taken into account Where a taxpayer carries on business, all trading stock on hand at the start of the income year and all trading stock on hand at the end of the year are taken into account in working out the taxpayer’s taxable income. Where trading stock is acquired ‘not at arm’s length’, the market value is used. The taxpayer is required to include the market value as assessable income. 08. 1. 1. 2 Disposal not in the ordinary course of business (S9-290) * When trading stock is sold in the ordinary course of trading, gross sales less the cost of production are brought to account by the ordinary trading stock accounting method. Where an item of trading stock (with or without other business assets) is disposed of outside the ordinary course of a taxpayer’s business, the taxpayer is required to bring to account as assessable income the market value of the stock on the date of disposal. * The taxpayer takes out stock from his/her business and used it privately is required to bring to account as assessable income the market value of the stock on the date of drawing. Topic 9 General Deductions 09. 1 Deductions for business-related expenditure

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Asian American Essay -- essays research papers

The American Community in the 1900’s to the 1920’s was in fact a totally different generation than its successor not only because of cultural and economic reasons but also because of world events and the rise of technology. Americans in the early 1900’s were a closely knit generation with a sense of community, morals, and obligations. They had an "instilled" set of ideals and values and their lives were very much affected by the rise of technology. Living in America in the early part of the 1900’s was a hard and trying era through such turbulent times as the Great Depression, World War I, and the Industrial Revolution. Such profound and important events happened in a relatively short amount of time. Americans were searching for an identity for their country which was still only less than 200 years old. Big Industry was on the rise slowly and Americans were starting to contend in the growing world market. Throughout American history, people have fought for equality in any shape or form and the mid 1900’s was no exception. Having gone through leaps and bounds in terms of civil rights. The 1920’s to the 1940’s was a transitional period for all Americans and minority groups. During this period of American history, America was one of the most modern countries in the world but still...

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Why Should We Respect Difference in Others

Guillermo NigaglioniSeptember 25, 2010 Ad English-02Mrs. Wanda Miranda Why Should We Respect Difference in Others Everyone has a quality that makes them different from other people. If you don’t like or respect other’s qualities, they will do the same to you and you won’t like that. Also, if you don’t like that quality, don’t tell them. Just keep it to yourself and no one gets their feelings hurt. Others can also hate you for your own qualities because no one is perfect especially people that say that they are perfect. ome qualities can be the same, but at least one thing has to be different from other people. There are many ways to try to treat one’s differences with respect. One of those ways is trying not to insult them or make fun of them. For example, they might have a new type of hair and it may look funny, but don’t say it out loud. Another way is to listen to them when they speak. Don’t ignore them when they speak becaus e they could do the same to you. Finally, you could respect them by being sensitive with their feelings.If you see someone crying, help them and discover why they are crying. Some of the people you really need to respect are your friends and family. Your friends are people that respect you if you treat them well. They can be sensitive to your needs as well as you beings sensitive to their needs. They can stop being your friends if you don’t respect their differences. Your family is the group of people that respect you the most. If you have a different quality than any other of your family members, they can respect you for it and you can respect them for their qualities.Respecting other’s beliefs is important when we talk about taste. For example: I like apple and you like peach; I like blue cars and you like red cars. We all have different types of likes and dislikes, so we have to respect that because not everyone is the same. Also, we can criticize our own opinions a nd other’s opinions to identify the â€Å"correct† one because not everyone is correct with their own opinions. We all believe in different things which is why we need to respect each other for it and we can discuss it in a calm and respectful way.To end my opinion essay, I think we should respect difference in others because no one is ever the same, even when you’re twins. The qualities that make us different can be the same to other people, but we still have at least one thing that make us different. You can believe whatever you want, but we all believe different things and we can respect that. Respecting is an important quality if you like to have many friends. You can respect the different qualities they have and you can respect that so that you make a difference in the world.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Frostbite Chapter 10

Ten THE SKI TRIP COULDN'T HAVE come a moment too soon. It was impossible to get the Dimitri and Tasha thing out of my head, but at least packing and getting ready made sure I didn't devote 100 percent of my brain power to him. More like 95 percent. I had other things to distract me, too. The Academy might- rightfully- be overprotective when it came to us, but sometimes that translated into pretty cool stuff. Example: The Academy had access to a couple of private jets. This meant no Strigoi could attack us at an airport, and it also meant we got to travel in style. Each jet was smaller than a commercial plane, but the seats were cushy and had lots of leg room. They extended far enough back that you could practically lie down to sleep. On long flights, we had little consoles in the seats that gave us TV movie options. Sometimes they'd even break out fancy meals. I was betting this flight, however, would be too short for any movies or substantial food. We left late on the twenty-sixth. When I boarded the jet, I looked around for Lissa, wanting to talk to her. We hadn't really spoken after the Christmas brunch. I wasn't surprised to see her sitting with Christian, and they didn't look like they wanted to be interrupted. I couldn't hear their conversation, but he'd put his arm around her and had that relaxed, flirty expression that only she could bring out. I remained fully convinced that he could never do as good a job as me of taking care of her, but he clearly made her happy. I put on a smile and nodded at them as I passed down the aisle toward where Mason was waving at me. As I did, I also walked by Dimitri and Tasha sitting together. I pointedly ignored them. â€Å"Hey,† I said sliding into the seat beside Mason. He smiled at me. â€Å"Hey. You ready for the ski challenge?† â€Å"As ready as I'll ever be.† â€Å"Don't worry,† he said. â€Å"I'll go easy on you.† I scoffed and leaned my head back against the seat. â€Å"You're so delusional.† â€Å"Sane guys are boring.† To my surprise, he slid his hand over mine. His skin was warm, and I felt my own skin tingle where he touched me. It startled me. I'd convinced myself Dimitri was the only one I'd ever respond to again. It's time to move on, I thought. Dimitri obviously has. You should have done it a long time ago. I laced my fingers with Mason's, catching him off guard. â€Å"I do. This is going to be fun.† And it was. I tried to keep reminding myself that we were here because of a tragedy, that there were Strigoi and humans out there who might strike again. No one else seemed to remember that, though, and I admit, I was having a difficult time myself. The resort was gorgeous. It was built to sort of look like a log cabin, but no pioneer cabin could have held hundreds of people or had such luxury accommodations. Three stories of gleaming, golden-colored wood sat among lofty pine trees. The windows were tall and gracefully arched, tinted for Moroi convenience. Crystal lanterns- electric, but shaped to look like torches- hung around all the entrances, giving the entire building a glittering, almost bejeweled look. Mountains- which my enhanced eyes could just barely make out in the night- surrounded us, and I bet the view would have been breathtaking when it was light out. One side of the grounds led off to the skiing area, complete with steep hills and moguls, as well as lifts and tow ropes. Another side of the lodge had an ice rink, which delighted me since I'd missed out that one day by the cabin. Near that, smooth hills were reserved for sledding. And that was just the outside. Inside, all sorts of arrangements had been made to cater to Moroi needs. Feeders stayed on hand, ready to serve twenty-four hours a day. The slopes ran on a nocturnal schedule. Wards and guardians circled the entire place. Everything a living vampire could want. The main lobby had a cathedral ceiling and an enormous chandelier hanging over it. Its floor was intricately tiled marble, and the front desk stayed open around the clock, ready to indulge our every need. The rest of the lodge, hallways and lounges, had a red, black, and gold color scheme. The deep shade of red dominated over the other hues, and I wondered if its resemblance to blood was a coincidence. Mirrors and art adorned the walls, and little ornamental tables had been placed here and there. They held vases of pale green, purple-spotted orchids that filled the air with a spicy scent. The room I shared with Lissa was bigger than our dorm rooms put together and had the same rich colors as the rest of the lodge. The carpet was so plush and deep that I immediately shed my shoes at the door and walked in barefoot, luxuriating in the way my feet sank into that softness. We had king-size beds, covered in feather duvets and set with so many pillows that I swore a person could get lost in them all and never be seen again. French doors opened on to a spacious balcony, which, considering we were on the top floor, would have been cool if not for the fact it was freezing outside. I suspected the two-person hot tub on the far end would go a long way to make up for the cold. Drowning in so much luxury, I reached an overload point where the rest of the accommodations started swimming together. The jetted marble bathtub. The plasma-screen TV. The basket of chocolate and other snacks. When we finally decided to go skiing, I had to practically drag myself from the room. I could probably have spent the rest of my vacation lounging in there and been perfectly content. But we finally ventured outside, and once I managed to push Dimitri and my mother out of my head, I started to enjoy myself. It helped that the lodge was so enormous; there was little chance of running into them. For the first time in weeks, I was able to finally focus on Mason and realize just how much fun he was. I also got to hang out with Lissa more than I had in a while, which put me in an even better mood. With Lissa, Christian, Mason, and me, we were able to get kind of a double-date thing going. The four of us spent almost all of the first day skiing, though the two Moroi had a bit of trouble keeping up. Considering what Mason and I went through in our classes, he and I weren't afraid to try daring stunts. Our competitive natures made us eager to go out of our way to outdo each other. â€Å"You guys are suicidal,† remarked Christian at one point. It was dark outside, and tall light posts illuminated his bemused face. He and Lissa had been waiting at the bottom of the mogul hill, watching Mason and me come down. We'd been moving at insane speeds. The part of me that had been trying to learn control and wisdom from Dimitri knew it was dangerous, but the rest of me liked embracing that recklessness. That dark streak of rebelliousness still hadn't let me go. Mason grinned as we skidded to a halt, sending up a spray of snow. â€Å"Nah, this is just a warm-up. I mean, Rose has been able to keep up with me the whole time. Kid stuff.† Lissa shook her head. â€Å"Aren't you guys taking this too far?† Mason and I looked at each other. â€Å"No.† She shook her head. â€Å"Well, we're going inside. Try not to kill yourselves.† She and Christian left, arm and arm. I watched them go, then turned back to Mason. â€Å"I'm good for a while longer. You?† â€Å"Absolutely.† We took a lift back up to the top of the hill. When we were just about to head down, Mason pointed. â€Å"Okay, how about this? Hit those moguls there, then jump over that ridge, swing back with a hairpin turn, dodge those trees, and land there.† I followed his finger as he pointed out a jagged path down one of the biggest slopes. I frowned. â€Å"That one really is insane, Mase.† â€Å"Ah,† he said triumphantly. â€Å"She finally cracks.† I glowered. â€Å"She does not.† After another survey of his crazy route, I conceded. â€Å"Okay. Let's do it.† He gestured. â€Å"You first.† I took a deep breath and leapt off. My skis slid smoothly over the snow, and piercing wind blasted into my face. I made the first jump neatly and precisely, but as the next part of the course sped forward, I realized just how dangerous it really was. In that split second, I had a decision to make. If I didn't do it, I'd never hear the end of it from Mason- and I really wanted to show him up. If I did manage it, I could feel pretty secure about my awesomeness. But if I tried and messed up †¦ I could break my neck. Somewhere in my head, a voice that sounded suspiciously like Dimitri's started talking about wise choices and learning when to show restraint. I decided to ignore that voice and went for it. This course was as hard as I'd feared, but I pulled it off flawlessly, one insane move after another. Snow flew up around me as I made each sharp, dangerous turn. When I safely reached bottom, I looked up and saw Mason gesturing wildly. I couldn't make out his expression or words, but I could imagine his cheers. I waved back and waited for him to follow suit. But he didn't. Because when Mason got halfway down, he wasn't able to pull off one of the jumps. His skis caught, and his legs twisted. Down he went. I reached him at about the same time some of the resort staff did. To everyone's relief, Mason hadn't broken his neck or anything else. His ankle did appear to have a nasty sprain, however, which was probably going to limit his skiing for the rest of the trip. One of the instructors monitoring the slopes ran forward, fury all over her face. â€Å"What were you kids thinking?† she exclaimed. She turned on me. â€Å"I couldn't believe it when you did those stupid stunts!† Her glare fixed on Mason next. â€Å"And then you had to go ahead and copy her!† I wanted to argue that it had all been his idea, but blame didn't matter at this point. I was just glad he was all right. But as we all went inside, guilt began to gnaw at me. I had acted irresponsibly. What if he'd been seriously injured? Horrible visions danced through my mind. Mason with a broken leg †¦ a broken neck†¦ What had I been thinking? No one had made me do that course. Mason had suggested it†¦ but I hadn't fought back. Goodness knew I probably could have. I might have had to endure some mockery, but Mason was crazy enough about me that feminine wiles probably would have stopped this madness. I'd gotten caught up in the excitement and the risk- much as I had in kissing Dimitri- not giving enough thought to the consequences because secretly, inside of me, that impulsive desire to be wild still lurked. Mason had it too, and his called to me. That mental Dimitri voice chastised me once more. After Mason was safely returned to the lodge and had ice on his ankle, I carried our equipment back outside toward the storage buildings. When I went back inside, I went through a different doorway than I normally used. This entrance was set behind a huge, open porch with an ornate wooden railing. The porch was built into the side of the mountain and had a breathtaking view of the other peaks and valleys around us- if you felt like standing around long enough in freezing temperatures to admire it. Which most people didn't. I walked up the steps to the porch, stomping snow off my boots as I did. A thick scent, both spicy and sweet, hung in the air. Something about it felt familiar, but before I could identify it, a voice suddenly spoke to me out of the shadows. â€Å"Hey, little dhampir.† Startled, I realized someone was indeed standing on the porch. A guy- a Moroi- leaned against the wall not far from the door. He brought a cigarette up to his mouth, took a long drag, and then dropped it to the floor. He stamped the butt out and crooked me a smile. That was the scent, I realized. Clove cigarettes. Warily, I stopped and crossed my arms as I took him in. He was a little shorter than Dimitri but wasn't as lanky as some Moroi guys ended up looking. A long, charcoal coat- probably made out of some insanely expensive cashmere-wool blend- fit his body exceptionally well, and the leather dress shoes he wore indicated more money still. He had brown hair that looked like it had been purposely styled to appear a little unkempt, and his eyes were either blue or green- I didn't have quite enough light to know for sure. His face was cute, I supposed, and I pegged him to be a couple years older than me. He looked like he'd just come from a dinner party. â€Å"Yeah?† I asked. His eyes swept over my body. I was used to attention from Moroi guys. It just usually wasn't so obvious. And I usually wasn't bundled up in winter clothing and sporting a black eye. He shrugged. â€Å"Just saying hi, that's all.† I waited for more, but all he did was stuff his hands into the coat's pockets. With a shrug of my own, I took a couple steps forward. â€Å"You smell good, you know,† he suddenly said. I stopped walking again and gave him a puzzled look, which only made his sly smile grow a little bigger. â€Å"I†¦ um, what?† â€Å"You smell good,† he repeated. â€Å"Are you joking? I've been sweating all day. I'm disgusting.† I wanted to walk away, but there was something eerily compelling about this guy. Like a train wreck. I didn't find him attractive per se; I was just suddenly interested in talking to him. â€Å"Sweat isn't a bad thing,† he said, leaning his head against the wall and looking upward thoughtfully. â€Å"Some of the best things in life happen while sweating. Yeah, if you get too much of it and it gets old and stale, it turns pretty gross. But on a beautiful woman? Intoxicating. If you could smell things like a vampire does, you'd know what I'm talking about. Most people mess it all up and drown themselves in perfume. Perfume can be good†¦especially if you get one that goes with your chemistry. But you only need a hint. Mix about 20 percent of that with 80 percent of your own perspiration†¦mmm.† He tilted his head to the side and looked at me. â€Å"Dead sexy.† I suddenly remembered Dimitri and his aftershave. Yeah. That had been dead sexy, but I certainly wasn't going to tell this guy about it. â€Å"Well, thanks for the hygiene lesson,† I said. â€Å"But I don't own any perfume, and I'm going to go shower all this hot sweaty action off me. Sorry.† He pulled out a pack of cigarettes and offered it to me. He moved only a step closer, but it was enough for me to smell something else on him. Alcohol. I shook my head at the cigarettes, and he tapped one out for himself. â€Å"Bad habit,† I said, watching him light it. â€Å"One of many,† he replied. He inhaled deeply. â€Å"You here with St. Vlad's?† â€Å"Yup.† â€Å"So you're going to be a guardian when you grow up.† â€Å"Obviously.† He exhaled smoke, and I watched it drift away into the night. Heightened vampire senses or no, it was a wonder he could smell anything around those cloves. â€Å"How long until you grow up?† he asked. â€Å"I might need a guardian.† â€Å"I graduate in the spring. But I'm already spoken for. Sorry.† Surprise flickered in his eyes. â€Å"Yeah? Who is he?† â€Å"She's Vasilisa Dragomir.† â€Å"Ah.† His face split into a huge grin. â€Å"I knew you were trouble as soon as I saw you. You're Janine Hathaway's daughter.† â€Å"I'm Rose Hathaway,† I corrected, not wanting to be defined by my mother. â€Å"Nice to meet you, Rose Hathaway.† He extended a gloved hand to me that I hesitantly took. â€Å"Adrian Ivashkov.† â€Å"And you think I'm trouble,† I muttered. The Ivashkovs were a royal family, one of the wealthiest and most powerful. They were the kind of people who thought they could get anything they wanted and walked over those in their way. No wonder he was so arrogant. He laughed. He had a nice laugh, rich and almost melodious. It made me think of warm caramel, dripping from a spoon. â€Å"Handy, huh? Each of our reputations precedes us.† I shook my head. â€Å"You don't know anything about me. And I only know of your family. I don't know anything about you.† â€Å"Want to?† he asked tauntingly. â€Å"Sorry. I'm not into older guys.† â€Å"I'm twenty-one. Not that much older.† â€Å"I have a boyfriend.† It was a small lie. Mason certainly wasn't my boyfriend yet, but I hoped Adrian would leave me alone if he thought I was taken. â€Å"Funny you didn't mention that right away,† Adrian mused. â€Å"He didn't give you that black eye, did he?† I felt myself blushing, even in the cold. I'd been hoping he wouldn't notice the eye, which was stupid. With his vampire eyes, he'd probably noticed as soon as I stepped onto the porch. â€Å"He wouldn't be alive if he did. I got it during †¦ practice. I mean, I'm training to be a guardian. Our classes are always rough.† â€Å"That's pretty hot,† he said. He dropped this second cigarette to the ground and put it out with his foot. â€Å"Punching me in the eye?† â€Å"Well, no. Of course not. I meant that the idea of getting rough with you is hot. I'm a big fan of full-contact sports.† â€Å"I'm sure you are,† I said dryly. He was arrogant and presumptuous, yet I still couldn't quite force myself to leave. The sound of footsteps behind me made me turn. Mia came around the path and walked up the steps. When she saw us, she stopped suddenly. â€Å"Hey, Mia.† She glanced between the two of us. â€Å"Another guy?† she asked. From her tone, you would have thought I had my own harem of men. Adrian gave me a questioning, amused look. I gritted my teeth and decided not to dignify that with a response. I opted for uncharacteristic politeness. â€Å"Mia, this is Adrian Ivashkov.† Adrian turned on the same charm he'd used on me. He shook her hand. â€Å"Always a pleasure to meet a friend of Rose's, especially a pretty one.† He spoke like he and I had known each other since childhood. â€Å"We aren't friends,† I said. So much for politeness. â€Å"Rose only hangs out with guys and psychopaths,† said Mia. Her voice carried the usual scorn she harbored for me, but there was a look on her face that showed Adrian had clearly caught her interest. â€Å"Well,† he said cheerfully, â€Å"since I'm both a psychopath and a guy, that would explain why we're such good friends.† â€Å"You and I aren't friends either,† I told him. He laughed. â€Å"Always playing hard to get, huh?† â€Å"She's not that hard to get,† said Mia, clearly upset that Adrian was paying more attention to me. â€Å"Just ask half the guys at our school.† â€Å"Yeah,† I retorted, â€Å"and you can ask the other half about Mia. If you can do a favor for her, she'll do lots of favors for you.† When she'd declared war on Lissa and me, Mia had managed to get a couple of guys to tell everyone at school that I'd done some pretty awful things with them. The ironic thing was that she'd gotten them to lie for her by sleeping with them herself. A flicker of embarrassment passed over her face, but she held her ground. â€Å"Well,† she said, â€Å"at least I don't do them for free.† Adrian made some cat noises. â€Å"Are you done?† I asked. â€Å"It's past your bedtime, and the grown-ups would like to talk now.† Mia's youthful looks were a sore point with her, one I frequently enjoyed exploiting. â€Å"Sure,† she said crisply. Her cheeks turned pink, intensifying her porcelain-doll appearance. â€Å"I have better things to do anyway.† She turned toward the door, then paused with her hand resting on it. She glanced toward Adrian. â€Å"Her mom gave her that black eye, you know.† She went inside. The fancy glass doors swung shut behind her. Adrian and I stood there in silence. Finally, he took out the cigarettes again and lit another. â€Å"Your mom?† â€Å"Shut up.† â€Å"You're one of those people who either has soul mates or mortal enemies, aren't you? No in-between. You and Vasilisa are probably like sisters, huh?† â€Å"I guess.† â€Å"How is she?† â€Å"Huh? What do you mean?† He shrugged, and if I didn't know better, I'd have said he was overdoing casualness. â€Å"I don't know. I mean, I know you guys ran away†¦and there was that stuff with her family and Victor Dashkov†¦.† I stiffened at the reference to Victor. â€Å"So?† â€Å"Dunno. Just figured it might be a lot for her to, you know, handle.† I studied him carefully, wondering what he was getting at. There had been a brief leak about Lissa's fragile mental health, but it had been well-contained. Most people had forgotten about it or assumed it was a lie. â€Å"I've got to go.† I decided avoidance was the best tactic just now. â€Å"Are you sure?† He sounded only mildly disappointed. Mostly he seemed as cocky and amused as before. Something about him still intrigued me, but whatever it was, it wasn't enough to combat everything else I was feeling, or to risk discussing Lissa. â€Å"I thought it was time for the grown-ups to talk. Lots of grown-up things I'd like to talk about.† â€Å"It's late, I'm tired, and your cigarettes are giving me a headache,† I growled. â€Å"I suppose that's fair.† He drew in on the cigarette and let out the smoke. â€Å"Some women think they make me look sexy.† â€Å"I think you smoke them so you have something to do while thinking up your next witty line.† He choked on the smoke, caught between inhaling and laughing. â€Å"Rose Hathaway, I can't wait to see you again. If you're this charming while tired and annoyed and this gorgeous while bruised and in ski clothes, you must be devastating at your peak.† â€Å"If by ‘devastating' you mean that you should fear for your life, then yeah. You're right.† I jerked open the door. â€Å"Good night, Adrian.† â€Å"I'll see you soon.† â€Å"Not likely. I told you, I'm not into older guys.† I walked into the lodge. As the door closed, I just barely heard him call behind me, â€Å"Sure, you aren't.†

Thursday, November 7, 2019

NURS 60271 Social Work Intervention and Service Users The WritePass Journal

NURS 60271 Social Work Intervention and Service Users Introduction NURS 60271 Social Work Intervention and Service Users IntroductionREFERENCESRelated Introduction This essay is based around a children and families case study and will first set out the significant issues for the individuals involved before outlining the policy and legislative mandates and frameworks that would provide the basis for informed assessment and intervention. It will then highlight the most effective interventions, designed to improve the situation, using practice theories and approaches. Finally it will detail the interdisciplinary and multi-agency context and provide the framework and guidance to ensure it was completed in an anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive way. A significant issue, common to many families dealing with social services departments, is that they often feel a lack of control and autonomy (Harwath, 2002). As social work professionals it is essential that we engage with Josie and her family, establishing their views and opinions, (Thompson, 2002). An initial assessment of Josie’s situation has taken place and this has progressed through enquires under Section 47 of the 1989 Children Act, to the decision to hold a child protection conference. At this conference a recommendation was made to speak to legal services about initiating Care Proceedings in relation to both Michael and baby Perdita. One must consider that the family and professionals may have different perceptions of the current situation and this becomes problematic when assessments focus on family weaknesses and disadvantages (Milner O’Byrne, 1998). There are contradictory reports about Josie’s parenting skills, which could have a significant impact on any decisions taken. Mary, her foster mother, reports that Josie is trying hard with Perdita, demonstrating good levels of affection, whilst staff at the family centre state they have, â€Å"grave doubts† about her ability to parent. Josie is considered to have learning disabilities, however a key issue is the fact that no adequate   assessment has taken place to assess the level, if any, of her learning difficulties. Adult services state that they consider Josie to have ‘only has mild to moderate, not severe learning difficulties,’ and if this is the case, then there could very limited impact on her potential parental capaci ty, however, it must be noted that single parents that have learning difficulties often face prejudice, (Thomas Woods, 2003). Josie’s first child, Michael, has lived with his grandparents since he was just a few months old, but returned to live with her, as a result of his grandmother’s recent death.   It must be confusing and disorientating for him to be temporarily placed back with his mother, and then almost immediately removed again into foster care. Equally it must have placed an additional strain and burden on Josie when Michael was first returned, but then removed, affecting her ability to cope during Perdita’s birth and immediate aftercare. At birth, Perdita’s father was registered on the birth certificate, and through this action he has   parental responsibility. However, when he last visited the police had to be called, after he struck Josie, and therefore extreme sensitivity and care will need to be taken in decisions and agreements made over his future involvement with the family due to the potential problem of domestic violence. The legal position over Emma, Josie’s middle child, who was adopted at age two, needs to be fully established. It is possible that it was agreed as a condition for Josie to have some form of limited contact visits and agreed letterbox contact, and if so then the possibility of restoring this contact should be investigated. The familys economic status is not clear. The nature of Josie’s potential work and the effect of any employment on the family as a whole is currently unknown but could be viewed as a risk factor by some. The core key issues become whether Josie is currently able to provide best care for Perdita and Michael, whether this can be achieved with further support or whether Perdita and Michael need to be removed from Josie’s care and placed elsewhere. There are a wide number of policy and legislative mandates that would provide guidance and inform the assessment process and potential interventions in this case study, however, due to the limits of the word count they will be listed and their relevance outlined in brief. The four principal pieces of legislation relevant to this case study are the Children Act 1989, the Protection of Children Act 1999, the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and the Children Act 2004.   The Children Act 1989 sought to carry into legislation the belief that where possible: children are generally best looked after within the family, with both parents playing a full part and without resort to legal proceedings. The welfare of the children is the paramount consideration, (Children Act, 1989). Thus the Children Act sought, where possible, to protect children within a family environment. Sections 27 and 47 of the Act significantly titled Co-operation Between Authorities and Local Authoritys Duty to Investigate sets out the Governments demands for closer agency communication. The main themes of the Children Act 2004 were an emphasis upon integrated planning, delivery of services, multi-disciplinary working, increased accountability and, especially, more provision for those children with special needs. The core legislation relating to children and their families in England and Wales is the Children Act 1989, (Warman,2003). Section 17 states that it is a duty of every local authority to â€Å"safeguard and promote the welfare of children within their area who are in need†. Whilst Section 47 lays a specific duty to â€Å"make enquires or cause enquiries to be made and to take action in response to reported concerns of significant harm†. Being placed with a foster mother indicates that the family is currently subject to an interim care and supervision order under Section 38, which provides the court with the power to make interim care and supervision orders, which place the children in the care of the local authority on an interim basis, whilst the family is assessed, and until the court can make a final decision. The interim care order has the same effect as a final care order in giving the local authority parental responsibility (Children Act 1989). In fulfilling these duties agencies are assisted by guidance published by the Department of Health . Working Together to Safeguard Families (DoH,1999), directs inter-professional practice where children may be experiencing risk of significant harm, whilst Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and Their Families (DoH, 2000), provides broad guidance on the conduct of various types of assessment, including the level and nature of the need, the type of appropriate services to meet the assessed need, and how, when, and by whom, such services will be delivered,(Harwarth,2002). To date such interim assessments have seen Josie and Perdita placed with a specialist Mother and baby foster carer, however, it is questionable as to whether the local authority have fully complied with the Children and Young Person Act 2008, as it is possible to argue that suitable accommodation for Michael to reside with his mother and sister, should have been sought and provided. In addition, in circumstances where the authority intends to accommodate a child with a parent or someone with parental responsibility, the authority must first review the proposed arrangements according to regulations made under Section 26 of the Children Act 1989, that is a review by an Independent Reviewing Officer. A sensitive balance needs to be struck by reviewing the placement whilst also promoting a sense of permanence and stability for the child and carers, (Warman, 2003). Looked after childrens reviews are meetings were identified needs are tailored in light of the care plan and status of the placement. Integral to the review is the Every Child Matters ethos, whereby the government seeks to guarantee equal opportunities for all children. Adding further weight, Article 8 of The Humans Rights Act 1998 outlines a persons right to respect for their private life and family, whilst the Mental Capacity Act 2005, provides a statutory framework to empower and protect people who may lack capacity to make some decisions for themselves (HMG, 2005). In Josie’s case this would include people recognised as having some learning difficulties which may affect their capacity to make some decisions. The act makes it clear who can make the decisions, and in which situations, and how they should go abou t this. The Adoption and Children Act 2002, introduced a completely new court order, Special Guardianship, which provides another option for legal permanence for children who cannot grow up with their birth families. Under the Act Special Guardianship is an order made by the court that places a child or a young person to live with someone permanently, and gives legal status for non parents who wish to care for that child or young person in a long term secure placement. A residence order is an order from the court to say who the child should live with. Adoption places a child or young person in a permanent home but upon adoption the birth parents lose parental responsibility, and links with the birth parents are lost in most cases, (Lowe Murch, 2002). Long term fostering offers a similar approach, but it does not always allow the child or young person to feel a sense of security and belonging (Rushton,2003). Also, the long term foster parent would not obtain parental responsibility and there fore not have a legal right to have a say in the decisions involving the child/young person. The role of a family court in child protection cases is to make rulings about the rights to custody of the children involved, (Shepard, 2004). A family court can be convened where the state, on the advice of care agencies, seek custody of a child or children. The family court hears evidence and recommendations from social service workers, doctors, mental health workers and other professionals. This evidence is intended to highlight the potential risk that the children are exposed to, (Bentovim Miller, 2001). If the family court finds that the potential risk to children is too high then it may rule that custody should be removed from the parents and given, either temporarily or permanently, to the State (Schepard, 2004). Such children are referred to as looked after children. The case of Michael and Perdita has reached the point where it has been recommended that Care proceedings in a family court take place and a decision over placement be made. The physical smacking and shouting re ported by staff at the family centre   may become evidential of the view of care services that it is necessary to recommend that custody of Perdita be removed from Josie. With effect from 6th April 2011 The Family Procedure Rule 2010 came into force for all family proceedings, including adoption proceedings. Regarded as the most significant development in the procedure of the family courts for 20 years, (HMCS, 2010), Family Procedure Rules 201, replaces all existing procedural rules for family proceedings, creating a comprehensive and accessible source for all who come into contact with the family justice system. Covering all family proceedings in the High Court, the County Court and the Family Proceedings Court, the Rules were developed by Her Majestys Courts Service (HMCS) and the Family Procedure Rules Committee as a result of requirements set out in the Courts Act 2003. The Rules specify the need to secure that â€Å"the family justice system is accessible, fair and efficient and the rules are simple and simply expressed.†(HMCS, 2010) In seeking solutions about how to intervene most effectively, using practice theories and approaches, there is a need for a holistic approach seeking to utilise any strengths in Josie’s case, before identifying where assistance may be required, (Gibbs, 2003). As a profession we are committed to the pursuit of social justice for the poor, disadvantaged, disenfranchised and oppressed people, (Finn Jocobson 2003), however, prior awareness of the possibility of conflicting opinions, as to how to achieve this commitment, will enable the social worker to react thoughtfully and mediate effectively, (Dalrymple Burke, 1995). My recommendation would be for the Child Protection Conference to take place as required under the legislation. A main purpose of the conference is then to convene, in one place and at one time, all the relevant people interested in the care of Michael and Perdita, to include care professionals, medical practitioners, and if possible, subject to all necessary agreements and consents, Michael’s grandfather and Perdita’s father. Care professionals would then have the opportunity to decide whether legal proceedings ought to be brought on behalf of the children. This conference is a legal requirement and events have transpired to the point that this now cannot be avoided or delayed, however I would advocate that the outcome should, for now, include Perdita staying under the supervision of Josie, with the continued support of the foster mother Mary, whilst a more robust plan of support was investigated and recommendations made for additional support and education to aid impr ovements in her parenting capacity. I would further advocate for Michael to be placed with his grandfather under a special guardianship arrangement. Michael’s paternal attachment to date has been to his grandparents, as an older child Michael might struggle to deal with the status of being adopted and where there is evidence of a good relationship with members of the family, special guardian ship has the advantage of being less disruptive than either fostering or adoption, (Lowe Murch,2003). In the short term, Perdita remains a potential safeguarding issue. The staff have concerns over her being smacked and if this was viewed as a regular occurrence then most professionals would agree that Perdita was at least subject to inadequate parenting, whereas others would go further, and describe this as physical maltreatment, (Harwarth,2002). However, it must be born in mind that Josie may believe that she is attempting to be a good mother and merely modelling her own behaviour on her own experiences (Bandura 1977). The reason for Josie taking an excessive disciplinary approach to Perdita may be linked to her own experience of childrearing. If Josie was herself physically or emotionally maltreated, she may have developed ambivalent or disorganised attachment behaviours which apply to her own parenting relationship with Perdita, (Ainsworth 1989, Dominelli, 2002). The evidence base for proving that child maltreatment is passed form one generation to another is not conclusive (Macd onald, 2001), however it would need to be considered that Josie’s experiences of being raised in care could have an impact her own parenting skills which could be improved with education and support. The following legislation provides for the recommended solutions for this case study. The Children Act 1989 states that, where possible, the welfare of the children must be attempted inside the family environment. Thus the Children Act allows for social work professionals and other carers to monitor the current home situation before formulating their final recommendations. The Child Protection Act 1999 makes provision for Child Protection Conferences and such a conference regarding both Perdita and Michael would be an important short term measure to assess the risk to the children and to co-ordinate a Child Protection Plan for them. Legislation under the Child Protection Act 1999 would allow social workers to place either child on the Child Protection Register which would then require the design of a Child Protection Plan, to control future proceedings towards ensuring the safety of the children. These plans would clearly define what duties each care agency has for the protection of the children, and ensure that there is coherent and productive communication between these individual agencies, (Harwarth,2002). After the initial conference a further meeting can be convened after three months and then further six monthly conferences if felt necessary. I do not feel that Josie’s actions have reached the threshold for removing Perdita, at this time, and instead advocate further education and support should be indentified and provided to help improve her parenting capacity, of Perdita, in the short term, with the potential longer term aim of being placed in suitable supported accommodation to receive Michael also. However, I must also accept that if such short term support measures prove unsuccessful, and improved parental capacity is not observed, then it may be necessary to bring a public law case (family court) against Josie as set out in the Children Act 1989. If the court thinks it necessary to remove custody of Michael and Perdita from Josie, then the Ad option of Children Act 2002 would be utilised to make provisions for the long term care of the children under the status of looked after children. After the child protection conference there would be clear summaries, which identify from the information gathered, the child’s developmental needs, parenting capacity and family and environmental factors. In each of these domains, both strengths and difficulties would then be identified, (Booth Keegan, 1996). Children’s needs do not exist in a vacuum, (Hugman, 1991), therefore the inter-relationships between the child, family and environment must be understood. Michael and Perdita are not yet looked after children, since Jodie is their biological mother and as such, the provisions for looked after children are not part of my recommendations, at this time, however, this could become a possibility.   If this happened, then Perdita’s father, by virtue of having parental responsibility, would need to be consulted and his viewpoint sought before any final placement decision was made, hence my recommendation he be present, if agreement is possible, at the child protection conference. Fundamental to the recommended plan, from the beginning, is the commitment of all the parties involved, and the signatures to the plan of those who have lead responsibility, for ensuring it is carried forward. There should also be a clear recorded statement, on the plan, about when and how it will be reviewed, as reviewing the child’s progress, and the effectiveness of services, and other interventions is a continuous part, (Booth Kegan, 1996). Some of the information for these recommendations would have been gathered at the initial and core assessments and could have been complimented through the use of questionnaires and scales, (Department of Health, Cox and Bentovim, 2000). The Home Inventory (Caldwell and Bradley, 1984) and the Assessment of Family Competence, Strengths and Difficulties (Bentovim Bingley Miller, 2000), also provide important information about the child’s world and family functioning respectively. Service users, such as Josie, know little about the servicers available to them therefore social workers must act as the brokers to resources through referring them, (Payne, 2005). Just as the problems facing families are often interlinked, so the service providers for children and their families need to work closely together to be most effective, (Schneider Lester, 2001). It is important that all those concerned with services to children and families, statutory and voluntary bodies, community groups and families, contribute to the development of these plans, (Payne,1996). Everyone benefits if services are properly co-ordinated and integrated, (Rushton,2003). The structure and organisation of services to safeguard children are dictated by core legislation, guidance and policy, (Dalrymple J. and Burke B (1995). Government key objectives for improvements in outcomes, for children in need, can only be achieved by close collaboration between professionals and agencies working with child ren and families, (Harwarth, 2002). In particular Working together to Safeguard Children (DOH, 1999) and the Framework for the Assessment for Children in Need and Their Families, (DoH, 2000), provide comphrehensive guidance. The Framework for Assessment, (DoH,2000) provides guidance on the initial assessments and core assessments of a child in need including time frames that need to be met. Section 11 of The Children Act 2004 establishes the duty of different service providers to co-operate. â€Å"The support and protection of children cannot be achieved by a single agency Every Service has to play its part. All staff must have placed upon them the clear expectation that their primary responsibility is to the child and his or her family.† Lord Laming in the Victoria Climbià © Inquiry Report, Paragraphs 17.92 and 17.93. Securing the wellbeing of children, by protecting them from all forms of harm, and ensuring their developmental needs are responded to appropriately, are primary aims of social work (Milner O’Byrne, 1998). The effectiveness with which a child’s needs are assessed will be key to the effectiveness of subsequent actions and services and, ultimately, to the outcomes for the child and this can only happen within an interdisciplinary and multiagency context. Many social workers practice in settings where they complete dual roles, protecting vulnerable individuals, and the community at large, in addition to playing other supportive roles, (Payne, 1996). In order to demonstrate adherence to working in an anti- discriminatory and anti-oppressive way it would be important to record the specific views and opinions and feelings of all concerned and attempt to build these, (sometimes contradictory) views into the recommended solutions where possible. At times it would be important to advocate on the family’s behalf with other agencies, taking time to reassure Josie that her views will be sought and listened to in this process, whilst also listening to and integrating the potentially different needs of Michael, the grandfather and Perdita’s father, (Sinclair et al, 2007). Only by working in partnership with the family could you begin to empower them to enable to seek the correct support and assistance. No matter where they are employed, social workers are influenced by the social work value of self determination for their client, (Thompson 2002). In defending this value you can begin to ensure that there has been an adherence to anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice. Further to these general aims, policy guidelines and codes of practice provide the framework for such casework, and are there to enable professionals maintain the standards expected of them, (Payne, 2005). Using the Department of Health Framework for Assessment, as the initial assessment tool, would provide the opportunity to highlight and record the clients involvement in the solutions recommended. The aim of the practice guidance is to make transparent the evidence base for the assessment framework, thereby assisting professionals in their tasks of analysis, judgement and dec ision making and working together to promote anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice. If we are not attuned to recognising and challenging discrimination we run the risk of condoning it, or even exacerbating it, through our own actions, (Thompson, 1998). We need to be sensitive to discrimination and oppression to avoid the pitfall of becoming oblivious to their existence, (Tomlinson Trew, 2002). Giddons (1977) argues that power is intrinsic to all social interaction, we therefore cannot escape the significance of power in our dealings with other people. Assessments and subsequent care plans are more effective if the child and family feel empowered and involved throughout the process (Department for Education and Skills, 2001), to demonstrate that for Josie and her family you had worked in an anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive way it would be important to establish and document their individual contributions to the process, and ensure they felt involvement in the solutions and recommendations made. One of the hallmarks of good practice in traditional approaches t o social work has been a sensitivity to feelings, (Dominelli, 2002), this aim should run through all aspects of the recommendations. REFERENCES Adoption and Children Act (2002), London: HMSO Ainsworth,M.D.S., (1989) Attatchment Beyond Infancy, American Psychologist, 44, 709-716. In: Cassidy, J. Shaver,P., (2008) Handbook of Attachment: Theory Research and Clinical Application (2nd Ed). New York: Guildford. Bentovim, A. Bingley Miller, L. (2001) The Family Assessment: Assessment of Family Competence, Strengths and Difficulties. Brighton: Pavillion Publishing Booth, M. Kegan, P. (1996). Avoiding Delay in Children Act Cases. Routledge, London. Children Act (1989), London: HMSO   Children Act (2004), London: HMSO. www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/childrenreport Cox, A. Bentovin, A. (2002) The Family Assessment Pack of Questionnaires and Scales. London: HMSO. Cox, A Walker, S. (2002) The HOME Inventory- Home Observation and Measurement of the Environment. Brighton: Pavillion Publishing Dalrymple J. and Burke B (1995) Anti Oppressive Practice Social Care and the Law Buckingham Open University Press DDA – Disability Discrimination Act, 2005 from www.disability.gov.uk/Department of Health, Department of Health (2000) Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and Their Families. London: HMSO. Dominelli, L.(2002). Anti-oppressive Social Work Theory and Practice. London: Palgrave MacMillan Family Procedure Rules (2010) www.legislation.gov.uk Finn,J.L, Jacobson, M. (2003) Just Practice: Steps Towards a New Social Work Paradigm. In: Journal of Social Work Education Vol 39 2003. Gibbs, L. (2003) Evidence-based practice for the helping professions. Monterey C.A.: Brooks Cole. Harwarth, J. (2002). Maintaining a Focus on the Child? First Impressions of The Framework for The Assessment of Children In Need and Their Families In Cases of Child Neglect. Child Abuse Review Voll11 Issue 4 Pages 195-213. Her Majesty’s Court Service (2010). Courts Act 2003. Direct Gov website. Direct.gov.uk Her Majesty’s Government (2005) Understanding the Mental Capacity Act. Direct Gov website. Direct.gov.uk Holder, W Corey, M. (1986) Child Protective Services Risk Management: A Decision Making Handbook. Action for Child Protection, Charlotte, N.C. Hugman, R., (1991) Power in the caring professions. London: Boyers. 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Sinclair  I, Baker C, Lee J, Gibbs I, (2007) The Pursuit of Permanence Jessica Kingsley Publishing. www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/adoptionofchildrenact Thomas,D. Woods, H., (2003) Working with People with Learning Difficulties: Theory and Practice. Philadelphia: Jessica Kinglsey. Thompson, N. (2001) Anti-Discriminatory practice 3rd Ed. London,Palgrave Thompson,N. (1998) Promoting Equality London Macmillan Press Limited. In : Learning disability:  A handbook for integrated care /  edited by Michael Brown. Salisbury :  APS,  2003. Tomlinson, D.R. Trew, W., (2002), Equalising Opportunities, Minimising Oppression: A Critical Review of Anti-discriminatory Policies in Health and Social Welfare. London: Routledge. Warman, A.(2003) Adoption and Looked After Children: International Comparisons. Family Policies Study Centre, Oxford.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Movies Based on Dean Koontz Books

Movies Based on Dean Koontz Books Dean Koontz is one of the most prolific suspense writers alive. It is no surprise, then, that many of Koontzs books have been adapted into movies. Here is a complete list of Dean Koontz movies by year. Dean Koontz Film Adaptations 1977 - The Passengers aka The Intruder (1979 video release) This was adapted from the novel Shattered, which Koontz wrote under the name of K.R. Dwyer. It was filmed in France and Italy and released in French. The original title was Les Passagers, and it was also released on video in the US as The Intruder.1977 - Demon Seed  Based on the novel of the same name, it starred Julie Christie and Fritz Weaver as a couple whose super-computer Proteus IV gets a little too familiar with them.1988 - Watchers Based on the novel, boy (Corey Haim) meets dog. Dog is a super-intelligent runaway from a genetic research lab.1990 - Whispers Based on the novel, Victoria Tennant gets stalked in Canada. The tagline was, Fear shouts. Terror whispers.1990 - Watchers II Still based on the novel, the dog saga continues, now with Marc Singer and Tracy Scoggins.1990 - The Face of Fear   This was a TV movie based on the novel. It starred Pam Dawber and Lee Horsley. A killer stalks a guy who has psychic powe rs and is about to uncover his serial killer ways. Good thing he was a former mountaineer. The tagline was, Their lives are hanging by a thread, forty stories above the street. And a madman is trying to shoot them down.   1991 - The Servants of Twilight Based on the novel, Bruce Greenwood tries to protect a boy who might be the Antichrist.1994 - Watchers III  We cant get enough of that dog. This stars Wings Hauser.1995 - Hideaway   Based on the novel, Jeff Goldblum is brought back to life after a traffic accident, but now he has a psychic connection with a mad killer who is after his daughter, played by Alicia Silverstone.1997 - Intensity Based on the novel, in this TV movie, Molly Parker tangles with serial killer/kidnapper John C. McGinley.1998 - Mr. Murder  Based on the novel, this TV movie stars Stephen Baldwin as a mystery novel writer who gets cloned, and the clone is murder-y.1998 - Phantoms Based on the novel, the town of Snowfield, Colorado is not where you want to be. Starring Peter OToole and Rose McGowan.1998 - Watchers Reborn aka Watchers 4  The dog keeps going, this time with Mark Hamill as a detective.  2000 - Sole Survivor  Based on the novel, this was a four-hour TV mini-s eries. Billy Zane grieves over losing his wife and daughter in a plane crash, but the sole survivor (Gloria Reuben) may know it was actually a nefarious plot. 2001 - Black River Based on the novella, bad things are happening in this town.2013 - Odd Thomas Based on the novel, Anton Yelchin portrayed a fry cook who sees dead people.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Business Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 9

Business Plan - Essay Example Not to forget, the nearby Town Park, which is visited by several people for picnics and relaxation, the restaurant will come in handy for such. To counter stiff competition from adjacent restaurants, I will ensure pocket friendly service dissemination. Financially, I estimate to have a starting capital of $ 40, 000. I already have $ 10,000 and hoping to get the rest from you. I am sure to get an annual profit of $ 20,000 thus no problem in repaying the loan. Red Chilly is a yet to be new eating parlor in town. It is well certain that it will offer the best quality of meals. To add to that, it will also provide a source of refreshment zone, particularly in the afternoons and evenings after school and work. With the need arising for decongesting major eating and meeting zones in town, we have decided to set up a new zone with better quality services destined at creating a home kitchen in town at pocket-friendly price. Food will be prepared in the kitchen behind the dining hall on a daily basis so as to enhance quality and freshness of food. To show its versatility, the premise will also offer both takeaways and sit in places for meal consumption. Red Chilly also has the health of its customers at hand. This is so by intending to provide free fruit salad that will accompany every meal. The eating parlor is strategically placed so as to accommodate many office workers at their respective lunch breaks and also school attending individuals at lunch break too. A site down the alley not frequented by heavy traffic and commotion has been set aside for the premise. On a third floor building making use of all the passing by breeze, customers will be able to enjoy a full ray of the city by catching a glimpse of the outside through the serene blue-tinted glass wall. The company will be located in Finlay Town, Yorkshire County. Red Chilly will have a manager and several members of staff.