Vulnerable Populations Essay Example for Free

Vulnerable Populations Essay All communities contain a mentally ill population. Their behavior is considered to be inappropriate and abnormal. Every society has cultivated solutions in which to treat the mentally ill in order to prevent disruption of the strong civil function. Normal behavior varies through generations and societies. When deciding if a person is mentally ill, the generation and culture must be taken into consideration. Approximately 26 percent of the U.S. population suffers from mental illness, with six percent of that percentage suffering from such debilitating mental afflictions that their ability to function is limited. The History of Mental Illness In ancient times, mental illness was thought to be madness caused by demonic possession. Skulls of the â€Å"mad† were drilled to allow the demon to escape. During the middle ages, mental illness was believed to be the result of witchcraft and demonic control. The tormented were treated as criminals and subject to torturous acts. They were often tied up and thrown into bitterly cold waters. If the person floated, they were considered to be a witch and were murdered in an inhumane and heinous manner. If the suspected sunk, they were found not guilty of witchcraft. The freezing water was accepted as a cure for â€Å"madness.† By the mid 1700’s, mental illness was considered an issue for the afflicted’s family. As the American colonies grew, the mentally ill began to negatively impact the society. Almshouses were used to board the mentally ill. Specialized hospitals were constructed for the â€Å"insane.† Mistreatment and abuse of the mentally ill were common and continued through the 19th century. â€Å"Moral treatment† of the mentally ill began in the 18th century when Phillipe Pinel discovered 5,000 patients chained to walls and released them. Dorthea Dix was a U.S. social activist who made an appeal to the Massachusetts State Legislature for more humane and benevolent care of the mentally ill in asylums. Dix’s plea accrued  regulated conditions in asylums. Most asylums and almshouses were obsolete by the beginning of the 20th century. State psychiatric institutions became the chief means of serving the mentally ill. However, reports of abuse and neglect in state hospitals were prevalent. In 1900, Clifford Beers, a privileged businessman, suffered a nervous breakdown after a family catastrophe. He was admitted to numerous mental hospitals and each was abusive and defamatory. In 1908, Beers penned his autobiography A Mind that Found Itself. The book discusses his mental deterioration as well as the mental and physical abuse he endured in the hospitals. Beers’ book was the catalyst for the founding of the National Committee for Mental Hygiene (Presently the National Mental Health Association) which created mission goals, such as improved doctoring, advocacy, and minimizing the negative stereotypes of the mentally ill. The Community Mental Health Centers Act was passed in 1963. This act focused on the maintenance and issue prevention through outpatient care. Patients were released from state hospitals and treated by community facilities. This act began the process of deinstitutionalization in the United States. The Nature of the Social Problems or Issues Experienced Deinstitutionalization released thousands of mentally ill patients from psychiatric hospitals into the streets. The majority of these hospitals were shut down, which led to the difficult transition from long-term care to short-term hospital visits. Those with no family or support system were left with nowhere to go and forced to live on the streets. The government approximates that 20 to 30 percent of the United States homeless population suffer from severe mental illness. If this estimate were to include clinical depression and substance abusers, the numbers would climb to a staggering 50 to 80 percent. There are many problems trying to get the mentally ill and homeless of the streets. They have the right to refuse treatment and unfortunately many of them do. Other obstacles that prevent the mentally ill and homeless population from receiving adequate care is the lack of government assistance, such as Medicaid and Medicare, to help pay for treatment. Many severely mentally ill men and women are so disoriented, paranoid, and confused that they are unable to participate in client/psychologist services. Another barrier is the firm participation  requirements administered by mental health facilities. Severely mentally ill clients may find it difficult to abide by the rules. In order to remain in housing assistance programs, participants must remain sober which also poses a problem for many of the mentally ill who are plagued with substance abuse disorders. The criminalization of the mentally ill has become a large issue in the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that 8 to 17 percent of the prison population suffers from mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 40 percent of the mentally ill population will commit a crime at some point. Demographics, Common Clinical Issues, and Intervention Strategies Mental illness does not discriminate. It affects all races, social classes and religions. The only difference is that those in a higher social class are able to receive better care. Studies show that minorities receive poor mental health treatment because of the underrepresentation of certain ethnicities in the mental health field and the refusal of mental health care by certain cultures. People suffering from mental illness may seek help by directly going to a specialist or by seeking assistance from a mental health agency. Mental health experts must be able to diagnose the frequent symptoms and evidence of mental illness in a client. The method for diagnosing mental illness in the United States is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). This method is disputed by many professionals because it treats mental illness as a diagnosis of a disease rather than focusing on a person’s strengths to obtain wellness. Axis I of the DSM-IV-TR includes clinical disorders such as bipolar, clinical depression, substance abuse issues. They are treated with psychotropic medications and psychotherapy. Axis II consists of personality disorders and mental retardation. Many professionals feel that people suffering from Axis II illnesses are resistant to treatment. Many mental health professional view those suffering from mental illness as â€Å"broken† and ill. These beliefs can limit the potential of the mentally afflicted. A different strategy some mental health professionals are taking is using the Strength Perspective. This plan of action requires the practitioner to focus on a client’s successes and advantages rather than promoting their shortcomings. Other intervention strategies include insight counseling which allows clients to create coping skills to help them deal with their mental health issues. Group counseling allows clients to gain support and  friendship from those suffering from the same mental afflictions. Psychotropic medication can alleviate mentally crippling symptoms and Psychiatric rehabilitation aides low functioning clients in obtaining the basic living skills. Future Interventions The United States has encountered many modifications throughout the last 50 years. The mental health profession will undoubtedly undergo many more changes in the years to come. Human Service Professionals are the future of mental health. They continuously crusade for augmented funding and strive to develop new intervention and counseling strategies tailored to the intricate and complex needs of the mentally ill population. Experts and scientists continuously work to create advancements in medications that will remove all debilitating effects of severe mental illness. References Martin, M.C. (2011). Introduction to Human Services: Through the Eyes of Practice Settings (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon Publishing. A future vision of mental health. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.newvisionformentalhealth.org.uk/A_future_vision_for_mental_health.pdf Leupo, K. (n.d.). The history of mental illness. Retrieved from http://www.toddlertime.com/advocacy/hospitals/Asylum/history-asylum.htm

David Gutersons Snow Falling on Cedars Essay -- Snow Falling on Cedar

David Guterson's Snow Falling on Cedars Snow Falling on Cedars, a novel written by David Guterson, depicts the struggles that many Japanese-Americans faced in our country throughout World War II. Though the events and characters in this novel are fictional, the manor in which they were treated was not. Ever since the tragedy of December 7, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Japanese people throughout the United States were seen as traitors through the eyes of Americans. Every Japanese, whether or not they were a natural born citizen or an illegal alien, were all treated as a possible threat to the safety and well being of the United States. Kabuo Miyamoto, the Japanese American put on trial for murder, had endure this harsh reality of racism that plagued his town and saturated the court system giving him no chance for a fair and just trial. On the morning of December 7, 1941, the surprise bombing of Pearle Harbor violently awoke America causing great uproar throughout its nation. With all of America hating the then called, â€Å"Japs,† it made certain that no other Japanese person either from Japan or from our own soil, got a chance to do any further damage to our already crippled country. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Executive Order in February of 1942, which gave De Witt the power to round up over 112,000 Japanese Americans, over half of whom where U.S. citizens by birth (Manzanar 2). These Americans were forced to leave everything behind taking only what they could carry. They were sent to one of the ten concentration camps established throughout the United States. They were constructed in remote areas between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Mississippi River (Relocation 1). The United States governme... ...treated as enemies in their own country just because of their family background. Just as these Japanese Americans were considered guilty by race, so was Kabuo Miyamoto. His Japanese background alone was enough to convince the island of San Piedro of his guilt. Kabuo Miyamoto had to endure this harsh reality of racism that plagued his town and saturated the court system giving him no chance for a fair and just trial. Work Cited Guterson, David. Snow Falling On Cedars. New York: Vintage Books, 1995. Manzanar. â€Å"America’s Concentration Camp.† February 1942. http://members.aol.com/EARTHSUN/Manzanar.html. P.B.S. â€Å"Conscience and Constitution.† July 2000. http://www.pbs.org/conscience/the_story/characters/akutsu_jim.html. Relocation of Japanese Americans. â€Å"War Relocation Authority.† May 1943. http://www.sfmuseum.otg/hist10/relocbook.html.

Cafs Half Yearly Notes

CAFS HALF YEARLY NOTES * Parenting & Caring Becoming Parents and Carers: Parenting: The process of raising and nurturing children in a family Caring: The process of looking after the needs and wellbeing of another person due to their age, illness and/or disability Biological parents: The parent who has provided the genetic material, either sperm or ovum, to create a foetus. Pregnancy Planned Pregnancy: Planned pregnancies involve a strategic choice on when to parent * There are physical, emotional and economic impacts that result form this decision * A planned pregnancy is generally better for both the parents and child Unplanned Pregnancy: * May result from poor knowledge about contraception or the fertility cycle or failure with contraception methods * Become pregnant due to a consequence of tragic circumstances such as rape Assisted reproductive technologies: * In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) are examples of assisted reproductive technologie s.This means assistance in terms of expertise and technology is used to aid conception. Social Parents: Many individuals have parenting responsibilities towards a child with whom they do not share a genetic relationship. Adoption: * Adoption is the process by which legal responsibility of parenting of a child is given to a family or parent other than the biological parent. There are 3 types of adoption: 1. The child is already placed with prospective parents, such as a step-parent 2. Local adoption & overseas adoption . Adoption of a child with special needs Legal Implications: * Adoption Act 2000 (NSW) & Family Law Act 1975 (Commonwealth) * All legal rights and responsibilities are transferred from the birth parents to the adoptive parents * The change in parenting is permanent, so the birth parent loses all rights to the child. They may maintain the right to information and contact * The adoptive parents must be either married or in a de-facto relationship; or the step-parent must have lived with the child for 2 years or moreSocial Implications: * Society’s changing attitudes has resulted in fewer adoptions, due to greater acceptance of single mothers & the use of the contraceptive pill * Decision of telling the child that he or she is adopted can be distressing to adoptive parents * The child must overcome feelings of rejection by birth parents * Adoptive child verses the biological child acceptance if the parents have other children Fostering: Fostering provides an alternative living arrangement for children whose parents are temporarily unable to care for them in their family * The caregivers are volunteers who are paid a fortnightly allowance to help them meet the needs of the child * Foster care can range from a few days to a few years and includes: * Temporary care, * Respite care * Pre-adoptive foster care * Long term care * A child must be put into foster care if: * They are considered to be at risk of harm Their basic physical and emotional n eeds are not being met * There may be risk of abuse or exposure to domestic violence Legal Implications: * Foster care is regulated by legislation, such as Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW) * Any person fostering children who is not related to them must have a licence to foster. In NSW a license is issued by the Department of Community Services about various parenting issues * The foster carer make medical decisions or take legal proceedings on behalf of the child Social Implications: Carers must encourage contact with the young persons birth family and accept that he or she will most likely return to their birth family * 30% of foster children have been abused in their biological family * Problems between biological family and the foster child may force the foster family to take a restraining order Step Parenting: * When a man or woman married or forms a de-facto relationship with a partner, who has a child or children from previous relationships, they become a step-parent * New family members need to be accepted, roles and responsibilities must be shared Legal Implications: A step parent has no legal responsibility towards the child * A step-parent who has acted as parent to a child for a long time, and who is now being divorced from the biological parent, may have visitation rights if judge decides that is best for the child’s interests * If a child is adopted by a step parent, rights and inheritance from biological parents are lost Social Implications: Community perception often holds that an intact original nuclear family is superior to any variety of blended family; a stepfamily may be seen as ‘deficient’ form of a nuclear family * Conflict can occur between the child and step parent, primary relationships and responsibilities become a blur * Partners may have different visions of family life and parenting styles that may need to be discussed * Poor relationships with step parents are recognised as a sign ificant factor in causing young people to leave home, with unresolved family issuesSurrogacy: * An arrangement made between a couple who cannot have a baby and a woman who gets pregnant on the couples behalf. The child is handed to the couple after delivery * A woman may need a surrogate If she is: * Infertile * Suffers from a serious medical condition * Uncontrollable diabetes * Cardiomyopathy * Moderate renal failure Surrogacy often means IVF treatment as the surrogate mother may use donor ova or sperm or the partners own egg & sperm * The infertile couple must apply to adopt the child to be listed on the birth certificate as the child’s legal parents * The court must get consent from the surrogate mother to give up parental rights Legal Implications: * Surrogacy is legally a ‘grey’ area in NSW, it is neither prohibited or encouraged * Very specific criteria needs to be established for both parties based on a honour agreement that is not legally binding * Payme nt cannot be madeSocial Implications: * The surrogate mother may have an ongoing attachment to the baby after giving birth * If the surrogate mother goes back on the agreement, there may be great disappointment between the parties * Community accepted may be mixed, as surrogacy isn’t a widely accepted practice * Surrogacy is very costly and may affect the parents economically * Social parents may change their mind and leave the baby with the surrogate mother who may not have the adequate resources or family support Carer Relationships:Carers are people who look after the needs and wellbeing of another person due to their age, illness and/or disability. Carers may be paid or unpaid. Many circumstances may be planned and lead to a person requiring care, these included: * A planned pregnancy * Adoption or fostering * Grand parenting * Looking after an aged parent Some circumstances may be unplanned and are unexpected and thus afford fewer preparations: * An unplanned pregnancy * Grand parenting * Health problems * Accident * Birth abnormalities When the caring role has been planned, decision-making will most likely be difficult-especially during initial stages * Both planned and unplanned care may require the primary carer to reallocate household roles Voluntary Carers: * Voluntary carers are unpaid, they are regularly family members (parents, partners, siblings, friends or children) * Carers may undertake the caring role for a few hours a week or all day everyday * Some carers are eligible for government benefits * Voluntary carers are often women, with 71% of primary carers & 54% of all carers in Australia being women Paid Carers: Paid carers undertake the role of caring as a form of employment and therefore receive financial payment * Types of paid carers can include: * Family day carer * Nanny * Doctor * Foster carer * Teacher * Nurse * Palliative carer Managing Parenting and Caring Responsibilities: * With effective management strategies, a person is more likely to be able to achieve goals * Physical, social, emotional and economic changes will need to occur during preparations for becoming a parent or carer Physical preparations:Biological Parenting: * Optimise physical health before conception and during pregnancy * Maintain a healthy, balanced diet and develop awareness of special needs during pregnancy * No use of alcohol or tobacco and other drugs * Participate in regular exercise * Attend regular paternal courses to learn about physical and emotional needs during pregnancy and birth * Attend regular appointments with a general practitioner to monitor the baby’s growth and development and undertake ultra sounds and other tests Social Parenting: The physical preparations for social parenting are often similar to the first 4 points of biological parenting Caring: * Participate in regular exercise to maintain optimum physical & emotional health * Maintain a healthy, balanced diet to ensure physical needs are met as cari ng can place a strain on wellbeing * Practise safe lifting skills to assist with the mobility needs of the dependent * Practise how to give an injection or use an oxygen mask * Investigate and install physical aids in the home, such as railings and ramps Social preparations:Biological Parenting: * Attend prenatal classes to meet others in the same situation- these friendships may continue after delivery * Investigate child friendly social activities in the local area * Locate parenting groups in the community * Organise baby free-time with partner Social Parenting: * Develop relationships with other parents, such as through child’s sport and recreational activities * Locate parenting groups in the local community * Arrange child-free time with partner to develop and maintain own relationship Caring: * Enlist the support of family members Identify necessary support groups, such as carers of people with dementia or cancer * Be aware of support groups, that cater for cultural an d language differences * Let close friends know about the situation Emotional preparations: Biological Parenting: * Discuss moods and emotions with partner, family & friends * Investigate and practice relationship techniques Social Parenting: * Discuss the concerns, fears and thoughts with the partner and other parents to identify with others and gain insight into possible actions and solutions * Recognise if help is required from a formal or informal support network Caring: Enlist in a support group to deal with varied emotions * Make friends with others in a similar situation-often carers lose touch with family and friends * Grieve for changed personal situation but be aware of potential for depression and sources of help Economic preparations: Biological Parenting: * Plan for financial management; prepare and stick to a budget * Analyse and adjust finances, such as mortgage payments * Investigate maternity and paternity leave and provisions in the workplace * Investigate payments from Centrelink Social Parenting: * These actions are similar to the ones above Caring: Plan for financial management; prepare and stick to a budget * Analyse and adjust finances, such as mortgage payments * Investigate leave provisions in the workplace Factors influencing resource management in the caring relationship: * The values and goals of parents and carers within relationships, such as families, provide the incentive for management and will therefore impact decision-making * Age, skills & capabilities and special needs of the dependent will influence both the resources identified by the parent or the carer and the strategies selected to effectively manage their parenting or caring role Age: The age and maturity of the dependent will determine the level of care required * If a child has a disability or illness, it may not be possible to leave them on their own at any time * An aged person may not require care just because they are elderly Skills & Capabilities: * Once the de pendent has developed a variety of personal skills and capabilities, it will be possible for he or she to contribute to the relationship and management resources * Skills may need to be interchanged or substitutedSpecial Needs: * Special needs can refer to those of the dependent or the carer and can affect what services are needed either temporarily or permanent * Modifications mays be needed for housing in the form of ramps and railings * The parent may have the special needs and the young person is responsible to act as a carer * Services such as Centrelink payments may be required Resources: * The resources that require management and prioritisation most often are time, energy, finance and housing. Access to services such as support networks is vital * Negotiating and using these resources can lead to difficulties in the caring relationship Time: * The personal care of dependents, such as feeding and washing * Developing close relationships * Communicating and sharing activities * Personal pursuits (transporting children to sports training) Energy: * Feeding, changing and playing with infants * Transporting adolescents to leisure activities Shopping and providing house maintenance for an aged parent * Feeding and lifting a child, such as one with a cerebral palsy Finance: * Finance is required to access many other resources required for parenting and caring such as material goods and formal support networks * Circumstances of the dependent relationship will determine the demands on finances Housing: * Suitable housing is required to meet the needs of the dependent and carer * The family home may require modification Other housing choices can include a hostel or nursing home Access to Services: * Educational: schools and pre schools * Health: doctors, hospitals, early childhood centres * Homecare assistance: Meals on Wheels, home care * Recreational: libraries, sporting clubs and dance groups * Financial: Centrelink * Housing: Department of Housing, nursing homes and hostels, Ronald McDonald houses * Transport: community transport, maxi-taxis * Spiritual: church, synagogues, mosques Management strategies: The actions that will assist when the management of a specific situation is required * Strategies may be utilised together to achieve the desired goal: * Management decisions involve the use of resources to achieve goals * The two most important factors that affect decision-making are the values of the family and the resources available to them * Values determine that goals will be set and resources determine how well the goals will be achieved * Management strategies that are a starting point for action as the need to be applied to situations that are in need of managing: * Identifying values Setting and prioritising goals * Establishing standards * Identifying resources and using them wisely * Maintaining a positive attitude * Encouraging cooperation * Aiming to have flexible attitudes when necessary * Sharing role allocation * Havi ng effective time management * Developing sound planning procedures * Establishing routines * Using a problem-solving approach Recognising ‘change’ not whether it is good or bad Parenting and caring relationships: Roles in Parenting and caring: * A variety of people play a role of parenting and caring within society. This role is associated with meeting the needs and wellbeing of the individual in care, as well as modelling behaviour that is acceptable to the wider society. Individuals and groups who adopt roles: Parents: Biological and social parents play an important role, the importance of providing love, support and encouragement as well as providing physical needs * Overtime the parenting role is increasingly shared between parents compared to the past as the female taking responsibility of the care of the child at home * Non- custodial parent: the one who may have the child visit on the weekends and holidays parents (divorced/separated parents)Grandparents: * Chil d-rearing: passing on family traditions and culture * Children develop special affection for and interest in their grandparents * Increase emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, self-confidence * Grandparents may meet the needs of family members by assisting in childcare for their grandchildren * Valuable in providing economic, social & emotional support Relatives, including siblings: Members form extended family can provide support to parents by being alternative role models meaning for sporting activities or leisure * Many adolescents take on responsibility for younger siblings baby sitting, transport, cooking Teachers, including childcare staff: * Physical needs providing play activities and encouraging a balanced diet * Intellectual needs teaching skills and knowledge * Social needs providing encouragement and support in learning to work ith others, following school rules and resolving conflict * Cultural needs teaching children about the culture in which the way they live, history & traditions * Emotional needs developing self-esteem of students through recognition and rewards, as well as teaching resilience and coping skills * Spiritual needs some schools a particular faith is taught and students have the opportunity for prayer, worship and fellowship Paid Carers: The most convenient and expensive form of childcare is a nanny, the child can develop a bond with parents are constantly absent * Carers provide assistance to the aged, chronically ill or disabled Homecare helping with cooking and housework Significant others: * Doctor can provide immunisation and treat illnesses within children or assist with mental health issues * Neighbours and friends may provide practical assistance or occasional care for children if parent needs to run an errand * Social workers improve the socio-emotional wellbeing of a child or dependent by explaining the situation.The assist with the child, dependent, parent or carer to develop strategies to deal with hard situations Signif icance of gender roles and parenting: * The mothers roles was originally: nurturing and feeding while the father was the provider and the disciplinarian * It has dramatically changed. E. g. fathers can receive paternity leave, to allow the bonding process with his child to begin earlier. Men also participate in more tasks at home to make sure the household functions correctly * Discipline and financial providers are seen as more shared responsibilities in contemporary familiesFactors influencing parenting and caring relationships: Age: * Age of parents and carers can influence the relationships developed with those in their care * With age comes experience * Older adults may have carefully planned for parenting to occur at a time when finances and relationships are stable * Size of age gap can influence the relationship when the age gap is smaller, closer relationships can develop Culture and religion: Many people are born into a culture which beliefs and customs are passed from one generation to another * Persons culture can be significant influence on nurturing and the development of parenting and caring relationships as sharing culture and belief can be a source of bonding * In the multicultural society conflict can erupt in relationships when cultural norms are different to one another * Adolescence and early adulthood can be a time when people are searching for identity, with religious exploration being a part of the process * Carers need to respect the religion and values of their dependents observant of their faith Education: * The form of education may very from formal schooling to specific courses offered at TAFE. An educated parent or carer is more likely to be aware of support services available and have the confidence to use them * If a carer is formally qualified or has significant experience in caring, the dependent will usually have a higher quality of care offered Gender: * Because of socialisation, people of different genders behave distinctly and this carries through parenting and caring roles * A child’s concept of ‘female’ and ‘male’ develops from observing parents behaviour * Demonstrating flexibility in household responsibilities linked to gender roles, reflects in less conflict and greater cooperation * Expectations of parents hold for their children will influence their interaction with them and the other gender * In caring professions such as nursing, teaching and social welfare majority are females Previous experience and upbringing: If a person comes from a positive family life and experiences this will be repeated for their own children feel more secure and valued and leading to stronger bonds * Negative experiences may lead the parent to reconsider the values from their own experience and upbringing Socioeconomic Status: * Is influenced by the income received, level of education & the occupation of the parents * Some parents with high incomes are forced to work longer hours wi th less involvement in their children’s lives * A lower socioeconomic family enjoys low-cost recreational activities, such as bowling or camping opportunities for effective bonding and communication Media: The media pervades all aspects of life in our society, individuals are exposed to behaviours and opinions that are expressed on television, radio & internet * Parenting and caring relationships may emulate interactions in relationships in the media without even realising that they are doing so * Internet websites such as Facebook and MySpace can interrupt with ‘family time’ Style of parenting: Authoritarian: * characterises a demanding and inflexible parent who usually has a preconceived goal to achieve * allow children to put little input into decisions that may affect them * this can result in the child being resentful and distant * ‘My way or the highway’ Democratic: * this style invites all family members to have a say in decisions made * child ren feel appreciated, especially when their ideas form part of the solution Cafs Half Yearly Notes CAFS HALF YEARLY NOTES * Parenting & Caring Becoming Parents and Carers: Parenting: The process of raising and nurturing children in a family Caring: The process of looking after the needs and wellbeing of another person due to their age, illness and/or disability Biological parents: The parent who has provided the genetic material, either sperm or ovum, to create a foetus. Pregnancy Planned Pregnancy: Planned pregnancies involve a strategic choice on when to parent * There are physical, emotional and economic impacts that result form this decision * A planned pregnancy is generally better for both the parents and child Unplanned Pregnancy: * May result from poor knowledge about contraception or the fertility cycle or failure with contraception methods * Become pregnant due to a consequence of tragic circumstances such as rape Assisted reproductive technologies: * In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) are examples of assisted reproductive technologie s.This means assistance in terms of expertise and technology is used to aid conception. Social Parents: Many individuals have parenting responsibilities towards a child with whom they do not share a genetic relationship. Adoption: * Adoption is the process by which legal responsibility of parenting of a child is given to a family or parent other than the biological parent. There are 3 types of adoption: 1. The child is already placed with prospective parents, such as a step-parent 2. Local adoption & overseas adoption . Adoption of a child with special needs Legal Implications: * Adoption Act 2000 (NSW) & Family Law Act 1975 (Commonwealth) * All legal rights and responsibilities are transferred from the birth parents to the adoptive parents * The change in parenting is permanent, so the birth parent loses all rights to the child. They may maintain the right to information and contact * The adoptive parents must be either married or in a de-facto relationship; or the step-parent must have lived with the child for 2 years or moreSocial Implications: * Society’s changing attitudes has resulted in fewer adoptions, due to greater acceptance of single mothers & the use of the contraceptive pill * Decision of telling the child that he or she is adopted can be distressing to adoptive parents * The child must overcome feelings of rejection by birth parents * Adoptive child verses the biological child acceptance if the parents have other children Fostering: Fostering provides an alternative living arrangement for children whose parents are temporarily unable to care for them in their family * The caregivers are volunteers who are paid a fortnightly allowance to help them meet the needs of the child * Foster care can range from a few days to a few years and includes: * Temporary care, * Respite care * Pre-adoptive foster care * Long term care * A child must be put into foster care if: * They are considered to be at risk of harm Their basic physical and emotional n eeds are not being met * There may be risk of abuse or exposure to domestic violence Legal Implications: * Foster care is regulated by legislation, such as Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW) * Any person fostering children who is not related to them must have a licence to foster. In NSW a license is issued by the Department of Community Services about various parenting issues * The foster carer make medical decisions or take legal proceedings on behalf of the child Social Implications: Carers must encourage contact with the young persons birth family and accept that he or she will most likely return to their birth family * 30% of foster children have been abused in their biological family * Problems between biological family and the foster child may force the foster family to take a restraining order Step Parenting: * When a man or woman married or forms a de-facto relationship with a partner, who has a child or children from previous relationships, they become a step-parent * New family members need to be accepted, roles and responsibilities must be shared Legal Implications: A step parent has no legal responsibility towards the child * A step-parent who has acted as parent to a child for a long time, and who is now being divorced from the biological parent, may have visitation rights if judge decides that is best for the child’s interests * If a child is adopted by a step parent, rights and inheritance from biological parents are lost Social Implications: Community perception often holds that an intact original nuclear family is superior to any variety of blended family; a stepfamily may be seen as ‘deficient’ form of a nuclear family * Conflict can occur between the child and step parent, primary relationships and responsibilities become a blur * Partners may have different visions of family life and parenting styles that may need to be discussed * Poor relationships with step parents are recognised as a sign ificant factor in causing young people to leave home, with unresolved family issuesSurrogacy: * An arrangement made between a couple who cannot have a baby and a woman who gets pregnant on the couples behalf. The child is handed to the couple after delivery * A woman may need a surrogate If she is: * Infertile * Suffers from a serious medical condition * Uncontrollable diabetes * Cardiomyopathy * Moderate renal failure Surrogacy often means IVF treatment as the surrogate mother may use donor ova or sperm or the partners own egg & sperm * The infertile couple must apply to adopt the child to be listed on the birth certificate as the child’s legal parents * The court must get consent from the surrogate mother to give up parental rights Legal Implications: * Surrogacy is legally a ‘grey’ area in NSW, it is neither prohibited or encouraged * Very specific criteria needs to be established for both parties based on a honour agreement that is not legally binding * Payme nt cannot be madeSocial Implications: * The surrogate mother may have an ongoing attachment to the baby after giving birth * If the surrogate mother goes back on the agreement, there may be great disappointment between the parties * Community accepted may be mixed, as surrogacy isn’t a widely accepted practice * Surrogacy is very costly and may affect the parents economically * Social parents may change their mind and leave the baby with the surrogate mother who may not have the adequate resources or family support Carer Relationships:Carers are people who look after the needs and wellbeing of another person due to their age, illness and/or disability. Carers may be paid or unpaid. Many circumstances may be planned and lead to a person requiring care, these included: * A planned pregnancy * Adoption or fostering * Grand parenting * Looking after an aged parent Some circumstances may be unplanned and are unexpected and thus afford fewer preparations: * An unplanned pregnancy * Grand parenting * Health problems * Accident * Birth abnormalities When the caring role has been planned, decision-making will most likely be difficult-especially during initial stages * Both planned and unplanned care may require the primary carer to reallocate household roles Voluntary Carers: * Voluntary carers are unpaid, they are regularly family members (parents, partners, siblings, friends or children) * Carers may undertake the caring role for a few hours a week or all day everyday * Some carers are eligible for government benefits * Voluntary carers are often women, with 71% of primary carers & 54% of all carers in Australia being women Paid Carers: Paid carers undertake the role of caring as a form of employment and therefore receive financial payment * Types of paid carers can include: * Family day carer * Nanny * Doctor * Foster carer * Teacher * Nurse * Palliative carer Managing Parenting and Caring Responsibilities: * With effective management strategies, a person is more likely to be able to achieve goals * Physical, social, emotional and economic changes will need to occur during preparations for becoming a parent or carer Physical preparations:Biological Parenting: * Optimise physical health before conception and during pregnancy * Maintain a healthy, balanced diet and develop awareness of special needs during pregnancy * No use of alcohol or tobacco and other drugs * Participate in regular exercise * Attend regular paternal courses to learn about physical and emotional needs during pregnancy and birth * Attend regular appointments with a general practitioner to monitor the baby’s growth and development and undertake ultra sounds and other tests Social Parenting: The physical preparations for social parenting are often similar to the first 4 points of biological parenting Caring: * Participate in regular exercise to maintain optimum physical & emotional health * Maintain a healthy, balanced diet to ensure physical needs are met as cari ng can place a strain on wellbeing * Practise safe lifting skills to assist with the mobility needs of the dependent * Practise how to give an injection or use an oxygen mask * Investigate and install physical aids in the home, such as railings and ramps Social preparations:Biological Parenting: * Attend prenatal classes to meet others in the same situation- these friendships may continue after delivery * Investigate child friendly social activities in the local area * Locate parenting groups in the community * Organise baby free-time with partner Social Parenting: * Develop relationships with other parents, such as through child’s sport and recreational activities * Locate parenting groups in the local community * Arrange child-free time with partner to develop and maintain own relationship Caring: * Enlist the support of family members Identify necessary support groups, such as carers of people with dementia or cancer * Be aware of support groups, that cater for cultural an d language differences * Let close friends know about the situation Emotional preparations: Biological Parenting: * Discuss moods and emotions with partner, family & friends * Investigate and practice relationship techniques Social Parenting: * Discuss the concerns, fears and thoughts with the partner and other parents to identify with others and gain insight into possible actions and solutions * Recognise if help is required from a formal or informal support network Caring: Enlist in a support group to deal with varied emotions * Make friends with others in a similar situation-often carers lose touch with family and friends * Grieve for changed personal situation but be aware of potential for depression and sources of help Economic preparations: Biological Parenting: * Plan for financial management; prepare and stick to a budget * Analyse and adjust finances, such as mortgage payments * Investigate maternity and paternity leave and provisions in the workplace * Investigate payments from Centrelink Social Parenting: * These actions are similar to the ones above Caring: Plan for financial management; prepare and stick to a budget * Analyse and adjust finances, such as mortgage payments * Investigate leave provisions in the workplace Factors influencing resource management in the caring relationship: * The values and goals of parents and carers within relationships, such as families, provide the incentive for management and will therefore impact decision-making * Age, skills & capabilities and special needs of the dependent will influence both the resources identified by the parent or the carer and the strategies selected to effectively manage their parenting or caring role Age: The age and maturity of the dependent will determine the level of care required * If a child has a disability or illness, it may not be possible to leave them on their own at any time * An aged person may not require care just because they are elderly Skills & Capabilities: * Once the de pendent has developed a variety of personal skills and capabilities, it will be possible for he or she to contribute to the relationship and management resources * Skills may need to be interchanged or substitutedSpecial Needs: * Special needs can refer to those of the dependent or the carer and can affect what services are needed either temporarily or permanent * Modifications mays be needed for housing in the form of ramps and railings * The parent may have the special needs and the young person is responsible to act as a carer * Services such as Centrelink payments may be required Resources: * The resources that require management and prioritisation most often are time, energy, finance and housing. Access to services such as support networks is vital * Negotiating and using these resources can lead to difficulties in the caring relationship Time: * The personal care of dependents, such as feeding and washing * Developing close relationships * Communicating and sharing activities * Personal pursuits (transporting children to sports training) Energy: * Feeding, changing and playing with infants * Transporting adolescents to leisure activities Shopping and providing house maintenance for an aged parent * Feeding and lifting a child, such as one with a cerebral palsy Finance: * Finance is required to access many other resources required for parenting and caring such as material goods and formal support networks * Circumstances of the dependent relationship will determine the demands on finances Housing: * Suitable housing is required to meet the needs of the dependent and carer * The family home may require modification Other housing choices can include a hostel or nursing home Access to Services: * Educational: schools and pre schools * Health: doctors, hospitals, early childhood centres * Homecare assistance: Meals on Wheels, home care * Recreational: libraries, sporting clubs and dance groups * Financial: Centrelink * Housing: Department of Housing, nursing homes and hostels, Ronald McDonald houses * Transport: community transport, maxi-taxis * Spiritual: church, synagogues, mosques Management strategies: The actions that will assist when the management of a specific situation is required * Strategies may be utilised together to achieve the desired goal: * Management decisions involve the use of resources to achieve goals * The two most important factors that affect decision-making are the values of the family and the resources available to them * Values determine that goals will be set and resources determine how well the goals will be achieved * Management strategies that are a starting point for action as the need to be applied to situations that are in need of managing: * Identifying values Setting and prioritising goals * Establishing standards * Identifying resources and using them wisely * Maintaining a positive attitude * Encouraging cooperation * Aiming to have flexible attitudes when necessary * Sharing role allocation * Havi ng effective time management * Developing sound planning procedures * Establishing routines * Using a problem-solving approach Recognising ‘change’ not whether it is good or bad Parenting and caring relationships: Roles in Parenting and caring: * A variety of people play a role of parenting and caring within society. This role is associated with meeting the needs and wellbeing of the individual in care, as well as modelling behaviour that is acceptable to the wider society. Individuals and groups who adopt roles: Parents: Biological and social parents play an important role, the importance of providing love, support and encouragement as well as providing physical needs * Overtime the parenting role is increasingly shared between parents compared to the past as the female taking responsibility of the care of the child at home * Non- custodial parent: the one who may have the child visit on the weekends and holidays parents (divorced/separated parents)Grandparents: * Chil d-rearing: passing on family traditions and culture * Children develop special affection for and interest in their grandparents * Increase emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, self-confidence * Grandparents may meet the needs of family members by assisting in childcare for their grandchildren * Valuable in providing economic, social & emotional support Relatives, including siblings: Members form extended family can provide support to parents by being alternative role models meaning for sporting activities or leisure * Many adolescents take on responsibility for younger siblings baby sitting, transport, cooking Teachers, including childcare staff: * Physical needs providing play activities and encouraging a balanced diet * Intellectual needs teaching skills and knowledge * Social needs providing encouragement and support in learning to work ith others, following school rules and resolving conflict * Cultural needs teaching children about the culture in which the way they live, history & traditions * Emotional needs developing self-esteem of students through recognition and rewards, as well as teaching resilience and coping skills * Spiritual needs some schools a particular faith is taught and students have the opportunity for prayer, worship and fellowship Paid Carers: The most convenient and expensive form of childcare is a nanny, the child can develop a bond with parents are constantly absent * Carers provide assistance to the aged, chronically ill or disabled Homecare helping with cooking and housework Significant others: * Doctor can provide immunisation and treat illnesses within children or assist with mental health issues * Neighbours and friends may provide practical assistance or occasional care for children if parent needs to run an errand * Social workers improve the socio-emotional wellbeing of a child or dependent by explaining the situation.The assist with the child, dependent, parent or carer to develop strategies to deal with hard situations Signif icance of gender roles and parenting: * The mothers roles was originally: nurturing and feeding while the father was the provider and the disciplinarian * It has dramatically changed. E. g. fathers can receive paternity leave, to allow the bonding process with his child to begin earlier. Men also participate in more tasks at home to make sure the household functions correctly * Discipline and financial providers are seen as more shared responsibilities in contemporary familiesFactors influencing parenting and caring relationships: Age: * Age of parents and carers can influence the relationships developed with those in their care * With age comes experience * Older adults may have carefully planned for parenting to occur at a time when finances and relationships are stable * Size of age gap can influence the relationship when the age gap is smaller, closer relationships can develop Culture and religion: Many people are born into a culture which beliefs and customs are passed from one generation to another * Persons culture can be significant influence on nurturing and the development of parenting and caring relationships as sharing culture and belief can be a source of bonding * In the multicultural society conflict can erupt in relationships when cultural norms are different to one another * Adolescence and early adulthood can be a time when people are searching for identity, with religious exploration being a part of the process * Carers need to respect the religion and values of their dependents observant of their faith Education: * The form of education may very from formal schooling to specific courses offered at TAFE. An educated parent or carer is more likely to be aware of support services available and have the confidence to use them * If a carer is formally qualified or has significant experience in caring, the dependent will usually have a higher quality of care offered Gender: * Because of socialisation, people of different genders behave distinctly and this carries through parenting and caring roles * A child’s concept of ‘female’ and ‘male’ develops from observing parents behaviour * Demonstrating flexibility in household responsibilities linked to gender roles, reflects in less conflict and greater cooperation * Expectations of parents hold for their children will influence their interaction with them and the other gender * In caring professions such as nursing, teaching and social welfare majority are females Previous experience and upbringing: If a person comes from a positive family life and experiences this will be repeated for their own children feel more secure and valued and leading to stronger bonds * Negative experiences may lead the parent to reconsider the values from their own experience and upbringing Socioeconomic Status: * Is influenced by the income received, level of education & the occupation of the parents * Some parents with high incomes are forced to work longer hours wi th less involvement in their children’s lives * A lower socioeconomic family enjoys low-cost recreational activities, such as bowling or camping opportunities for effective bonding and communication Media: The media pervades all aspects of life in our society, individuals are exposed to behaviours and opinions that are expressed on television, radio & internet * Parenting and caring relationships may emulate interactions in relationships in the media without even realising that they are doing so * Internet websites such as Facebook and MySpace can interrupt with ‘family time’ Style of parenting: Authoritarian: * characterises a demanding and inflexible parent who usually has a preconceived goal to achieve * allow children to put little input into decisions that may affect them * this can result in the child being resentful and distant * ‘My way or the highway’ Democratic: * this style invites all family members to have a say in decisions made * child ren feel appreciated, especially when their ideas form part of the solution

How Different Cultures React to Death and Dying - 1907 Words

How Different Cultures React to Death and Dying Abstract This research explores the literature across cultures on death and dying in order to highlight the impact of culture on reactions to death and the dying process. A theoretical framework is established, using Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s five stages of dying, followed by a succinct discussion of the reactions and attitudes toward death and the dying process of four cultures (Buddhist, Hindu, Native American and American). By illustrating the different reactions and attitudes toward death of these cultures, it is revealed that through increased cultural understanding health care workers can provide more personalized care to the dying. Keywords Fear, Mortality, Burial,†¦show more content†¦Instead, they believe the body must be cremated quickly after death. As Lama (2004, p. 1) maintains, â€Å"The belief that once it sheds its body, the soul prepares to depart immediately on its karmic journey, and as such, it’s very important to cremate the body as soon as practical so as not to provide any allurement for the soul to linger on this side of the world.† In such cultures there is little relating to the bargaining or depression stages of Kubler-Ross’ theory, but acceptance certainly applies to both Hindus and Buddhists. In fact, for the gerontologist, increased cultural understanding of the death and dying process aids overall quality of care. As Barker (1999, p. 161) reports on one study conducted on Hindus in a British community, â€Å"†¦poor communication due to linguistic and cultural distance between relatives and hospital staff, as well as lack of sensitivity involving the l atter, may be most distressful to the dying and their relatives.† Native Americans Native Americans also had and still have a unique perspective on death. It is doubtful Native Americans relate to any of the phases outlined by Kubler-Ross, save for acceptance. For Native Americans perceive death as merely one facet of what they view as the â€Å"Sacred hoop of life,† (Turner-Weeden, 1995, p. 11). This is because of their unique worldview with respect to what happens to the soul after death. Native Americans view life and death as a circular movement, wherein the processShow MoreRelatedEssay The Optimists Daughter: A Look at Death and Dying1432 Words   |  6 PagesThe Optimists Daughter: A Look at Death and Dying  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Fay struck out with her hands, hitting at Major Bullock and Mr. Pitts and Sis, fighting with her mother, too, for a moment. She showed her claws at Laurel, and broke from the preachers last-minute arms and threw herself forward across the coffin on to the pillow, driving her lips without aim against the face under hers. 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