Author: Andre Coleman

This assignment will explain the role of a Local Authority (LA) Social Worker (SW) when working with ‘children in need’ and their families, and those in need of safeguarding and protection, will also explain the main role of children and families’ sw and reasons why they would be involved. Furthermore it will discuss the importance of multidisciplinary working; identify different forms of abuse, their impact and alleviation. In line with evidence based practice, the Children Act 1989 sections 17 and 47 will be analysed as intervention methods

It’s important as a sw to utilise an understanding of theories of human growth and development to understand the various stages of development that the children are undergoing, before making any decision of safeguarding. Children in need may have faced extraordinary experiences in their early lives that may affect their physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development. Safeguarding is defined by (HM Government 2013) as ‘the action we take to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm’. Child protection is defined by RCPCH, (2006) as ‘the process of protecting individual children identified as either suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm as a result of abuse or neglect’.

Section 17 (10) of the Children Act 1989 (CA 1989) defines a child in need as a child who is ‘unlikely to achieve or maintain, or to have the opportunity of achieving or maintaining, a reasonable standard of health or development without the provision for him/her of services by a local authority’ or ‘his/her health or development is likely to be significantly impaired, or further impaired without the provision for him/her of such services’ or ‘he/she is disabled’ (H M Government, 1989, section 17) gives LA ‘duties and powers to provide services for children in need and their families Part’ 111 (Sec17 (1)).

When a referral is made, LA is forced to consider initial enquiries within 10 days. This is to find out what is happening to a child and decide which action should be taken to protect the child as set in the CA1989 S47 of Protection of Children (Brammer 2013). This guide draws’ on all professionals to work together to promote children’s welfare and ensures families are provided with much needed resources.

In some historic children cases these processes weren’t upheld and lead to the death of children like Baby P and Victoria Climbie. Lord Laming ((Laming and Office, 2003)) stated that communication has played a major role in successes and failures of the system. He also made recommendations that will ignite working together in terms multi-disciplinary teams working together information sharing’ Connolly and Ward, (2008) suggested ‘It is good practice to consider children’s rights to protection as of paramount duty and at the same time work in partnership with their parents unless doing so would harm them’.

The Framework for Assessment of Children (Figure 1) in Need and their Families (DoH, 2000) emphasises the use of an ecological approach to identify the child within the environment and offers a holistic approach (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). It enables professionals to identify systems affecting a child, the most and the social forces impacting on his lifespan therefore, resulting in interventions being applied where they are needed most. An ecological approach looks at people, families, cultures, communities, policies and identifies and intervenes upon strengths and weaknesses in the transactional processes between these systems (Greene and Greene, 2008).

Figure1 (Department of Health 2000, p.1)

Living conditions may result in disturbed nights, which can lead to strain and tiredness (Hazel, 2002). Similarly, inadequate housing may cause parents anxiety and affect their capacity to care for the children. Therefore, a sw could use their powers to make a referral for families to acquire an adequate accommodation. According to Gill and Jack (2007) the ecological theory is important in the development of holistic approaches to safeguarding children. Its strengths are that it focuses on individuals as part and incorporating other systems, so it integrates social with psychological elements of practice however, it is criticised for assuming that everything fits into a social order (Payne, 2009).

A SW is expected to consider human rights issues when completing any assessment. In the community there’s a whole variety of groups e.g. ethnic minorities, women, disabled people, homosexuals children just to mention a few. Professionals are required to uphold and defend the rights of individuals whilst seeking to meet their needs and this are all governed by The Human Rights Act 1998. Brayne & Shoot, (2010) said ‘the act has also heavily influenced the Disability Discriminations Act, (2005) and Equality Act, (2006 & 2010)’

Welbourne (2012) said ‘SW is a profession that engages with people’s lives at all levels, from the practical to the deeply personal. Lord Laming (2003) said ‘child protection is everyone’s business, and it’s important that SW, police, and health workers take the lead role for the procedures and processes that protect children from harm’.

The CA 1989 sec 47(1) places a duty on LA to investigate when they:

‘are informed that a child who lives or is found in their area

is the subject of an emergency protection order
is in police custody’
‘have reasonable cause to suspect that a child who lives, or is found in the area is suffering, or is likely to suffer a significant harm’

LA will conduct an initial child protection conference that consists of all professionals including the child, family members. This is a partnership aimed at setting out plans in place for both family and the group members. They will meet within 10 days after the initial conference and at least 8 weeks after that. The plan will be considering day to day details of the care plan and to put it into practice. After the case has been opened, implemented and put into practice, a Review Child Protection Case Conference is called to review and assess the progress of the case. The first review is held within 3 months of the initial conference and at least six months after that. A SW will always aim to achieve results and return the child to their parents.

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2006 (Department of Health) has 5 identifiable forms of abuse as neglect, physical, emotional, sexual and domestic abuses, and the latter has been recently added and recognised in its own right. Coleen L (2003) suggested that ‘Negligence can include behaviours that receipt, fraudulently misrepresentation, defamation of character act, violation of human rights, malicious prosecution.

Maureen O’Loughlin and Steve O’Loughlin (2008) suggested that ‘Parents have a central role in their children’s welfare and protection from harm, and should therefore be included in all decisions and actions taken by professionals…’ Parents have their complex needs as well, some abuse drugs and alcohol and generally have low self-esteem. If parents deny sw access to a child and there’s a possibility of a greater risk of life or likelihood of serious harm, LA will apply for the Child Assessment Order sec43 CA 1989 when they considering any kind of contact, LA would have reasons to suspect concerns with development, welfare and health of a child. This order will only last 8 days without extension. Emergency Protection Order (EPO) under S44 of the CA 1989. It can last for 8 days with the option to extend for 7 more days.

Brayne & Carr, (2010) suggested that ‘It is important that any discussions with children are done in a way that minimises the distress and maximises the likelihood of them providing clear and accurate accounts’ The children may be looked after by the LA with parental agreement (Children Act, 1989, sec. 20. ‘A child may only be kept in police protection however, for 72 hours’ (Brammer 2006). Other order available is Recovery order sec50, will be applied if a child under PPO or EPO is removed from the responsible applicant. Police can recover the child and return them to the place of safety.

SW has ‘an obligation to conduct themselves ethically, engaging in ethical decisionaˆ?making, including partnership working with service users’ and this was quoted by The Code of Ethics for Social Work (BASW, 2011). Social work is a very privileged profession, they draw up conclusions and judgement on what they observe and hear. Hence it’s necessary to develop an inner skill not to use prejudice in any engagement. Empowerment has been understood as a paradigm within anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice (Lishman, 2007) and can be implemented through partnership working, which is a key social work value (Thompson, 2009).

This assignment has shown how and why a sw would intervene when a child becomes in need. It also discussed the LA’s responsibility for children in need and their families. Aim is to protect and safeguard children from harm by forming partnership working with families; assist in providing alternative services to promote their welfare. The assignment drew up on relevant legislation that ensure welfare of a child remains paramount, also challenges all professionals to collaborate in a systematic manner. Children have been let down in the past and Every Child Matters ensured it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that their health and development is secured. This reiterates the importance of SW’s impact into the system, drawn from Code of Ethics sw’s should always challenge any discrimination, recognise diversity, always distribute resources to those in need, challenge unjust policies and practices and work in solidarity. In conclusion a sw would not be aware if a child is in need or requires protection; however, the facts in this essay provide a sensible method of judgement on whether a child is in need or at risk of significant harm.

Due to changing trends in the world, many women continue to enter the workforce day and night performing almost similar duties like men. Motivated by a number of factors ranging from social to economic environment surrounding the move has always sparked debates not only among men but also in women who argue against the idea. The debate revolves around working versus those women who stay at home and take care of their families especially children. These concerns explore existence of any effects of working mothers to their children in terms of academic performance in schools and their emotional development which significantly depends on what happens at childhood. Another concern is the possibility of high stress levels faced by working mothers on a daily basis compared to their counterparts at home. This research analysis utilized findings from experts and surveys aimed at unraveling the truth about working mothers.

Introduction

Who are working mothers? This is a label name which refers to women who have career jobs and responsibilities apart from taking care of their children and husband at home. The number of this type of women has continued to increase not only in the neither United States, nor Europe but all over the world. Even as immense criticism continues to surround the idea of working women, it is of paramount need to focus on some of the factors which contribute to this phenomenon. It is clear that the world is always at a constant change process in terms of social believes, practices and also economic transformation. Many women have opted to join the work a way of enhancing equality with men who believe that women are supposed to be stationed at home and carry out domestic duties (Randall, 2003). The question that ponders the mind of many is whether the notion of working mothers is the only focal point in addressing the issue of gender equality in the society. Is there a better approach? Definitely there are considerable realistic and workable ways of establishing a society that recognizes men and women as equal beings.

Although viewed negatively by some people, many women believe that by joining the work force, there would be significant ease and improvement in meeting the family needs. Sharing of family responsibilities between men and women is by far a very important idea. With increasing global economic hitches, there is every need for every family in the world to establish ways of making ends meet without extreme straining. As a result, working mothers believe that this is the only way of lessening family crisis which may arise from unsatisfied needs and unmet expenses which can be shared between a husband and wife. This sounds human and acceptable but it has lacked taste in a number of men in the world and other women who still advocate for “stay home” mothers in the 21st century.

It is clear that the question of whether women need to be incorporated in the workforce like men still causes controversy. With growing working opportunities for both men and women, it is very normal for girls to go to school, join colleges and universities and secure jobs just like their male counterparts. This is quite commendable. However, the basis of this argument rests on the opportunity cost incurred when women join the workforce. It is believed that working women make inefficient mothers. Although this varies from one person to the other, sociologists argue that there is usually little or no time left for children brought up by working mothers. Additionally, working women experience a lot of stress compared to non working mothers who spent their entire time with their families (Harper & Richards, 1986). This is attributed to overwhelming demands which may arise from work stations and homes. Balancing of time between the two masters, job and family remains a mega challenge among working women in the world.

Statement of problem

According to this research, very little has been done with regard to the effect of working mothers on their children’s emotional development and academic behavior. As a result, the research explores the general impact of working mothers on their children compared to non working women.

Research questions

What is the negative impact of a working mother on a child’s academics and emotions?

What is the positive impact of a working mother on the life of her child?

What is the impact of non working mothers on their children’s life?

Literature review

Working mothers has received massive coverage from both individuals and groups of people aimed at unraveling the truth which surround this debate topic. However, many people reckon that the idea is quite open with a wide range of views which may vary from person to person. One of search people who have invested time in sociological research is Elizabeth Perle McKenna. In her 1998 research, McKenna analyses the relationship between work and family as experienced by working women around the globe. She exhaustibly dwells on the issue of work and identity and the dissatisfaction which arises when work does not give intended satisfaction. She argues that many women find themselves ignoring pivotal areas of their lives by devoting their time and concentration to work (McKenna, 1998). This devotion is usually aimed at attaining certain traditional symbols of success like money, challenging jobs and power.

As viewed by McKenna, women entered the workforce massively under terms that were designed by men. They were eager and full of passion of leaving the old fashion of staying at home. They did this like immigrants abandoning their natural habitat and adapting to the workforce designed for and by men to suit their lifestyle and nature. Unfortunately, most if not all working systems have been designed to define men based on what they do and not who they are (McKenna, 1998). This system calls for long working hours in order to gain recognition and reward. This is still the case today even though almost sixty percent of women in the United States belong to the working class. In other words, the workforce does not recognize the nature of women with regard to the diverse responsibilities they have at home. It assumes the fact that women belong at home. McKenna writes this book from a personal experience and recalls moments in her life when she found it hard to balance work with growing family needs until she had to quit her job after having changed career severally.

McKenna admits that women who are unable to quit working find it hard to balance between work and family responsibilities. She poses that although many women want attain success as traditionally defined, it is almost impossible excel career-wise and thrill as a good mother, caregiver and a good wife. She notes that the pursuit of such identity breeds nothing but depression, stress and finally burnout.

Research findings

This research found out that working mothers have a wide range of impact on their families with special emphasis on their children. Non working mothers have all the time to take care of their families and provide necessary care and love to their young ones. Children born of working mothers experience difficulties during their early stages of development. As young beings, children need enough time from their caregivers who are non other their mothers. In the absence of this care emotional impact is felt which may affect up to the academic capabilities of such children. Working mothers also experience emanating from challenges of time balancing (Peters 1968). On the other hand, working men feel independent and provide families needs including among others, children’s quality food. Both working and non working children may significantly influence the development process of children.

Discussion

The number of working mothers has continued to rise from about 30% in 1970s to approximately 50% in early 21st century. This has significantly affected the life of many children. (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1999). Children from families with working mothers have emotional depressions with measurable difficulties in their academic life. There is also continuing research on the effect of mothers’ working stress on children. Even as this research continues, the fact is that a child is always hyper sensitive to the emotional status of the mother before and even after birth.

Do children born of working mothers receive sufficient attention and care? When mothers spend almost full of their day time at work, many children less effective especially at school. Since most working mothers maximize their working time when children are in their pre-school, these children show wanting and unappealing results (Cavel, 2001). These children feel some form of emptiness which ends up affecting their class concentration and general performance compared to children whose mothers are not working. It is also important to affirm that a child’s early stages are very important in shaping his character and personality. Children who spend less time with their mothers as a result of work commitments are likely to experience hardships in language development which goes further to affect a child’s academic progress. This is because learning in class mainly depends on communication propagated by language proficiency (Associated Press, 1999).

Working mothers also experience a lot of stress which arise from the inability to balance between work and family needs. These two responsibilities appear to be like two jobs which are being handled by one person at the same time. As a result, these mothers are ever in a hurry to catch up with time and attend to unfinished duties at home and at work place. These mothers end up meeting the needs of the family with very few men willing to share the responsibility (Gershaw, 1988). In the event that a child falls sick, mothers find it difficult to fully attend to the child at the expense of her sleeping job. They also feel stressed over their own lives. Many working women are not willing to give birth. In other words, working continues to rob women off their mothering ability.

Although working mothers have significant negative impact on their children, these mothers also have all the reasons to smile and the need for them to receive recognition. There are positive impacts generated by these mothers with the baseline of it being provision of basic needs, especially food. Many children brought up by working mothers live in considerably good standards compared to those of non working mothers. Working mothers usually have a wide domain of choices in terms of dietary. This ensures good childcare and healthy upbringing (Booth, 2000).

A working mother is also a challenge to her children (Figes, 2001). As the immediate role model, mothers play a mega role in shaping the character of her children. Children admire good character and adorable achievements realized by those people who surround them. Therefore working mothers challenge their children to work hard and experience better achievements compared to what may she has.

Conclusion

In general, working mothers negatively impact their children. This is mainly witnessed in areas of emotional development and academic performance. This is mainly due to the inability to balance between family responsibilities and demands of the job. Stress is also common among working mothers a trend that is significantly low among non working mothers. It should be noted that working is highly encouraged among family members. However, mothers should devote most of their time to taking care of their children. They can take up less demanding jobs especially at tender ages of their children.

There are increasing number of women continue their careers after given birth to their childs. They are regarded as “working mothers”, whom are facing many difficulties to keep balance between the work and the family. This phenomenon led to many studies about the effect of maternal employment base on a secure mother-infant attachment.This paper raise the question: many mothers are often confronted with the dilemma of choosing between their jobs or careers, and their children, whether they should come back to work after post partum. The attachment theory in this paper was found by John Bowlby, whom emphasized the importance of mother’s attention and care on the infant. He argued that there was a long time last influence on the infant future life. There are also contemporary reasearches suggested that maternal employment have benefits on the family and the infant. The paper analyze the deveopment of mother-infant attachment theories and current studies, to evaluate the positive and negative effect to the infant of working mother.

Infant-mother attachment

Attachment theory was formulated by psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby. It is a psychological, evolutionary, and ethological theory concerning relationships between humans pointed out that a young child needs to develop a relationship with at least one primary caregiver for social and emotional development to occur normally . According to his study of attachment theory, infant behaviour associated with attachment is primarily the seeking of proximity to an attachment figure, moreover, secure base and safe haven are the features and function of attachment relationships. Infants become attached to adults who are sensitive and responsive in social interactions with them.

Many experts agree that the mother-child attachment bond is the term for our first interactive love relationship-the one we had with our primary caregivers, our mothers. The mother-child attachment bond shapes infants’ brains, profoundly influencing their self-esteem, their expectations of others, and their ability to attract and maintain successful relationships . Nowadays studies also support that during the early development, the infant-mother interaction and the early social experiences may produce long-lasting changes in the brain of the infant with profound behavioral and emotional effects throughout the whole life . The infant behaviors that have been implicated as resulting from this theoretically compromised mother infant relationship have included slight, transient effects on sociability and affective sharing to results suggesting significant increases in irritability, cognitive delays, behavioral problems, and difficulties with attachment among others .

Overall, following attachment theory, the early connection developed between a primary child care provider and an infant is essential for development. Lacking of experience make it difficult for them to handle the issue about this new member and family transition, especially for the first-time parenthood. The success or failure of the attachment bond has a life-long effect in a person’s life.

Maternal employment and infant attachment

Whether and how about the mother’s working status affect the infant was a topic of great interest in the 1980s. In the context of mothers’ increased participation in paid work, attention has also turned to the impact of maternal employment and the use of nonmaternal child care as additional factors likely to affect maternal caregiving and the developing attachment relationship. Many scientists, politicians, and parents were worried about the children, especially infant, would suffer if others but not the moter cared for them most of the time , others argued that such worries were based on oppressive sexist prejudices not data . So debates started, positive or negative influence on the attachment of mother and infant, whether working mothers is taking the responsibility of the infant or not.

Why do mothers go to work

Why mothers go to work; in Hong Kong society, women go to work for more personal and social reasons than for financial reasons. In traditional society, mothers are performing stereotyped roles as be responsible for the household, such as doing housework, preparing dinner, caring of the children and husband. Now in modern society, women are no longer restricted by the traditional mother and wife role. For the economical reason, they want to make more benefits to the family and gain more independence in economic position. For the education standard, women who achieved high educational qualification, want to apply their knowledge to the work and pursue a successful career, and they are needed by the society. For the changing social norms, women are achieving more equalities in work, morevoer, they are not acted as “bad moms” when they go to work and pay less attention on the children. The whole society tend to accept working mothers.

Though several reasons and conditions mentioned above seem to allow mothers to join the workforce, still many of them face with a dilemma regarding their career and family . Still so many mother feel struggling in the situation of whether to work or not.

Negative aspect of working mothers

According to the above attachment theories, it is easy to acknowledget the harm that would do to the infant lack of attachment. It is to say that negative influences on the development of secure attachment, or even potentially damaging . Fail to provide the child with sufficient structure, recognition, understanding, safety, and mutual accord may lead to become physically and emotionally distant in relationships in later relationship, remain insecure, become disorganized, aggressive and angry, and develop slowly. . A working mother is tend to create an insecure and inconsistent attachment.

Stifter, Coulehan, and Fish , found no significant connections between work status and attachment security, but did caught the public attention of the consideration and inclusion of other variables such as maternal separation anxiety and maternal sensitivity. Specially the research did find that infants of mothers who were employed but reported high work-related separation anxiety were more likely to develop anxious-avoidant attachments. And then, a finding suggested that employed mother were less invested in parenthood and had high level of anxiety , implied high anxiety would get in the way of taking good care of the infant.

A baby is supposed to grow up to be loving, well adjusted individual. A full-time employed mother would have missed out on being there and watching the baby from up close. These are important formative period, as a mother’s instinct, want to be around to strengthen the attachment bond between mother and infant. The effects of maternal employment of secure mother-infant attachment relationship to be negative of majority according to those researches. These evidences support the hypothesis that working mothers increase the risk of some undesirable outcomes, espacilly in the baby’s first year.

Positive aspect of working mothers

Do maternal employment have an adverse effect on the children? The answer may be no. In fact, mothers with careers have a positive impact on children, as they serve as good role models. A study in Australia found no relation between maternal employment and infant attachment.

In the early study, Bowlby insisted that separation from the mother should be kept to a minimum . However, in the further study, he developed his statement as ‘a subsidiary attachment figure can meet an infant’s needs adequately in the primary figure’s absence’ . In another words, mother was not the only attachment bond to the baby and this finding gave the mother an opportunity to take a breath during the overwhelming duties. She did not need to take the only responsibility to the feedback towards the infant.

Later, some scholars emphasized quality but not quantity of the attachment. Too much and too sensative responds to the baby may triggered a spoiling parental style. Prior to an infant’s self-regulation of external stimuli, parents are responsible . Parents have to learn the difference between too much and too little responds for managing the infant inattentiveness and excessive stimulation. Providing the appropriate amount of feedback for the baby is conducting a healthy attachment bond.

I was impressed by a professors’s saying that many parents feel very selfish and cruel in leaving their crying young child for the absence time. However, it is not only a beneficial opportunity for her parents, it is also an important lesson in trust for her that you will always be clear about when you are leaving, you will always provide a caring protector while you are gone, and, best of all, you always return to love and protect her . Parents should be comforted that, properly leaving but not always stick to the baby is also buliding a trustful relationship.

For the further concern of the baby, Such working mothers tend to emphasise education, and also manage to spend quality time with their children. Talking about the dual income, the standard of living is higher, children get access to better quality education and extra-curricular activities. Acadamic statistic demonstrated this fact: secure parental employment lowers the incidence of poverty and the associated risks to children . ‘The increase in the percentage of children living with a working parent is welcome news,’ said Duane Alexander, M.D., Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health. ‘Secure parental employment helps to reduce the psychological toll on families, brought on by parental unemployment and underemployment.Secure parental employment may also enhance children’s psychological well-being and improve family functioning by reducing stress and other negative effects that unemployment and underemployment can have on parents.”

Conclusion

As we can see, there are pros and cons about maternal employmet. So we still have to deal with this dilemma and make our own decision. I think there are no right or wrong answers in this case. Whether you want to get back to work from the day you stop nursing your child, or whether you want to be a homemaker your entire life is entirely up to you. Some women find joy in the workplace, while others find it at home.

In some conditions, women can handle both children and work well though it is a hard task. Maybe having one does not require sacrificing the other.

As we know that healthcare professionals are a part of group that relates to the service users mean while the service users also play a vital role and impart an effect on professional group. It is worthwhile to discuss the importance of support workers because they are to work in partnership with users of the services and they also help them in fetching self-reliant. Professionals offer service users to offer them with some extra settlement in the shorter time but they often are not capable of long-term benefits. Support workers perform work in partnership services users and help them in maintaining their status quo. In order to undertake daily tasks and make some amendments in these to make sure service users get some the short-term goals but still they fail to do so over the long-term. The report shows that the results tell us about the need for the service users to help the users in mental health support workers to improve there group efficiency in order to get a professional profile meanwhile, they make it clear that each of health care professionals along with the service users should have a clearer perceptive nature of support work so it may help them in positioning the health sector to a higher level.

Interpersonal Level:

The second and still somewhat a important level of Health and social care in partnership working is that of interpersonal; in this category the category of retired worker i.e. old age class find it less difficult to offer the wants in less demanding way because they have ample of time to perform there task. Most of the people in the category of who younger age group than this retired class feel a little bit isolated and this make it more difficult to fulfill their desires. Hence these leads to more emphasize on the interpersonal level working in partnership. Hence the interpersonal group tends to operate the relationship with different levels of groups and make them convey their desires more effectively. Hence working in groups makes it easy for them to ensure that they have a good understanding with in their group which makes their life easy. The way in which practices and local health services work appear to separate beside these destitute groups. It could be that they have too many conflicting priorities or are less skilled at negotiating their chosen appointments.

Organizational level:

The importance of partnership working takes a new look when we study it at the organizational level. The concept of partnership has a great impact on labor’s social policy issue. Hence a new concept arises when we have to discuss partnership and collaboration, because both of these have some themes ‘new’ Labour’s social policy, mainly in respect of the freedom of health and social care. Though the terms are hardly ever specifically clear and problematic to study, in most understandings partnerships has some reliability upon good systems of inter-professional association. By going through the past literature on the social behavior of professions, and meanwhile the nature of inter-professional working, One of the study shows that effective mutual working within health and social care is difficult to obtain, mainly in the light of the immense difference in authority and culture between a variety of occupational groupings, and the naturally competitive scenery of profession jostle for region in the same areas of activity. It shows that the issues which are handled with care need to be resolved before what they ought to make it difficult and hence are properly understood; a metaphoric application to the absolute benefits of ‘partnership’ without any other way hence it helps in maintaining the status quo and yield efficient partnership working. Meanwhile we can also maintain an proper role for social work in the situation of partnership working at the organization level which has a brilliant role and area of study that make it more beneficent has yet to be defined and proposes specific tasks and values that distinguish the social worker from other related professionals.

Healthcare system needs to be characterised by high levels of citizen empowerment and service user groups in order to make it more effective. Service users have vast access to large data of information about healthcare and in this way they can have a good option to choose where to have management. Transference of healthcare in Sweden to local and regional government had lead to healthcare being organised according to the needs of local inhabitants rather than at national level. From a dictatorial standpoint, at national level there exists a number of organizations including the Board of Health & Welfare, the Medical Responsibility Board, the Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Board and the Medical Products Agency. The National Board of Health & Welfare, which has many different duties within the fields of social services, health and medical services, environmental health, communicable disease prevention and control and epidemiology, produce a report of healthcare performance across the country every year. Two of the committee members on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Board, which regulates the pricing of medicines, are from service user groups. Service users have also been demanding a more equal relationship with their health professionals and are no longer accepting the traditional role of the patient as a passive recipient of care. Their calls for greater involvement in their own care have been heard and have also encouraged government and health providers to formulate policies with more ambitious objectives of encouraging the involvement of service users in the planning and delivery of health and social care services.

There has been a lot of study being held to improve the standard and evaluated the importance of service user groups empowerment. Therefore the appraisal of a new health initiative Smith, Prosser, & Joomun (2007) investigated service users’ mind set for health support workers through the focus group discussions and a series of interviewes. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness and adequacy of services offered by support staff. The findings indicate that both service users and service visitors appreciated the involvement of the health support workers. Similarly in earlier research Corcoran (1985) investigated patient’s perceptions of paraprofessional and professional therapists. Corcoran recommended that the patients were more keen to seek help from paraprofessional then professional therapists, with areas such as reliability and knowledge showing no significant difference. Both articles offer strong support for the use and employment of paraprofessional staff, indicating, for the most part, that both service users and visitors are relaxed with their involvement in health and social services.s

Models of service users

Like Mackenzie (2006), den Boer et al. (2005) examined the employment of paraprofessional as a means for a cost effective method to dropping the burden for health professionals, with particular reference to their effectiveness in the delivery of psychological treatments for misery and anxiety disorders. The research that emphasis on perceptions of the service user, rather than the professional as was the case in Mackenzie (2006). Paraprofessionals involved within den Boer et al. were employed as mental health care members whish are paid to perform there duties and hel in voluntary staff. Meanwhile they also require no qualifications in regard to the delivery of psychological treatment. Study indicated no statistical difference between the deliverance and effectiveness of treatment between professional and paraprofessional groups. However, the analysis of the preferred group from the client’s perspective favoured paraprofessionals supporting the earlier work of Corcoran (1985).

Task 2.3. Critically compare and analyze how better partnership among different service user groups and Health and social care professionals had benefitted by the concept of empowerment of the service users.

It became more and more clear in the project that thriving networking and the development, giving out and mainstreaming of service user knowledge are closely related and that the two are inextricably involved with meaningful user involvement in most service users’ minds. This would help in their work patterns and benefit the service users. When asked how user knowledge can make a more powerful impact to improve people’s lives, service users highlight two closely interrelated issues. These are:

strengthening service user networking at individual and organisational levels;

the promotion of effective user involvement by service users.

Service user groups help enhance the performance of the employees and mean while give them autonomy in their work.

Hence we can conclude that the service user groups are related to the task performed and take it more and more serious while going through the phase of improvement.

Task 3.1. Explain the possible positive and negative outcomes of working in partnership across the Health and social Care sector with a range of different service user groups. Explain strategies to avoid negative outcomes in working in partnership.

Health and social care sector has been effective and it would result in many positive outcomes if the service user groups utilize them in partnership building. Following are some of the common positive outcomes of working in groups in the health and care sector.

Service users and members of the public should be involved in the work of regulatory bodies:

aˆ? It promotes openness and transparency among public in order to improve service quality and openly involves in the development of rules and standards;

aˆ? It ensures safety solution so that health and social services can learn from the experiences of service users, carers and others, particularly

as it relates to adverse events;

aˆ? It improves the quality of regulated services by ensuring that services are sensitive to the needs and preferences of service users and the public; and

aˆ? It focuses the work of regulatory bodies on service users and encourage public accountability by complementing the expertise of health

professionals and information from scientific literature18.

A further rationale for involving the public directly in the work of regulatory bodies is a need to counteract the risk of regulatory capture.

Negative outcomes:

As noted earlier, communication is the fundamental platform upon which partnership interaction takes place. Poor communication can negatively impact partnership functioning in a number of ways: it can leave people feeling overwhelmed, or left out and confused; it can exacerbate problems of accountability; and perhaps most importantly, it can reduce a partnership’s capacity for exchange and synergy.

Task 3.2. Critically explore how better partnership in all 3 levels could bring positive outcomes for the range of service users at different Health and social care facilities across the regions.

Increasingly in modern society, partnerships are being called on to solve the most complex issues of our time. Partnerships are being formed in areas such as development, nursing, social work, public health and especially in the field of health promotion. Within the field of health promotion, partnerships exist at every level from one-on-one interventions to global programmes.

Given the popularity of partnership working, the literature examining its functioning is oddly scarce. The literature on partnership functioning that does exist examines almost exclusively partnerships at the community level. The purpose of the present case study was to gain insight into the functioning of a global health promotion partnership. Using the community literature as a point of departure, this case study analysed documents and conducted interviews in an attempt to map functioning from the real-life experience of global partnership functioning

Task 3.3. Critically analyze different negative outcomes resulting in working in partnership concept. Explain and evaluate different pre-emptive strategies you could implement to avoid negative outcomes.

Antagonistic output appears to be a result of the negative interaction of partnership processes. Antagony itself contributes nothing to the problem and indeed has a further negative impact on partnership functioning by discouraging partners, by wasting resources and by failing to make necessary contributions.

In sum, outputs are the manifestation of inputs coming together in various ways. With additive outcomes, inputs simply move past the partnership interaction untouched by it. Additive outcomes are not affected by the partnership and appear to have no effect on it.

Synergistic outcomes are produced when positive processes enable collaborative exchange among inputs to create something unique and better. These outputs feed back in to the partnership and seem strengthen the interaction. Antagonistic outcomes result when inputs come together but do not produce expected outcomes. Antagony is produced when positive intention meets negative loops of interaction. These outputs may revert back in to the partnership negatively impacting the interaction.

Task 1.1. As Health and Social care personals engaged in the Health and Social Care Work explain the different levels of working partnerships across the sector using the 3 partnership levels, Service user-professionals, interpersonal and Organisational and policy levels. Explore these partnership relationships across different levels of Health and Social care services including your own Health and Social Care work place where you engaged with service users and other colleagues of your working environment.

ANS: Health and Social Care professionals have a very vital role among the partnership workers. Each level and professional group relies upon some kind of activity which relates to the performance of the group. There are different levels of each group and different systems get them to be modified. Now we will discuss the three levels of working in partnership with respect to the Health and Social care:

Service user-professionals:

As we know that healthcare professionals are a part of group that relates to the service users mean while the service users also play a vital role and impart an effect on professional group. It is worthwhile to discuss the importance of support workers because they are to work in partnership with users of the services and they also help them in fetching self-reliant. Professionals offer service users to offer them with some extra settlement in the shorter time but they often are not capable of long-term benefits. Support workers perform work in partnership services users and help them in maintaining their status quo. In order to undertake daily tasks and make some amendments in these to make sure service users get some the short-term goals but still they not pass to do so in long time. The report shows that the results tell us about the need for the service users to help the users in mental health support workers to improve there group efficiency in order to get a professional profile meanwhile, they make it clear that each of health care professionals along with the service users should have a clearer perceptive nature of support work so it may help them in positioning the health sector to a higher level.

Interpersonal Level:

The second and still somewhat a important level of Health and social care in partnership working is that of interpersonal; in this category the category of retired worker i.e. old age class find it less difficult to offer the wants in less demanding way because they have ample of time to perform there task. Most of the people in the category of who younger age group than this retired class feel a little bit isolated and this make it more difficult to fulfill their desires. Hence these leads to more emphasize on the interpersonal level working in partnership. Hence the interpersonal group tends to operate the relationship with different levels of groups and make them convey their desires more effectively. Hence working in groups makes it easy for them to ensure that they have a good understanding with in their group which makes their life easy. The way in which practices and local health services work appear to separate beside these destitute groups. It could be that they have too many conflicting priorities or are less skilled at negotiating their chosen appointments.

Organizational level:

The importance of partnership working takes a new look when we study it at the organizational level. The concept of partnership has a great impact on labor’s social policy issue. Hence a new concept arises when we have to discuss partnership and collaboration, because both of these have some themes ‘new’ Labour’s social policy, mainly in respect of the freedom of health and social care. Though the terms are hardly ever specifically clear and problematic to study, in most understandings partnerships has some reliability upon good systems of inter-professional association. By going through the past literature on the social behavior of professions, and meanwhile the nature of inter-professional working, One of the study shows that effective mutual working within health and social care is difficult to obtain, mainly in the light of the immense difference in authority and culture between a variety of occupational groupings, and the naturally competitive scenery of profession jostle for region in the same areas of activity. It shows that the issues which are handled with care need to be resolved before what they ought to make it difficult and hence are properly understood; a metaphoric application to the absolute benefits of ‘partnership’ without any other way hence it helps in maintaining the status quo and yield efficient partnership working. Meanwhile we can also maintain an proper role for social work in the situation of partnership working at the organization level which has a brilliant role and area of study that make it more beneficent has therefore not defined moreover the cause is related and is unique from the related professionals.

Assessment Criteria covered: (P1.1, P1.2)

Task 1.2. Critically explain how the relevant government acts and legislations provides a better framework for the Health and social care professionals to work in partnership with service users, other colleagues and inter organisational levels.

Ans: The government plays a very vital role in developing Health and Social care sector through reforms and acts. UK government is also working upon it and kept a very good record in making reforms and introducing Acts of Parliament and their explanatory notes which guide where suitable, with directives on conformity where properly implementable.

Most laws that make people learn about the outcomes of partnership working also help people with learning disabilities in order to apply that to other samples. Some of them have emphasized on children; Others offer there services for all age groups. The main rule of the game which is somewhat a matter of concern are likely to make an impact on the lives of all age groups, with learning or physical disabilities, are about:

Children protection and Care;

Special educational needs for Children and patients;

Extensive education and training;

Community care services;

human rights;

discrimination.

The current structure of UK public sector health and social services, and the consequent relationships between its National Health Service (NHS) and local government, are not a planned ideal but a compromise.

These prevailed over arguments in favour of a local government solution based on:

The significant connection of local authorities in health services

Maintain an articulate approach to health in its broadest wisdom

The democratic foundation of local authorities

Local willpower and flexibility rather than national regularity.

So differences in culture and indeed in finance and accountability systems could still impede attempts to break down the barriers. Despite the potential benefits – for users, carers, communities and citizens.

Assessment Criteria covered: (M1.1)

Task 1.3. Critically evaluate how empowerment of service users would create better standards of health and social care in your own organization and overall in the whole country. Use the models of service users to explain your arguments.

Ans: Healthcare system needs to be characterised by high levels of citizen empowerment and service user groups in order to make it more effective. Service users have vast access to large data of information about healthcare and in this way they can have a good option to choose where to have management. Transference of healthcare in Sweden to local and regional government had lead to healthcare being organised according to the needs of local inhabitants rather than at national level. From a dictatorial standpoint, at national level there exists a number of organizations including the Board of Health & Welfare, the Medical Responsibility Board, the Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Board and the Medical Products Agency. The National Board of Health & Welfare, which has many different duties within the fields of social services, health and medical services, environmental health, communicable disease prevention and control and epidemiology, produce a report of healthcare performance across the country every year. Two of the committee members on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Board, which regulates the pricing of medicines, are from service user groups. Service users have also been demanding a more equal relationship with their health professionals and are no longer accepting the traditional role of the patient as a passive recipient of care. Their calls for greater involvement in their own care have been heard and have also encouraged government and health providers to formulate policies with more ambitious objectives of encouraging the involvement of service users in the planning and delivery of health and social care services.

There has been a lot of study being held to improve the standard and evaluated the importance of service user groups empowerment. Therefore the appraisal of a new health scheme Smith, Prosser, & Joomun (2007) produced some results service users’ mind set for health support workers through the focus group discussions and a series of interviewes. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness and adequacy of some unique performance which is offered by support staff. The findings designate that both service users and service visitors esteemed the association of the health support workers. Similarly in earlier research Corcoran (1985) found out that patient’s mind set of paraprofessional and professional therapists. Corcoran opted that the patients were keener to look for help from paraprofessional then professional therapists, with areas such as consistency and knowledge presents no significant difference. Both articles offer strong support for the use and employment of paraprofessional staff, representating, for the most part, that both service users and visitors are relaxed with their contribution in health and social services.

Models of service users

Like Mackenzie (2006), den Boer et al. (2005) studied the involvement of paraprofessional as a means for cost efficient criteria to drop out the burden for health professionals, with particular situation to their success in the freedom of psychological treatments for misery and anxiety disorders. The articles that suggest this also emphasize on mind set of the service user, rather than the professional as was in situation of Mackenzie (2006). Paraprofessionals involved within den Boer et al. were employed as mental health care members whish are paid to perform there duties and help in voluntary staff. Meanwhile they also require no experience in view to the delivery of psychological treatment. Research showed no statistical change between the deliverance and use of treatment between professional and paraprofessional groups. But there are some exceptions that the analysis of the preferred group from the client’s perspective favored paraprofessionals supporting the earlier work of Corcoran (1985).

The aims of the these studies were aimed at identifying the function of mental health which supports workers in perceiving by service users and healthcare professionals, this in turn identifies the level of reception of paraprofessionals as members of the mental health care community.

Assessment Criteria covered: (D1.1)

Task 2.1. Name and explain different service user groups in Health and Social care sector. How would you apply the basic concepts of working in partnership with each service user groups? Explain the differences. Considering inter professional relationships in Health and Social care sector, explain how they deal with conflicts, overcome the barriers to partnership, how they share information while preserving the confidentiality.

Ans: We have chosen two different Service user groups to evaluate the outcome of these with respect to the working in partnership.

registered health professionals

mental health service users

The discussion is based on the research held by “Barnaby Pace MNZPsS, Assoc. BSocSc(Hons), MSocSc(Hons), PGDipCBT, PGDipEd(AdEd)

The data analysis suggested the following key themes as identified by healthcare professionals.

Care giving

Rehabilitation

Supporting activities of daily living

Level of skill/competence

Advocating for clients

Now we will discuss the literature with respect to each of them and will try to evaluate the difference between them. These points will show us with conflicts, overcome the barriers to partnership

Care giving

It is common perception that environs are needed to be care taking and of obliging nature of maintain work became polarized for the healthcare professional study group, which resulted in this scrupulous theme being divided into two components: Care charitable was viewed as a paternalistic model which eliminates the independence of the service user, suggesting support work is a ‘baby-sitting’ role.

Rehabilitation

In rehabilitation there are many healthcare professionals who measures support workers in order to essential recovery/rehabilitation process, stipulate and hence they were able to make it more present themselves as important individuals in the service users’ life in the lack of family or friends.

Supporting activities of daily living

In other words the activities of daily living are in contrast to the paternalistic replica offered through care giving frequent references were given to the two-way natural world of support work, signifying that the paraprofessional job along side rather than for the service user.

Level of skill/competence

Hence the position to the level of skill and ability apparent for mental health support workers a variety of views were verbal reliant on how their overall role was viewed, as avowed in points two and three above. A clear partition emerged from the narratives: those who professed support workers to be under qualified and those who thought no qualification were needed.

Advocating for clients

In some way or other the contact and experience has to be offered with some advocating because support workers professionals determined there was a strong stress on the role of support.

Examination of Service User interviews exposed the following themes. Each will be discussed and illustrated:

Assist in goal achievement

Help to find employment

Care giving

Supporting activities of daily living

1. Assist in goal achievement

Most of the employees as well as service users need some help in achieveing there goals so they are intended to get some help from the health care professionals in order achieve what they want. Hence achieving the goals is identified as a noteworthy function of the support worker’s role, ranging from short through to long-term goal advance and execution across a variety of domains.

2. Help to find employment

In this part of service user group there can be a lot of help if the employement opportunities are created and the people are counseled to help other than what they already have under there belt. Employment was branded as a noteworthy task of the support work role with most of the research contestant commenting on the value of have a support worker to guide them through the process of applying for work.

3 Care giving

It is very reliable to make Healthcare Professionals comparison with Service Users those appeared edgy over the caregiver verse helpful nature insight of mental health support work. Several of the members viewed help workers as a domestic aide who should perform tasks included meal preparation and house work.

4. Supporting activities of daily living

Opposing to the statements made in point three above, services users also viewed support workers as serious elements to their general well-being and ongoing revival, viewing them in a more professional capability.

Task 2.2. Critically evaluate how organisational practices and polices depending on the type of organisation guide Health and Social care professionals to engage in the work in partnership. Explain how this could help to improve the quality of life for the service users.

Ans: Organizational practices and policies can help in increasing the productivity of the employees. Working in partnership can increase their moral and it can also help them improve the quality of work in many ways. Most of the organizations have Researchers and policy makers which work in many ways to make some in the fields of organisational development. This helps in gaining the human resources management and social care of employees will. Which have precious perspective on the organisational and human resources challenges facing problems regarding group work and partnership working. There are some new organizations in which it is important to consider that employees get an extra benefit from working in partnership. In particular, the research team would wish to establish links with the research team undertaking the National Tracker Survey of PCGs and PCTs, and other key researchers in this field. Moreover the task that the service users perform make it more and more suitable to them. Major reason behind making service user performance count is that the organizations are not going to worry about the quality of work of their employees in other words the quality of their work groups also increases.

Task 2.3. Critically compare and analyze how better partnership among different service user groups and Health and social care professionals had benefitted by the concept of empowerment of the service users.

It became more and more clear in the project that prosperous networking and the development, giving out and stream lining of service user ability to closely relate that the two are deeply involved with meaningful user participation in most service users’ minds. This in turn helps in their work behavior and benefits the service users. When discussed how does users knowledge can make a more powerful effect to improve people’s lives, service users highlight two closely interconnected issues. These are:

strengthening service user networking at individual and organisational levels;

the promotion of effective user involvement by service users.

Hence we can conclude that the service user groups are related to the task performed and take it more and more serious while going through the phase of improvement. Meanwhile they are benefitted with the strengthening effect and they empower the critical impact of these social care professionals and work groups.

Task 3.1. Explain the possible positive and negative outcomes of working in partnership across the Health and social Care sector with a range of different service user groups. Explain strategies to avoid negative outcomes in working in partnership.

Health and social care sector has been effective and it would result in many positive outcomes if the service user groups utilize them in partnership building. Following are some of the common positive outcomes of working in groups in the health and care sector.

Service users and members of the public should be involved in the work of regulatory bodies:

aˆ? It promotes openness and transparency among public in order to improve service quality and openly involves in the development of rules and standards;

aˆ? It ensures safety solution so that health and social services can learn from the experiences of service users, carers and others, particularly

as it relates to adverse events;

aˆ? It improves the quality of regulated services by ensuring that services are sensitive to the needs and preferences of service users and the public; and

aˆ? It focuses the work of regulatory bodies on service users and encourage public accountability by complementing the expertise of health

professionals and information from scientific literature18.

A further basis for connecting the public directly in the work of dictatorial bodies is a need to counteract the risk of regulatory capture.

Negative outcomes:

As noted earlier, communication is the fundamental platform upon which partnership interaction takes place. Poor communication can negatively impact partnership functioning in a number of ways: it can leave people feeling overwhelmed, or left out and confused; it can exacerbate problems of accountability; and perhaps most importantly, it can reduce a partnership’s capacity for exchange and synergy.

Task 3.2. Critically explore how better partnership in all 3 levels could bring positive outcomes for the range of service users at different Health and social care facilities across the regions.

Increasingly in modern society, partnerships are being called on to solve the most complex issues of our time. Partnerships are being formed in areas such as development, nursing, social work, public health and especially in the field of health promotion. Within the field of health promotion, partnerships exist at every level from one-on-one interventions to global programmes.

Given the popularity of partnership working, the literature examining its functioning is oddly scarce. The literature on partnership functioning that does exist examines almost exclusively partnerships at the community level. The purpose of the present case study was to gain insight into the functioning of a global health promotion partnership. Using the community literature as a point of departure, this case study analysed documents and conducted interviews in an attempt to map functioning from the real-life experience of global partnership functioning

Task 3.3. Critically analyze different negative outcomes resulting in working in partnership concept. Explain and evaluate different pre-emptive strategies you could implement to avoid negative outcomes.

Antagonistic output appears to be a result of the negative interaction of partnership processes. Antagony itself contributes nothing to the problem and indeed has a further negative impact on partnership functioning by discouraging partners, by wasting resources and by failing to make necessary contributions.

In sum, outputs are the manifestation of inputs coming together in various ways. With additive outcomes, inputs simply move past the partnership interaction untouched by it. Additive outcomes are not affected by the partnership and appear to have no effect on it.

Synergistic outcomes are produced when positive processes enable collaborative exchange among inputs to create something unique and better. These outputs feed back in to the partnership and seem strengthen the interaction. Antagonistic outcomes result when inputs come together but do not produce expected outcomes. Antagony is produced when positive intention meets negative loops of interaction. These outputs may revert back in to the partnership negatively impacting the interaction.

There has been a dramatic increase in the survival rate of children born with complex healthcare needs (Carpenter 2003). There are major concerns as a result (Blackburn, Spencer and Read 2010). According to the definition of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 7.3% (CI 6.9, 7.7) of children in the UK are stated as having a disability. Disability patterns differ between sexes, with a higher rate overall in boys than girls and possibly more difficulty with learning and remembering ability, communication, concentration and physical coordination in boys.

Children with disabilities find themselves in dissimilar situations to those of non-disabled people. This situation for disabled children exists in particular circumstances such as in minority ethnic groups, black/mixed marriages and single-parent families. These children demand support from different professionals and agencies. It is vital for them to have effective multi-agency working. Currently, there is little evidence about the effect of multiagency working with disabled children and their families.

(Sloper 1999) highlighted in her paper the unmet needs for families who have children with disabilities: counselling and support to have information and guidance about services; the condition of the child and how to deal with and help the child; equipment supply; financial support with housing and transportation, and having breaks from care like respite care as practical support.

This paper will summarize the outcome of an evaluation of both multidisciplinary and multiagency working with disabled children and their families.

Background to Multiagency Working and Multidisciplinary Working

Multiagency working is eN•N•entially about bringing together practitioner with a range of N•killN• to work acroN•N• their traditional N•ervice boundarieN•. ThiN• iN• currently regarded aN• crucial to the effective proviN•ion of children’N• N•erviceN•. AN• local authoritieN• re-organiN•e to provide education, N•ocial care, and N•ometimeN• health proviN•ion,( Cronin 2005) within a N•ingle children’N• N•erviceN• department or children’N• truN•t, three modelN• for multiagency working are emerging:

Multiagency panels or networkN• – the ‘team around the child’ – practitionerN• remain employed by their home agencieN• but meet on a regular baN•iN• to diN•cuN•N• children and young people with additional needN• who would benefit from multi-agency input.

Multiagency teams made up of practitionerN• N•econded or recruited into the team, making it a more formal arrangement than a multi-agency panel. The team workN• with univerN•al N•erviceN• to N•upport familieN• and N•choolN• aN• well aN• individual children and young people.

Integrated N•erviceN• which bring together a range of proviN•ion, uN•ually under one roof, N•uch as in school or in an early years setting. Staff work in a co-ordinated way to addreN•N• the needN• of children, young people and familieN• providing N•erviceN• N•uch aN• all-year-round, incluN•ive education; care and perN•onal development opportunitieN• for children and young people; and N•pecialiN•t N•upport for children and families.

The idea of profeN•N•ionalN• and agencieN• working together iN• not new. There are many proviN•ionN• in the Children Act of 1989 which require different authoritieN• to co-operate and to conN•ult with one another while multi-agency N•upport iN• a feature of the N•pecial educational needN• framework, N•et up following the Education Act of 1981, (Nelson 2002)particularly in relation to N•tatutory aN•N•eN•N•ment and N•tatementing. ?…ince the Labour government came into power in 1997 a number of initiativeN• N•uch aN• ?…ure ?…tart and ConnexionN• have been put in place to promote effective ‘joined up’ multi-agency working to N•upport vulnerable children.

However, the recommendationN• which followed the Laming inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie prompted a renewed determination to get N•erviceN• working together and in 2004 a new Children Act established a duty on agencieN• to co-operate with each other to protect and improve the liveN• of children. ThiN• haN• reN•ulted in N•ome of the following developmentN•:

The introduction of major changeN• to the children’N• workforce: a comprehenN•ive curriculum for training all practitionerN• who work with children iN• currently being developed by government. While thiN• iN• not going to make all profeN•N•ionalN• knowledgeable about diN•abilitieN• N•uch aN• autiN•m, they N•hould have the baN•ic N•killN• to recogniN•e a poN•N•ible developmental delay, be able to N•upport parentN• emotionally and, (McCarton 2006)crucially, to know when to N•ignpoN•t parentN• on for more expert advice. Working with children iN• a key component of the core curriculum which recogniN•eN•, for example, that N•ome children do not communicate verbally and that practitionerN• need to adapt their communication to the needN• and abilitieN• of the child or young perN•on.

New wayN• of N•haring information are being developed to avoid duplication, children N•lipping through the net and exceN•N•ive bureaucracy. The government haN• developed ContactPoint, a databaN•e holding information on every child in England from birth to 18 yearN• of age, poN•N•ibly longer for children who are diN•abled or looked after. With greater electronic recording of perN•onal information reN•ulting in wider acceN•N• in N•ome caN•eN•, iN•N•ueN• of confidentiality are of concern to diN•abled people. CroN•N•-profeN•N•ional legal guidance N•etN• out how information N•haring N•hould happen and coverN• confidentiality in N•ome depth.

The Common AN•N•eN•N•ment Framework (CAF) which aimN• to provide a more N•tandardiN•ed and preventive approach to identifying need and making proviN•ion and which operateN• acroN•N• profeN•N•ional boundarieN• has been developed. ?…ome children may be identified aN• having a poN•N•ible disability, such aN• cerebral Palsy, via this route (Eicher 2003). Every local authority (except the beN•t performing four N•tar authoritieN•) haN• to have a Children and Young People’N• Plan (CYPP) focuN•ed on better local integration of children’N• N•erviceN• in locationN• N•uch aN• extended N•choolN• and children’N• centreN•. FamilieN• with children on the autiN•m N•pectrum N•hould find it eaN•ier to acceN•N• N•erviceN• aN• a reN•ult and N•hould be conN•ulted about N•erviceN• they would like to N•ee improved and developed. The CYPP coverN• all local authority N•erviceN• affecting children and young people including early yearN• and extended N•choolN• and out-of-N•chool child care, education, youth N•erviceN•, children’N• N•ocial N•erviceN•. It alN•o includeN• N•erviceN• provided by relevant youth juN•tice agencieN• and health N•erviceN• for children and young people, including child and adoleN•cent mental health.

Models of multiagency working

Three different models of joint working have been identified by Watson et al. 2002: multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary working. These categories are based on several experts working together effectively in a particular service context, linked with family requirements in a holistic approach (table 1).

Multidisciplinary working means single agencies made up of individual professionals (Watson et al. 2002). For instance, a health visitor, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech and language therapist, and a hospital consultant may work together within a health agency. Professionals work separately to assess the child, and as a consequence they produce separate documents so they do not share their goals and aims, which makes it very difficult to assess the child as a whole. Their care is focused on the child’s health care needs only without involving other needs such as educational, emotional and social needs. There is a low equivalent partnership approach with the family and low communication with other agencies; usually family members take on this role.

The second model, interdisciplinary working, with different agencies and their professionals working together by assessing the child and his/her family needs separately and then meeting together to set goals according to their findings. This model is focused on the child’s needs more than the family’s needs.

The third model is the more holistic approach and preferred by families, transdisciplinary working, where different agencies work together by sharing goals, knowledge, tasks and responsibilities. This model is focused on a primary provider, the key worker, who is responsible for delivery of an integrated programme for the child, and family care. Moreover, for the most important part is that families are treated equally.

Both (Sloper 2004, and Carney 2009) agreed that the transdisciplinary working model in the area of multiagency key working is the only way of integrated working which has favourable outcomes for disabled children and their families. However, there is not so much evidence that could show what type of model is implemented in practice. Sloper et al. 2004 also cited in her paper Cameron (2000) and Atkinson (2002) regarding other models; most models focused on relationships between professionals and how multiagency working was organised. This may contribute to better communication but does not necessarily result in the family receiving a coordinated service.

(Table 1 ,Watson et al. 2002)

Method

Electronic resources (MedLine, Cochrane Library, PsychInfo, PubMed, google Scholar) were used and the focus was on existing reviews, in particular qualitative studies and good quality reviews.

Key words

The research terms were multidisciplinary working and disabled children, multiagency working and disabled children, and multiagency and multidisciplinary and disabled children.

PROPOSED METHOD OF CRITICAL APPRAISAL

I have chosen two qualitative studies (Watson, Abbott and Townsley 2007) which help to explore the impact of multiagency/multidisciplinary working on disabled children and their families.

CRITICAL APPRAISAL

To critically examine the evidence provided by these papers, which are qualitative studies, it is appropriate to use the critical appraisal checklist provided by the critical appraisal programme, from the Public Health Resource Unit, Institute of Health Science, Oxford which was accessed from http://www.phru.nhs.uk . The 10 questions are adapted from Oxman AD, Cook DJ, Guyatt GH, Users’ guide to medical literature. VI. How to use an overview. JAMA 1994; 272 (17): 1367-1371. The reason for choosing this is because the two studies are qualitative studies.

1st study

Authors

Watson, D., D. Abbott & R. Townsley

Title

Listen to me, too! Lessons from involving children with complex healthcare needs in research about multi-agency services.

Publisher

Child: Care, Health & Development, (2007) 33, 90-5.

2nd study

Authors

Carter, B., J. Cummings & L. Cooper

Title

An exploration of best practice in multi-agency working and the experiences of families of children with complex health needs. What works well and what needs to be done to improve practice for the future?

Publisher

Journal of Clinical Nursing, 16, 527-39. 2007)

10 questions of qualitative research CASP tool
(Watson et al. 2007)
(Carter et al.2007)
Was there a clear statement of the aims of the research?

Yes, there was a clear statement of the aims

to discover the positive impact of multiagency working on families with children who have complex health care needs.

to examine the involvement of complex health care needs children in multiagency services.

Yes, there was a clear statement of the aims

to create a connection between children, families and people who work with complex needs children.

To discover best multiagency working practice with families and people who work with complex needs children, to find out what is good practice.

Generate opportunities, associations and guidance plans which will improve multiagency working practice in the future.

Is a qualitative methodology appropriate?

Yes, there was appropriate methodology: disabled children who are dependent on medical technology and their carer or families.

Yes, there was appropriate methodology:

20 Families were targeted (mothers – fathers – children with complex needs).

People working with complex needs children from different agencies.

Was the research design appropriate to address the aims of the research?

Time spent with 18 children &young people aged between 2 -15 yrs, 7 girls and 11 boys (from 6 multiagency services in the UK).

Interviews with 115 professionals in the 6 multiagency services about their experience in multiagency services.

25 families visited with parents/carers interviewed about their experience with multiagency services.

Appreciative interviews with participants lasted between (40 minutes – 3 hours):

Individual

Face to face

Audio- taped

Narrative interviews

Small group workshops (dreaming – design).

All participants were invited.

Workshops of consent (design and destiny).

All participants were invited to attend 5 consensus workshops across 2 counties.

Final synthesis.

Was the recruitment strategy appropriate to the aims of the research?

The authors targeted:

6 services chosen from 26 which presented the highest components of multiagency working.

18 children &young people aged between 2 -15 yrs, 7 girls and 11 boys with a range of cognitive abilities, from severe to no learning difficulties.

The majority had cognitive impairment.

3 children without obvious learning difficulties.

The explanation of chosen participants is explained above#.

18 parents/carers agreed to take part.

2 young people were recruited, one male and one female to help the authors with their meetings and email communication.

The authors:

Targeted 20 families: 10 families from Burnley / East Lancashire, and 10 from the South Lakes area, to reflect two different health economies within the area served by Cumbria and Lancashire Workforce Development Confederation (WDC), UK.

Recruited people working with complex needs children from different agencies as much as possible.

Used purposive sampling (families), and sampling of snowballing (professionals).

All the targeted population completed the interviews.

Also agencies and disciplines were targeted.

Were the data collected in a way that addressed the research issue?

Time spent / interviews / disposable camera for the purpose of taking photos of all the important people.

Informal, adapted, enjoyable and relaxed sessions to meet the needs of each child, lasting for an hour.

Small gifts + a 10 pound voucher for taking part.

Developed topic guide which covered:

Things I like, things I dislike, who lives at home with me, school, friends, adults who helped me, short breaks, difficult things to do, and happiness moments.

Drawing on big paper (the child &interviewer sometimes).

Showing a sheet of simple faces showing different expressions, to choose which one is closest to the ‘child or young person’.

Asking about seeing professionals, also about having a designated worker, ‘referring to key worker by name’ depending on the child’s cognitive ability.

Attride-Stirling’s approach to data collection is to ‘code’what is said in the interviews.( this was used instead of Appreciative Inquiry)

Each interview was coded line by line, and codes were assigned to words, phrases and any interesting views relevant to the research aims noted.

The researchers used this information to create the 56 statements on a flip charts. they then showed back to the people they’d interviewed. These people then chose statements which were relevant and meaningful to them, in relation to the research.

Small group workshops (dreaming – design)

All participants were invited.

Workshops of consent (design and destiny)

All participants were invited to attend 5 agreement workshops across 2 counties.

Has the relationship between researcher and participants been adequately considered?

Yes it has.

A lot of care is taken to create a more equal relationship between the researcher and the complex care needs children and their families.

Design method is flexible, non intrusive and responsive to children’s’ communication styles.

The construction of this relationship and the methodology have ethical implications which are discussed below.

Yes it has.

Flexible and dynamic approach by involving and shared between the participant and researcher.

Have ethical issues been taken into consideration?

Yes, ethical issues have been taken into consideration.

There were plenty of details about how researchers contacted the participants by obtaining consent from young people and some ethical dilemmas were presented.

The project was approved by two ethics committees:

The Faculty of Health ethics committee.

Morecambe Bay Local Research ethics committee (LREC).

All the LRECs were covered by Locality Agreements in Cumbria and Lancashire.

For the duration of the study, all research team had Honorary Contracts with Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust (PCT).

Comprehensive information was received by the participants and they had opportunities to discuss their involvement.

At no time was there any pressure to participate.

24 hours were given as a minimum to make participation decision in the project to participants.

Was the data analysis sufficiently rigorous?

Yes it was.

There was no comprehensive discussion about the method used for data analysis.

The authors created data sets using four broad categories and they provided descriptive tables on children’s age, education, use of health technology and communication style.

Yes it was.

(figure 1) showed how rigorous the data analysis was:, thematic analysis using Attride-Stirling’s approach of basic themes grouped into organizing themes and then global themes.

Is there a clear statement of findings?

Yes, there was a clear statement of findings, there was a discussion of the evidence, but no discussion about the credibility of their findings. Findings were discussed in relation to the children’s communication in multi agency services.

Yes there was a clear statement of findings.

Their findings were explicit.

There was a discussion of the evidence.

There was a credibility discussion about their findings.

The authors discussed findings in relation to the original research question.

10-How valuable is the research?

Yes, the study does make a contribution to understanding the consultation of children with complex care needs used in multiagency services.

The authors didn’t discuss new areas of research.

There was a considerable contribution on involving disabled children in service delivery and research but there is still a gap about involving complex care needs children.

The project was valuable because it provided families with a better understanding of how practice should be, and provided opportunities for a mutual relationship between professionals through the exchange of information.

The research identified new areas where research is necessary in the future. There was a greater impact on practice by this study and it lead to a better quality of life for both children and their families.

Limitations of (Watson et al. 2007)

The major limitation in this study is that there was not comprehensive discussion about methods used for data analysis. Moreover, the authors created data sets using four broad categories: friendship and communication, relationships with professionals, school life, and the things that children like and dislike. With such a small sample size, 18 children and adolescents with complex health care needs, between 2-15 years old, it is very difficult to address the effect on the result of bias.

Limitations of (Carter et al. 2007)

There are some limitations in this qualitative research. The first one is in methods; the authors tried to carry out Appreciative Inquiry but then used Attride-Stirling’s approach. Moreover, methods were combined into three stages as another shift in method. Each agency / discipline was not fully represented. There was an absence of involvement of general practitioners. There was a limitation in the appreciative interviews because of they were interviews at a particular point in time. Furthermore, one child was included in the study due to other children being too young to participate or having severe disabilities. Last but not least, the study failed to recruit ethnic minority group parents and children.

Discussion

The main focus of these two papers was to find out the impact of multidisciplinary or multiagency working on disabled children and their families. Regarding the two studies’ findings in relation to multiagency working (Watson et al.2007) authors reported that seeing many professionals did not cause any difficulties for the majority of children in the study. However, difficulties did appear when professionals attempted to talk to the child directly. Communication between the key worker and the child was reported as weak or limited. One child expressed their feeling of seeing many professional as a silly and boring thing to do, while another child showed a close relationship with their key worker by recognising their name. In general, this study did attempt the challenge of involving children with complex health care needs, but it is not a reliable study because it used a small sample number of children.

As regards the findings of the second paper (Carter et al.2007), they chose two areas from the guidance plans, “the 10 statements”, as they felt that they reflected the two core areas of guidance which were: the most important As a consequence, authors stated the importance of making children and parents more satisfied and less isolated, and the crucial role of support and voluntary groups. Moreover, families and people from different agencies have to be cooperative when choosing the important role of coordinator for the long term, as this is where parents will seek help.

Figure 1
Evidence from disabled children with their families in multiagency and multidisciplinary working

Atkinson, Wilkin, Stott, Doherty and Kindel (2002) as cited by (Carney 2009) stated that multiagency working benefits organisations and individuals; it gives a broader perspective by providing enhanced understanding of the matters and improved connections with other agencies, and constructive experience on the whole, respectively. Moving towards better outcomes over the past decade, government has adopted integration of services for children and their families. Integration has taken various appearances such as, putting different types of proficiency together.

There are some positive outcomes that have been identified in the review of multidisciplinary team working as a model of multiagency working in health care. (Borrill et al.) came to the conclusion that there was a reduction in hospitalization and cost in terms of primary health care teams; development in the provision of services; growth in health care access; treatment, follow-up and detection are improved, and patient and staff satisfaction and motivation are enhanced

Few studies have focused on the impact of multiagency working and multidisciplinary approaches with disabled children and their families (Carter et al. 2007, Townsley, Abbott and Watson 2004, Watson et al. 2002, Watson et al. 2007). The majority of these studies carried out qualitative research methods to find out the key features of successful multiagency working practice and how to make children and parents more satisfied and not isolated, improved and enhanced their quality of life, and the crucial role of support and voluntary groups.

Many studies have focused on the positive impact of key worker systems in multiagency services for disabled children and their families (Greco and Sloper 2003, Greco et al. 2005, Greco et al. 2006, Liabo et al. 2001, Sloper et al. 2006). These studies have included comparisons between families with and without key workers. This model stated positive outcomes for families having key workers like enhanced quality of life, less isolation and feelings of strain, better relationships with services, and quicker access to services and reduced levels of stress. (Greco et al. 2005) authors have stated many advantages of having a key worker service in multiagency working for parents and children, as they can relate their concerns to one person who can then ensure the family’s needs are met and coordinate services. Having a key worker avoids duplication of telling the same story to professionals, and families received better information. Also, having a key worker enhanced the relationship between the child and their family by providing them with a mediating role and through building relationships with disabled children.

Key working is a service, involving two or more agencies, that provides disabled children and young people and their families with a system whereby services from different agencies are co-ordinated. It encompasses individual tailoring of services based on assessment of need, inter-agency collaboration at strategic and practice levels and a named key worker for the child and family (Care Coordination Network UK, 2004).

Also there was a range of studies which have mainly focused on staff views (Tait and Dejnega 2001, Presler 1998, Abbott, Townsley and Watson 2005). These studies illustrate the positive impact on staff when they use multiagency working for disabled children. For instance, there was enhanced communication and improved relationships with complex health-care need children, development in their work lives and their professional skills, enhanced teamwork with collaborators and more satisfaction in their role.

Two studies have discussed two services; (Young et al. 2008, Robson and Beattie 2004). The former talked about an Early Support programme to improve integrated services for disabled children and their families between 0 and 3 years old. The aim of this study was to improve and enhance outcomes for disabled children and their families, and to find out the relationship between integrated services and the impact of ES in terms of cost effectiveness and their benefits.

The other study (Robson and Beattie 2004) is a coordination project by Diana Children’s Community Service and multiagency services using qualitative methods e.g. interviews, questioner , focus group to name but a few. The results were effective collaboration within and between the services for disabled children and their families by enhanced and improved family support and satisfaction; a sense of control and a feeling of empowerment; equivalent partnerships between families and professionals, with duplication and service gaps reduced.

Sloper 2004 identified many negative outcomes of multiagency or multidisciplinary working on disabled children and their families when there are barriers to facilitating the integrating of services such as: when there are unclear roles and responsibilities; aims and roles are not shared among agencies; there is disagreement on aims; there is low quality of management including ongoing training, weak leadership and communication, and sharing of information; poor IT systems, and poor relationships with professionals.

Conclusion

Many studies have focused on the advantages of facilitating multiagency working generally as the most holistic approach for disabled children and their families and on multidisciplinary working specifically in terms of team working. However, there was a lack of studies which concentrated on the drawbacks of the two working models. This results in a need to address more focus on the negatives for future studies for both multidisciplinary and multiagency working with disabled children and their families. In my opinion, from my prospective experience in the disabled children association in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, I have identified what type of model my organization followed: ‘multidisciplinary working’ alone which recognises that all professionals are working separately. My recommendation is to implement the holistic approach or “transdisciplinary working” which focuses on integrating services and adopting the key worker system to gain positive outcomes for the services in DCA.

Issue:

There are worse condition of workers and infringement of human rights in Dubai.

Background:

According to a survey report the main and important issues are the worse treatment with the workers, violation of the rights of workers/labours in Dubai. Some human rights organizations of Dubai have complained about infringement of human rights and, consideration of workers as slaves and problem of payment of recruitment fee. In 60 years Dubai has become a cosmopolitan city from fishing village and growing to become a worldwide city .In past Dubai’s economy was based on oil industry now it is generating its revenue highly from tourism, real states and financial transactions (Buckley 2012). In Dubai human rights are based on the enacted law, in which it is mentioned that all people should be treated equally apart from their race, or social status. But people of Dubai are violating the laws by not giving rights to the workers who work so hard for them honestly.

Many labours or workers in the city were supposed to live in the good conditions which were illustrated by Human Rights Watch but they are forced to live in worse conditions because of their bad employers. Other bad practices they are doing with the workers that they are not giving rights to the workers to raise their voice for the sake of their own basic needs, workers are mistreated by their owners, and their lives are in miserable condition, seven to eight workers are compel to live in one room apartment and then they will be able to send money to their families, sometimes workers do not get their salaries at the end of the month, workers are not allowed to switch their jobs if they do so they can lose their job, workers are bound to work excessively , workers often work from day till night with no days off to rest so that they are not be able to have relaxation time, workers get insufficient food, some workers are threatened by their owners(some employers threat their workers if they do not listen to them they will kill them) , premature termination is also a big problems faced by workers because there is no job security for the workers (Smith 2010). These problems have increased a lot and it is become important to take some significant steps and serious action for the protection of the worker rights.

Analysis:

Injustices in Dubai with the labours have attracted the attention of many Human Rights groups, and these groups have tried to convince the Dubai Government to take important steps for the workers’ rights and also allow them to form the labour union. But the Government of Dubai has refuted all the allegations regarding to the labour injustice or the violation of human rights and said that the Human Rights Watch’s allegations were totally misguided (Connell et al 2009). In the end of March 2006 the Government hence allow taking steps for the construction of labour union and then allow forming labour union. In September 2005 Labour Minister instructed one company to pay unpaid salaries of the workers in 24 hours after 24 hours workers protested and they published the name of felonious company.

In 2013 the Government finally reform new labour regulations with the help of Labour Ministry for the workers. In which it is stated that the employer or owner is not allowed to impose work on the worker or labour unless or until his/she has been agreed upon, and the owner is also banned to give difficult and dangerous task to the employee that can threaten the safety, health and dignity and honour of the worker, new rules also stated that employers have to pay the workers’ salary at the end of each month some additional benefits in the form of cash and cheques should also be provided to the worker, the employers are also imposed to give workers at least daily rest of nine hours per day and a day off so that workers can have relaxation time and they can enjoy their lives too, owners are not allowed to ‘rent out’ their workers, the regulations made by Government also stated that workers can get one month leave after giving two years of services. Regulation contains rules for workers as well that their duty is to take care of the owners’ property (Obay 2009), they should keep secrets of the employer and the place where they work, they should not refuse the given task or leave the job without any valid reason and should follow the rules and regulations and should not involve in any criminal activity which can give harm.

The regulations also contains strict penalties for workers and employers both who violate them or try to violate them. Employers who will not follow the rules will give 2,000 dirham as a penalty and will not allowed hiring any worker, while workers who violate the regulation will be fine 2,000 dirham and will not be allow working in Dubai. There are some advantages and disadvantages of these policies; the first advantage is that the workers are now getting their rights to work; they are having freedom of speech through which they can talk about their problem freely, they can get salaries on time, they can get incentives too, if they don’t get salaries on time they can protest against it and there are laws which can protect their rights, now they are no more slaves because there are rules which can protect their dignity, now workers are not compel or bound to do illegal and dangerous work which can risk their life and health, workers can enjoy their lives by utilizing their free time (Vora 2011).

All of these rules sound good but there are some disadvantages the first and foremost disadvantage is that the Government has made many regulations to protect the worker rights but there are many people who violate those rules for the sake of their personal interests it is very necessary to monitor the behaviour of the employers with their workers, but it is difficult for the Government to keep an eye on each and every one. Decision- maker i.e. obviously a Government had made policies or regulations for the workers but they should take certain steps to the implementations of those steps first step is to aware every one about rules and regulations by giving authority to the responsible people area wise, those responsible person would conduct workshops, seminars and interact with the people and will brief them about the regulation policies and penalties of violating those regulations, Secondly involve police and ask them to take complaints seriously whether it’s from employer side or from worker side, Third make area consular who can keep eye on peoples’ activities and they complaint to police about the person who violate the regulation. All these three parts should have connection with each other for the betterment of the people.

Recommendation:

The surveys shows that still workers in Dubai are suffering from extreme exploitation problems with excessively workings hours and unpaid salaries. Although Dubai is a member of ILO i.e. International Labour Organization but they are putting their reputations are at risks because of violation of human rights laws. This means that they need to make some changes in their certain policies which they have made for the human rights or workers’ rights. The Dubai Government knows that it is facing some difficult issues like reforming of its policies for the human rights, which needs to acclimatize to high pays and protection of government. The Ministry of Labour should need to take some measure steps to tackle these kinds of situations and should change policies which can be easily implemented and can be abide by the organizations for the benefits of their workers.

The policies which Government has made for the sake of human rights needs to be some change means it should be more practical. There is a rule that employer cannot give dangerous task to the worker that can risk workers’ life and workers have right to disobey the order given by the employer, this rule need some change like in this rule the government has to mentioned the criteria that which task is dangerous or risky for the worker or it can give harm on the basis of it one can follow the regulations, second rule is that owner cannot impose work on worker unless or until he/she has been ready to work this rule also need some changes in this condition again criteria is not mentioned and the workers can take bad advantage from it, there is one rule for workers is that they should take care of the employer’s property again criteria is not mentioned in this rule the owner can take disadvantage from this rule and can use it for the personal interest and can ask the worker to do his/her personal work which can be illegal and the worker are compel to do so. Unions and human rights organization have criticised a lot the policies failure of human rights because mostly workers are still paying recruitment fee to secure their jobs in the organizations which is a very bad example. And it is the biggest issue that there is a shockingly rise in the recruitment fees.

Main construction companies of Dubai are also failed to follow rules made by the Government and are unable to protect the rights and safety of the labours or workers. The Dubai Government should take some practical steps with the Labour Ministry to reduce this problem and should try to make a good image of Dubai. Government should start to tackle the key issues like focusing on the issue of recruitment fees, payment of wages, workers’ basic health problems, and workers’ staying problems because seven-eight workers live in one room apartment. For handling all these major issues which is not good for cosmopolitan city like Dubai’s image. Government should need to create better incentive programs for the workers that can benefit them, government should make a ‘wage council’ for reviewing the pay from national level to the market level, they should trained their workers by conducting different workshops and arranging seminars and make it compulsory to all the organizations to make their workers to attend those workshops and seminars so that it can benefit to workers as well as to the organization, the Government should establish a commission which duty is to investigate the complaints about the worst condition of the workers in the city, disallow the companies to do business with recruitment agencies, who charge fees from workers for employment contract, government should make law to investigate those companies who involve in violating the labour law, there should be a committee who can have the qualitative and quantitative data of workers’ riots, injuries and deaths at working place so that government can take some serious actions to deal and address those issues and can have contingency plan to deal with issues like them, government should significantly increase the inspectors who can be responsible for supervising the behaviour of the employers with the workers or labours, there should be another committee whose duty is to educate and inform the new workers about their rights under the law made by government. These are few recommendations which can suited to deal this problem and can be helpful to resolve this problem hopefully.

Dubai has made an impressive progress during six decades, and it is also progressing in particular areas like improvement in the rights for children, improvement in the living standard, improvement in education, with all those improvement it needs to work hard on it’s one sector specially that is Improvement in the law of Workers’ Right and implementation of the laws of worker’s right laws. Although it’s a tough task to make improvement in this sector suddenly, but gradually improvement can be seen by working honestly on it and by abiding and implementation of the rules and regulations made by government and the labour ministry

References:

Abdella, A. (2009). Global Dubai, particular challenges ahead. Retrieved from http://www.n-aerus.net/web/sat/workshops/2009/Rotterdam/pdf/Abdella.pdf

Buckley, M. (2012). From Kerala to Dubai and back again: construction migrants and the global economic crisis.Geoforum,43(2), 250-259. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016718511001734

Buckley, M. (2013). Locating neoliberalism in Dubai: Migrant workers and class struggle in the autocratic city.Antipode,45(2), 256-274. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-8330.2012.01002.x/abstract;jsessionid=5D1E68EA13553F82BE05F0F498AF0005.f02t01?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false

Caplin, J. (2009). Mirage in the Desert Oasis.Harvard International Review. Cambridge,30(4). Retrieved from http://www.homeworkmarket.com/sites/default/files/q1/11/12/download.pdf

Connell, J., & Burgess, J. (2009). Migrant workers, migrant work, public policy and human resource management.International Journal of Manpower,30(5), 412-421. Retrieved from http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1810950&show=abstract

Obay, L. A. (2009). Corporate Governance & Business Ethics: A Dubai-Based Survey.Journal of Legal, Ethical & Regulatory Issues,12(2). Retrieved from http://web.b.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&profile=ehost&scope=site&authtype=crawler&jrnl=15440036&AN=44574768&h=52kgIFM5MmEH6Zr6uMn3ioEzmRKiveye6YUIUILnL5%2bXw7ItD8VZ9oZVF50HYXqrep4DK%2fuKQmhVaVHffG8rFw%3d%3d&crl=c

Smith, B. (2010). Scared by, of, in, and for Dubai.Social & Cultural Geography,11(3), 263-283. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14649361003637182

Vora, N. (2011). Unofficial citizens: Indian entrepreneurs and the state-effect in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.International Labor and Working Class History,79(1), 122-122. Retrieved from http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract;jsessionid=A963D95F73B00A05F525F7C18197A8F5.journals?fromPage=online&aid=8275495

Introduction

I am going to discuss the role of women in the church and contentious issues, particularly when the passages such as 1 Timothy 2:11-14, and 1 Corinthians 13:34 talk about women should be silent in church. And slightly discuss the women in the society.

The Role of Women in the Society

Women in the modern society

Women today are coming forth in modern social trends. This feminism may appear too extreme and rather threatening to the male ego, yet the role of women in current society has drastically changed. Perhaps there is some explanation for their actions. Women are now regularly performing duties that were traditionally assigned to males. They are attempting to fight the continuing stereotype established during the earlier part of the century. The pretty image of the perfect fifties wife is rapidly evolving into a more suitable projection to accommodate their new role in today’s society.

More than two generations ago, a girl was expected to abandon her academic pursuits and assume the role of a housewife. She would completely devote herself to the preservation of the female-oriented position of homemaker. As time has progressed, fluctuations in the economy have made it necessary for a woman to obtain a career in order to fit in the society.

Strange as it may seem, the family roles have not changed much in today’s society. While girls and women (not only Polish) have more opportunities in home based employment, the traditional roles of women are still quite evident. They are still the caring provider and nurturer of young infants and children, the comforter for the crying child and the feminine presence of the household. While the husband’s role has diversified into more household chores and the cooking and cleaning up responsibilities, they are still considered the head of the household. In the absence of the man, can the woman really “be like the man”? I think yes. There are women who are capable in finance, Do-It-Yourself fixtures and fittings, even being a capable single parent and bread winner. In this respect, women will have to be like the man. Of course, the woman cannot match the physical strength of the man. The other aspect of “thinking like the man” is a definite no. This is through experience. Women generally look at the details and forget about the overall picture. They have the capability of juggling more than one issue at a time unlike the man. And she is more tempered to her feelings. And because of this, the focus is not there to make a sound judgment. Men on the other hand, are more focus and look at one thing at a time. They are less prone to feelings and therefore they are better at seeing the overall picture. I think for this matter, a man balances up the woman and vice versa.

If we look at the example of a family with the wife who tries to be like the man, we have a situation where the roles are different now, because of the presence of the man. Man, no matter how gifted or ungifted have a certain ability to say that he is the man in the house. And for the wife to usurp his position there will be certain unrest in the overall relationship. This may not be currently evident but it will become an issue at a later stage. Subtle hints are always there and if the wife chooses not to suspect or confront the situation, it will lead to a crisis.

Men and Women in Worship.

I will begin by what Paul stated concerning men and women in worship that men should adopt a respectful attitude as they pray and also women should pray with an altitude of respect, just like men. It might be a different thing in that church which Paul was addressing. Women face particular problem, in that it is easy for them to become preoccupied with their appearance and with looks that take time to achieve. It’s true that Descent and Honorable behave matters far more to God than jewels and expensive clothes. Beside if Christian women who posses God’s worship are too concerned about their external appearance they will forget the essential and will have neither the time of doing good deed.

It’s important to emphasize that Paul was not forbidding beautiful jewelry or lovely hair styles to all Christian women of all time was warning against becoming so attached to clothes and fashions and forgets the most important thing that is pleasing God by doing good deeds.

Paul Advice Women to Be Quite During Teachings

This advice has raised much debate among Christians in Africa, especially since the raise of feminist theology that asserts among other things, the right of women express themselves. Certain versions of the Bible have tried to get to get around the problem of translating 2:11 in a more acceptable way while still being true in the spirit of the text. The massage translates this as ‘ i don’t let women to take over and tell men what to do’. This translation assume that Paul give this advice because women were talking positions of authority and even of dominance over men, which was unacceptable in the culture of that day. The requirement for silence in association with teaching may also indicate that the women were talkative during time of teaching and worship.

Paul advice women to be silence not because of inferior, but as a sign of their submission to men and of acknowledgment of men’s authority. They will then be obeying the Oder that God established at creation. In applying this instruction in Kenya today, we need to think carefully about how women express their submission to authorities and to men.

THE ROLES OF WOMEN IN CHURCH IN KENYA TODAY

The role of women in the church is a contentious issue, particularly when passage 1 Timothy 2:11-14 is a regarded as laying down absolute rather than general principles within a particular culture. The focus should fall on the biblical call for all human beings to decern what is the will of God in their live ( roman 12:2) Jesus radical mission of transformation for liberation. Means that women and men are equally called and empowered to participate in the same mission in the church. What women and men do depends on our obedience to the guidance and empowerment of the Holy spirit.

Because of the entrenched culture and sexist attitude and practices, and the male-dominated leadership in many of the churches especially in the Maasai land, women in Kenya church have critical and prophetic role to play in ‘ stirring waters’ and ‘ speaking the truth’ by asserting their God given humanity and gift – not for their own sake of integrity of the gospel. many women in Kenya church have continue to claim their full potential and have taken leading roles. like the Samaritan woman ( John 4:1-42) when women in the Kenya church drink the water offered by Jesus, they go out to witness and spread the word of truth in their homes, villages, communities and churches with determination, boldness, courage and humility. for example the like of Teresia Wairimu, Esther Obasike, Bishop Magret Wajiru and many of great women of God which some have founded churches , preached, taught christian theology seminary schools and translated scripture into different languages in Kenya.

Where the church have listen the voice of the Holy Spirit , they have realize that scripture grant women a place in all ministries of the church. And women have been rightly ordeined to serve in all ministries of the church.

Conclusion

A careful examination of the Bible will yield an understanding of God’s intent for women and men to be full and equal partners to serve and worship Him. Perhaps the easiest point to make and understand is that there are many biblical examples of women leaders. The following women were divinely called to lead, were affirmed by their religious communities, and were specifically recorded in scripture as part of God’s revealed truth. A few examples:

Miriam – prophet; played major role in Exodus; led worship singing and dancing.
Deborah – prophet; judge; led Israeli troops into battle with Barak
Lydia – business woman who became a central leader in the Philippian Church
Priscilla – helped Paul establish churches at Corinth and Ephesus; corrected Apollo’s preaching
Phoebe – deacon; commended by Paul for her service to the church

If by design God created women not to be leaders, then he would be going against his own order and intent to place women in leadership; but God does not violate His own design.

In the beginning humans were created male and female in equality and partnership reflecting the image of God both individually and together as a plural unit. The sequence of creation does not signify importance or superiority. Adam is not superior because he is first; Eve is not the new and improved model. Instead, Eve is called Adam’s helper. The word helper, however, is not used as an indication of rank as in “a boss and an assistant.” The Hebrew word is ‘ezer and is also used to describe God by Moses in Exodus 18:4 when he says, “My father’s God was my helper: he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh.” Since God is called a helper also, we need to maintain the original elevated biblical definition of this word, and not submit to a culturally lowered interpretation in our understanding of God’s creation design

Adam and Eve are both punished for disobeying God. One of the consequences of Eve’s sin was a distorted relationship with Adam. However, God in his mercy promised a reversal of the fall and restored divine and human relations through Jesus Christ.

Restoration in Salvation: Salvation through Christ reverses or removes the punishment of judgment. Individuals are restored to a relationship with God. While we live in a world where the effects of sin are still playing out, believers are now members of the Kingdom of God where equality in him is restored. But even before Christ, faithful women were already filling places of leadership indicating that one’s relationship with God has an impact that brings about a change on the judgment meted out at the fall.

Refrence list

1 The Bible

2 http://www.gci.org/church/ministry/women6b

4.Sanley J. Grenz (1950-2005) :A Biblical Theology of Women in Ministry. Wolfhart Pannenberg publisher.

1

The first part of the review outlines key research findings on the statistics of domestic violence, explanatory theories, factors associated with vulnerability, women are more likely to experience domestic violence, with repeat victimisation and more likely to end up homeless, with profound pyhsical, social and psychological effects in their lives. Most women with the experience of domestic violence, return to their abusers and repeat the circle of homelessness. The second part of the project presents evidence from the government, local authorities, a range of initiatives and partnerships are working together to tackle domestic violence, through established strategies and policies, to develop interventions to tackle the underlining problems of homelessness, by providing a safe route to re-housing and working in partnership to increase safe accommodations for women, escaping from domestic violence (Caramel, 2002 -no such source). Evidence on criminal justice responses in particular, and their effects on victims. The project was developed by identifying recent relevant research through online searches of the Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts and other abstracts databases and other relevant text books from various libraries, also by following up key references texts. Particular research has been paid to available UK research pacifically (?) within homelessness, but much published literature on domestic violence is North America in origin.

Homeless women who are victims of domestic violence

In England, women make up 30% of clients of homelessness services. Research conducted by Crisis showed that over 20% of women became homeless to escape from the domestic violence. (Crisis, 2009). Domestic violence has the highest rate of repeat victimisation of any crime; over 40% are reported as a victim of domestic violence. (Caramel, 2002). – no such source

In 2002 to 2003 129,000 applicants were accepted as homeless and in priority need, and increased by 10% in the previous year. This is old data Data carried out by the British Crime Surrey, indicate that 57% of those who have been a victim of domestic violence, are then a victim of domestic violence again. (Crisis, 2009)Not on the web-site. Walby and Allen, 2009 state that three-quarters of women (all women?) have been the victims of domestic violence. The worst possible cases of domestic violence, rage from all types of violence, one in five women have been the victims of domestic violence, the levels of domestic violence are extremely high, a third of female victims were subject to more than three incidents of domestic violence , which is subject to the worst incident experienced by women. Are we talking about all women or homeless women?

Males & Hague (1997) identify why women are more likely to experience domestic violence due to unequal power relationships between men and women, when relationships become violent, a women will leave her home because of the violence. All the time? Also by the homelessness legislation, which has been changed? ?(Males& Hague (1997. p.397).

The Home Office illustrate that all information gathered from the surrey regarding domestic violence carried out by the British Crime Surrey, indicate other inter-personal violence experienced by victims, for example these include sexual assaults, repeated victimisation, and the possibilities of seeking out-side help such as help from the police and other agencies. The overall results from the surrey provides useful information for policy makers, practitioners and criminal justice system, professionals in the challenge to reduce these forms of violence connected with domestic violence. (Walby and Allen. 2004). The policy development to address domestic violence is based on three elements; these include preventing violence from happening in the first place, protection and justice, making sure that the justice system provides adequate protection for victims and brings offenders to justice, and most importantly available support, providing adequate housing support to victims to build their lives. (Walby and Allen, 2004). You needed to relate all the materials to homelessness,

Where is the logic here?

Netto et al.2009) supplement their own data obtained throughout their own studies relating to the ‘Sanctuary model’. This refers to sanctuary schemes which support women facing homelessness due to domestic violence to remain in their current residence in order to be protected against attack from outside the home. The study will compare and contrast ( why are you reporting a study that has not yet been conducted?) different women that have used the sanctuary services, for the purpose to draw some qualitative data from the study, which allow us to get some data on the victims of domestic violence. However the data related to women from different ethnic groups and the scale of domestic violence was increasingly high. (was it conducted or not?)

Local authorities fulfil their obligation to homeless women

Local authorities fulfil their obligations to homeless women by statutory and operational level to provide the right service. Many local authorities and multi-agencies are working in partnership to support victims of domestic violence becoming homeless, but there is still more practice needed between multi-agencies (?) and the need for more trained staff. Local authorities have been particularly responsive to these initiatives (Hague 1999). Multi-agency initiatives have advantages in representing a valuable area for debate about the social meaning of domestic violence and the development of services. The ideology for setting up multi-agency initiatives on domestic violence was influenced by the increasing international scope of the movement of domestic violence, such as the United Nations. (? UN is an international organisation not a movement)However the multi-agency coordination was recommended by a number of people, including civil libertarians (?) and feminist activists, majority of initiatives were set up by groups of agencies, such as Women’s Aid groups and many other organisations. The positive elements of multi-agencies initiatives lies lie in the commitment in working in partnership between agencies, and can lead to an emphasis on empowerment and support. Multi-agency initiatives could be of a major importance in the future in relation to strategies and policies of building awareness about domestic violence and its consequences in increasing women’s safety and in developing and coordinating effective and wide reaching services in decision-making and making priorities. (Radford el al, 2002 p.129).

How is this para related to multi-agency work?

Essentially local authority departments were required to satisfy themselves that people who applied for housing were effectively homeless, had a priority need and were not intentionally homeless. Only people who satisfied the relevant criteria were entitled to accommodation. Although no housing minister has said he wants to limit women’s ability to escape domestic violence, ideological factors significantly influence how governments and local authorities define and respond to the ‘problems’ of homelessness. Legislative definitions of homelessness are problematic as they define the governments’ responsibility in a legal sense. However, Loveland (1994) argues, such discretion-laden criteria would encourage many councils to minimise, if not evade their obligations. (Loveland, 1994, p.369)

Even though Local authorities obtain a statutory responsibility for tackling homelessness, despite all the criticisms they face in regards to the services they offer for homeless people. Nevertheless, many local authorities are using techniques to avoid their responsibilities mainly on the grounds that, a women maybe pressurized into accepting such help without being property informed of their legal rights ( Netto et al, 2009). This argument can relate to the fact that, having left their accommodation due to legitimate fear of domestic violence, a women with children or pregnant is legally entitled to be re-housed by the local authority. The government’s risk assessment states, a women who is encouraged to stay in her current home, rather being replaced with another alterative accommodation can be in danger of continuous violence. Further research conducted by Crisis found that the majority of homeless women were turned away by local authority’s front-line staff from making a homelessness application. Most women, who had negative experience, never approached their local authorities again for help again. (Crisis, 2009).not there

There are particular Housing Associations and local councils that provide support and resources for homeless women, they are responsible for offering a priority need to a vulnerable person, threatened with violence and no-longer can stay in the household due to continuous violence. However (?) the council has a responsibility to help people who become homeless, and the obligation to found an emergency accommodation for a vulnerable person faced with violence. In no circumstances the council can not send a vulnerable person back to an area of constant violence. (Shelter, 2005).

Women experiencing domestic violence often use the homelessness route to re-housing, but this should not be seen as the only option, but local authorities carefully provide support for homeless women. Emergency accommodations are provided by various organisations, and statistics show that most women who are given emergencies are affected with domestic violence. Local authority hostels may provide a more supportive environment and most have a policy of not accepting people who have a history of violence. However, some hostels are used by diverse groups and because it accommodates people with domestic violence. It is important that strict procedures are followed to keep information confidential, because most women are in threatening situations, therefore security and safety needs to be taken into consideration by local authorities. The best way of providing support, security and, in most cases, better facilities. Unfinished sentence However, there is a clear need for increased refuge accommodation as London does not meet recommended provision of one family space per 10,000 of the population. The pressure on existing refuges means that many women are unable to access a place. (Homes for London’s Women Mayor of London, 2005). Why do you suddenly move to discuss refugees?

1985, 1996 and 2001 Housing Acts relation to battered women.

The Housing Act 1985 gave homeless women some legal rights, but limited as (?) women’s chances of been re-housed and the few options that are available to them are commonly unsuitable. However women had been the invisible homeless, frequenting staying in violent relationships, which has caused them to be homeless, and with the limited help from the Housing Act 1985. There is no logic in this para you need first to describe the legislation and then critique itThe legislation failed to the increasing problem of homelessness and therefore women continued to suffer domestic violence, purely because of the lack of alternatives. (Logan, 1986). Vulnerable women are covered by part 3 of the 1985 Housing Act (Hallett, 1996 P.66). Part of the Act placed duties on local housing authorities to help homeless people, but the Act only granted ‘priority need’ to certain people. (Royal College of Physicians, 1994). The legislation failed to the increasing problem of homelessness and therefore women continued to suffer domestic violence, purely because of the lack of alternatives. (Logan, 1986).

The new Housing Act 1996 has bought (?) few changes; it updates provisions in the Housing Associations Act 1985. In accordance to domestic violence, the new act has introduced a new discretionary ground for a violent partner who has forced the other partner to leave the home and the court is satisfied that the abused partner is unlikely to return. Unclear (Cowan. 1996, p.128). Furthermore the Act gives the local authorities power to promote in regards to the existing legislation, where local authorities have analogous powers in relation to housing associations even though few of these only apply to registered associations.unclear (1996, p.26). The new law (It is not new) weakens existing homelessness legislation, therefore the new law brought about many challenging difficulties within local authorities to provide accommodation for homeless households. (Males & Hague (1997).

Pascal (et.al 2001) suggests, the Conservative ‘family’ agenda was driven by fears that the, ‘homelessness legislation encouraged teenage pregnancy, family breakdown and all the other ills that were thought to flow from the increasing numbers of lone mothers’ (Pascal, et.al, 2001, p.298). Consequently, the Housing Act 1996 removed the right to permanent housing for homeless applicants and replaced it with a right to temporary housing for ‘roofless’ people and reduced the government’s statutory responsibility. Nevertheless, the 2001 Housing Act made a priority need for housing for a person who is vulnerable as a result of ceasing to occupy accommodation by reason of violence from another person or threats of violence from another person which are likely to be carried out. (Delahay 2002).

There is nothing on Homelessness Act 2002!

Women rough sleepers, experiences they face on the street

Crisis research shows that whilst 60% of homeless women have slept rough, only 12%t had engaged with street outreach teams. 40% of homeless women reported having been excluded from a service and 10% were not using any service. 70% had become homeless to escape violence from a partner, yet less than a third of woman have negative experiences of approaching local authorities. In comparison with male rough sleepers, only 6% of males are reported to be sleeping rough from experiences of domestic violence. Nevertheless, rough sleeping is extremely dangerous for homeless women and they are vulnerable to been physically attacked and sexually assaulted. Women are drawn to these dangers by been invisible and insolated in hidden locations away from public streets. Numerous homeless women are known for engaging in unwanted sexual liaisons in order to secure accommodations, such as prostitution to earn money for drugs or other habits. (Crisis, 2009). Not there When looking at this in a wider scale, women who are rough sleepers are mainly associated with many types of problems. These problems can be related to emotional difficulties that come from domestic violence, and can be treatable that lead to recovering with the right support. However policy guidelines have been published by the local government in order to evaluate the extent of rough sleeping, this will help local authorities, in partnership with other agencies, to carry out a court of people sleeping rough in the area. (Brooke, 2009).

Charles (1995) argues, the refuge movement now known, as Women’s Aid has been instrumental in effecting changes, which grant certain rights to women threatened with domestic violence. The Women’s Aid also provides various supports, on how to get legal advice such as solicitors that specialise in domestic violence cases. (The Gresham Press Surrey, 1998, p.11). obscure source There are many refuges available to women escaping from domestic violence. A refuge is a house where women can get away from domestic violence , a women who has experienced physical, psychological or financial violence or other forms of violence’s can be taken into a women’s refuge. (Women Aid, 2009).

Women refuges.

Pahl,( 1978) states that a refuge should be seen as a place offering different help to different women, and a place where women can feel secure and at the same time, a women should be supported to find a more suitable place, as quickly as possible. The policy recommendations emphasis, that a refuge should be a place where women do not have to lose their rights in order to be re-housed. Battered women, with or without children should stay in the refuge as long as they wish, housing needs for battered women should be treated urgently. However women are no longer called battered women, instead women suffering from domestic violence.

The Salvation Army is one of the largest providers of refuges for homeless women across the UK. They have refuges for women, with life- changing services that dramatically change a women’s self-esteem while staying at the hostel. The Salvation Army provides emergency accommodations, and statistics show that most women who are given emergencies are affected with domestic violence. (Salvation Army, 2009). Not in your references Local authority hostels may provide a more supportive environment and most have a policy of not accepting people who have a history of violence. However, some hostels are used by diverse groups and because it accommodates for people suffering from domestic violence. It is important that strict procedures are followed to keep information confidential, because most women are in threatening situations. However security and safety needs to be taken into consideration by local authorities. The best way of providing support, security and, in most cases, better facilities. However, there is a clear need for increased refuge accommodation as London does not meet recommended provision of one family space per 10,000 of the population. The pressure on existing refuges means that many women are unable to access a place. (Homes for London’s Women Mayor of London, 2005). Not in your references

Women more a risk of homelessness now than 20 years ago, has domestic violence changed over the years.

Over the last twenty years homelessness has always existed, with the history of safe housing provision for women in the UK and the influence of the Women’s Aid movement, the role of local authorities and the influence of the Conservative governments, which then lead to the New Labour government, in changes for women in homelessness. Unclear Also the women’s movement in the 1970’s, and before this movement came, women leaving a violent partner can only get support from a family member or a friend. What does it mean?(Morley 2000). The women’s movement over the years has influenced and supported women’s rights, with a few houses (?) offering sanctuary to women organised on ‘self-help’ principles. Somerville (2000) notes the influence of the movement upon public perceptions of domestic violence that led to major changes in public policy.

However, whilst the 1990s have been regarded as a period of significant development in terms of public awareness of domestic violence (Hague 1999) unfinished sentence.The Housing Act (1996) has been seen by some as a step backwards. You’ve already discussed this Act.This legislation removed the right of those defined as ‘statutorily homeless’ to be housed permanently. Local authorities can only offer permanent accommodation to those registered on the council housing list; those escaping domestic violence are now merely entitled to temporary accommodation. The legislation gave local authorities the power to refuse housing to any person believed to have suitable accommodation elsewhere; this especially affects women from ethnic minority groups who could be assessed as having access to housing in another country (Harwin and Brown 2000). Obviously, this had consequences for many made homeless as a result of violence.

You need to look at the Homelessness Act 2002.

The recognition of domestic violence that leads to all types of abuse have been strengthened by women’s movements, state, and multi-agency initiatives, by creating a new service and developing policies in order to respond to abused women’s needs. (repetition) Also with the new policies and women’s refuge organizations its safe to say that women are safer than 20 years ago. (Skinner el al, 2005). Feminist’s activists have campaigned for developed organizations that have successfully challenged social institutions for failing to protect women.what does this mean? However (?) battered women’s advocates have publicized their criticism of police departments, courts and the law has reinforced legislations for the criminal justice to respond. Criminal justice system has been criticized by battered women and their advocates for not providing enough protection to victims of violence. (Pauline, 1993). The feminist movement examined and politicized all aspects of women’s lives. (Pauline, 1993 P.148). Feminist developed organizations to end gender discrimination and assaults on women as well as many other dilemmas. Majority of these organizations focused on protecting women, by ensuring safety at home also battered women’s shelters. (there is no logic in this paragraph)

In today’s society there are vulnerary (?) and statutory sectors with experiences of women service users and professional staff, for example, until recently the focus in the UK was domestic violence. What does it mean? This relies on the success of women’s groups, and organizations placing domestic violence on the agenda and influencing non-statutory bodies and statutory sectors and agencies. In order to achieve what domestic violence was focused upon, since feminist actives ? have overcome difficulties in the violence against women. (Pauline, 1993). Many organizations such as Women’s Aid in regards to their influential movement in the 80s, which created a growing visibility of domestic violence in public and media campaigns. By the 1990’s central government and statutory agencies had began to play a more direct role, practically at a local level and in relation to domestic violence, where there was policy of multi-agency intervention. You’ve said all this already. Over the emerging years there was a new legislation from the mid- 90, which was a civil protection orders for domestic violence, this was the Family Law Act 1996. With the new labour government introduced in 1997, issues concerning domestic violence had gradually moved towards the mainstream. (Skinner el al, 2005). However it began by developing new policies, aimed at uprising ? intervention strategy on violence against women, one particular policy was ‘Women’s Unit 1999’ and focused on domestic violence. Furthermore, this emphasis by state and multi-agencies ? on domestic violence had both negative and positive consequences (why?) , but on the other hand it can be seen as a way of success of pressure from women’s organizations and feminists that violence against women should be taken seriously. (author 2005). The positive approaches in tackling violence against women starts with government funding for projects in order to support and end domestic violence. (Skinner, 2005). This is very vague

Males& Hague (1997) suggest that the high increase in homelessness this is old data defines the changing of the government policies and shrinking public provision within the UK. According to studies were carried out, indicating that violence was associated with domestic situations that women experienced. In the study women’s feelings and about the process they went through within their previous experience of domestic violence and how they obtained safe accommodation. Where is the logic here? Males& Hague (1997, p.398).A woman whose relationship ends through domestic violence and her only option are to avoid the long-term of homelessness. Many other elements are also connected in finding an alternative solution to the various problems, these all depend on whether a women faced with violence from her husband, she then needs to take legal action against him. The legal actions are getting a court order (injunction), this means removing a violent person from the home. Another court order a women can apply for is Non-molestation orders; this orders the violent person,” not to assault, harass or molest her in any way, or to allow his friends or family to do”. (The Gresham Press Surrey, 1998, p.10). This paragraph makes little sense

Conclusion

This literature review has focused on those women who are accepted as being priority need in the system. Although women with the experience of domestic violence face a tragedy of homelessness despite the significant advances in policy and legislation, it’s fair to say that homeless women continue to endure unpleasant situations and are not getting the right support they require. In conclusion to women who become homeless are at substantially greater risk of rough sleeping on the streets, which then results in dangerous situations where a woman has no other alternative but to adapt to the dilemmas of the streets. Despite, the help from local authorities and multi-agencies, there are still a high number of homeless women. According to various statistics the number of victims of domestic violence has risen over the years, which then increases homelessness significantly. All these institutions are aimed at working with women to reduce violence domestic (?), by providing the right services for women. Although homelessness legislation has changed over the years, it provides a crucial route to secure housing for homeless women. Crisis believes that by paying attention to the needs of homeless women they will provide the right services to reduce homelessness. This must be your conclusion, not Crisis’s.

In the past women’s movements have campaigned for women’s rights and have influenced organisations as well as creating many women organisations that’s why society today goes a long way in supporting women, such as the Women’s Aid organisation. Women are no longer oppressed in society and have the right to seek legal advice and support, a woman is no longer limited by society and is given much more legal protection against domestic assaults. Marjory of the organisations run by the government and vulnerary organisations all aim to deliver services that help women leave their abusers and leave their homelessness behind. (Crisis, 2009). Not there

is essay will discuss why social exclusion and anti-oppressive practice are so closely linked. It will discuss how social exclusion can affect an individual and community, taking away their right to choices afforded to others in society. It will demonstrate how through anti-oppressive practices, processes such as decisio

n making and managing risk can be done in an ethical manner to help promote independence and empower a service user enabling them to work in partnership with the service provider.

It will also discuss, how a managerial style of social work threatens to remove the decision making process from social workers in order to maximise efficiency, meet targets and minimise risk. With growing media coverage calling for social work decision to be more transparent, increasing pieces of legislation, policies and procedures are taking away the decision making skills and professional judgement from the role.

From the very beginning, the role of a social worker has been to help those marginalised and discriminated against by main stream society. The Poor Laws of 1536 saw for the first time, money being collected from local people and redistributed to those deemed worthy of support (Horner, 2009). These humble beginnings are in stark contrast to the complex role of social work today. Banks (2006) discusses the role and the attitude towards social work as ever changing, one which is impacted by the opinions of main stream society and the political agenda, era and environment within which it works.

The underpinning values of social work have remained largely unchanged throughout its history and can be identified in the modern role today; respect, confidentiality, acceptance of individualism, being non-judgemental and a belief in the ability to change, as described by Parrott (2011). These values have defined the role of a social worker as being one that “promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being.” (International Federation of Social Work, 2011).

Values and ethics are a strong theme which dominates all aspects of social work. Values are ideals or beliefs which are important to an individual or organisation and can be viewed as being either positive or negative. Ethics are ways in which a person or organisation behaves in relation to their values, again either positively or negatively. Values define what is right and wrong whereas ethics is the act of doing right or wrong. (Banks, 2006).

The General Social Care Council (General Social Care Council, 2002) has developed a code of practice which social workers must adhere to, these include; promoting independence, to protect individuals from harm, respecting the rights of a service user to make their own choices and be accountable for their own actions. The aim of these codes of practice is to provide a unified value base which will allow social workers to act ethically within their role. The codes of practise as set out by the GSCC provide a tangible set of values for the social work profession and by following these values should result in ethical practice. Social Work is not only governed by its codes of practice and their values but also by government legislation.

Dalrymple and Burke (2006) and Banks (2006) discuss how the vast amount of social care legislation can be seen to both help and hinder the role of a social worker. Targets and guidelines were introduced into the workplace with each new piece of legislation, turning the focus from how an individual is treated to the end result; how quickly they arrived at this point and what resource have been used to achieve it. The ethical question here is how the legislation is used; often as a means to justify an action rather than to assist it and the legislation should be used to confirm what powers a social worker holds not when they should enact them. When placing a child into local authority care, the decision of removing the child lies with the social worker, the legislation merely gives them the power to do so.

To some extent, Banks (2006) argues that the process of ethical decision making has been removed from the role of social work in order for them to meet targets as can be seen in the role of assessments of service user’s needs. Assessments increasingly use the system of tick boxes forms to assess the need for services; those not meeting the threshold are denied the sought after service. Lack of resources and pressing targets may mean the course of action taken may not always be the most ethical.

According to Parrott (2006), one reason for this shift towards a more business style approach to social work is down to the increasing media coverage when things go wrong, calling for the social work profession to be more accountable in the eyes of the general public. Banks (2006) supports this argument citing Franklin’s (1989, cited in Banks, 2006) view that social workers are often vilified for acting too hastily or not acting soon enough. High profile cases such as Baby P and Victoria Climbie (Parrott 2006) have called for the social work profession to be more accountable for their actions, introducing set policies and guidelines into the workplace, negating the need for individual social workers to make their own decisions.

Dalrymple and Burke (2006) suggest another reason for the move towards a more managerialist style of social work in the decreasing financial resources available to the sector. Most of the financial resources are spent providing an adequate service across the board or on high risk areas such as child protection.

Birmingham City Council faced High Court action in 2011 (BBC, 2011) when it attempted to cut its provision of social care for disabled adults. In the increasing difficult financial economy, there are 122 councils in the UK which now only provide care for those with substantial or critical care needs. (BBC, 2011).

Wilson et al. (2008) describes this move towards a more managerial style of social work as not being all inherently bad, the intention being to standardise the decisions making process in the hopes of lessen risk for all across the board, however the decisions being made in some cases are not the best they could be; the best outcome in a few cases has been overlooked for a good outcome in the majority of cases.

In 1997, the UK underwent a change in government; from the long reigning Conservative Party to New Labour (Labour Party, 2011) and with it the introduction of the term ‘social exclusion’.

The circumstances of social exclusion have been recognisable since before the social work role existed, however this new phrase encompassed not only the issues people faced, but how it affected them. Betts and Gaynor (Department of International Development, 2005) describes social exclusion as a process which systematically disadvantages certain groups within society and by doing so does not permit them the same opportunities and rights given to their peers. This can be done on the basis of; age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, health, physical/mental and emotional ability or even the area in which they live. By not affording these groups of people the same opportunities as others, this impacts on education and employment prospects resulting in low education, poor employment opportunities and substandard housing.

It is often found that people living in poorer housing estates, compared to those in better off areas, have basic levels of education resulting in high levels of unemployment, poorer employment prospects and more health issues due to poor housing. This often results in the resources available being of poorer quality. According to Oxaal (1997) school attendance is often lower in economically deprived areas as it is seen as having little or no value, believing that the individual will be faced with a life on benefits despite their academic achievements. Schools in these areas are more likely to be less well funded and able to provide the same opportunities as other schools, often focusing on the basics such as reading and writing and less on personal development. (Giddens, 2009).

Giddens (2009) describes how social exclusion is not always imposed by society but sometimes by the individual themselves; turning down employment or not continuing in education are choices made by the individual and the consequences of which may lead to or maintain the state of social exclusion.

One of the main impacts of social exclusion is poverty. Llewellyn, Agu and Mercer (2008) describes how social workers are more likely to work with people from an impoverished background than any other; citing that ‘children living in poverty are 700 times more likely to be the subject of local authority care’. Giddens (2009) agrees with this arguing that children of poorer families are far more likely to become poor adults, perpetuating the cycle and increasing the need for intervention at some point during their lives. Despite it being perceived as the biggest driving factor, Ward (2009) argues that social exclusion is about more than just a lack of income. Both Giddens (2009) and Ward (2009) agree that those facing poverty are often children, the elderly, women and ethnic minorities but Ward goes on to describe that it is the accumulation of factors such as these that keep people in social exclusion. A young unemployed white man is more likely to improve their circumstances than an elderly Asian lady living on a pension.

It is this multi-dimensional nature of social exclusion that makes it difficult to tackle. A social worker needs to understand whether the exclusion a person faces is imposed by society or the individual themselves as well as the nature of the exclusion and be able to identify the aspects which contribute to the exclusion faced by the individual. It is this understanding which will ultimately lead to an effective course of action to help empower people and enable them to improve their standard of life.

One of the roles of social work is to fight social injustice. Social exclusion on the basis of such qualities as age, race and gender are often tackled on an organisational level by legislation, acts such as the Race Relations Act 2000 and the Disability and Equality Act 2010 (The National Archive, (2000) and Directgov (2010)) prohibit discrimination against certain groups of people. Other pieces of legislation, such as the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 encourage a change in behaviour to redistribute the power balance between a service provider and its user. This act made it a legislative duty for Local Authorities to consult service users when planning and delivering services (The National Archive, 2000). It is this change in delivery and implementation of service provision that has led to the introduction of anti-oppressive practice in social work.

Parrott (2011) discusses two distinct aspects of anti-oppressive practice; firstly on the basis that it should work against oppression and secondly that social work practice should seek to empower service users, seek to work in partnership with them with a minimal level of intervention. Wilson et al. (2008) and Dalrymple and Burke (2006) agree with the view of Parrott (2011) on anti-oppressive practice seeing it as a view to achieve social justice for service users. Anti-oppressive practice as a behaviour should, as outlined above, seek to promote three things, empowerment, partnership and minimal intervention.

Empowerment, as described by Parrott (2006), can only be done when the social worker understands the context of the viewpoint of the service user within their situation. Although the facts and information obtained during this process can be verified, they should be taken as a clarification of how the service user sees themselves and should not be changed or corrected. People from the travelling community do not place a high importance on children attending school once they have gained a basic education, understanding how and why they hold this viewpoint will enable a social work to gain a better understanding of the values and priorities of the traveling community on educational matters.

Control should be given to the service user to allow them to define their own situation, allowing them to do so without judgement and correction can empower them to take ownership of their situation. This control can enable a service user to take power over their situation, providing them with the confidence and self-belief that they are able to learn new skills and develop existing ones to improve their circumstances. (Parrott (2006), Clifford and Burke (2009))

Working in partnership with service users is an important aspect of anti-oppressive practice. Any course of action taken by a social worker should be done with the consent of the service user. Parrott (2006) explains that this may not always be possible; some decisions such as removing children from the family home or admitting someone into hospital following a breakdown are choices outside the service user control; however some choices, like where the child is placed, may still be subject to discussion.

The act of listening to and taking into consideration the wishes and thoughts of a service user in such situations can also be seen as working in partnership. The nature of the partnership should include qualities such as listening to others point of view, providing information to all parties and being honest. These qualities will enable the partnership to remain even in the event that a decision is made the service user does not agree with.

An opportune time for partnership to be developed is during the assessment, planning, intervention and review (APIR) cycle. The assessment of the situation faced by the service user should always be done in collaboration with them, checking their requirements for assistance and understanding of the circumstances. During the assessment process, particular focus should be given to highlight the strengths of the service user, reinforcing the first stage of empowerment. Areas of development should also be identified and agreed upon.

When deciding upon a plan, it is more likely to be effective if it is done with the consent of the service user and where possible, utilises their strengths. Planning can be a difficult step in the APIR process, balancing the needs of the service user with the resources available may not always be possible. It may also be that the wishes of the service user are in conflict with what they need, an elderly person may wish to remain in their own home but the level of care required may not make it financially feasible.

The coalition government in power in the UK today has put forward the ideal of a ‘Big Society’ (The Cabinet Office, 2010); the idea being that families and communities work together to meet their own needs, taking back the power and the responsibility for improving their own situations. It is hoped that if a community takes responsibility for improving the area for its local residence, it’s more likely that everyone will become involved and work for the benefit of all without reliance on central government.

Any intervention should be reviewed on a regular basis and should take into account the feedback by all involved parties. The discussion should include what has been successful and what is still left to be achieved. If more action is required, the APIR cycle can start again to deal with the remaining issues. Not all remaining issues may be negative, it may be appropriate to continue with more positive aspects such as enrolling on course to aid self-improvement; this will give the service user more confidence and empower them further making it more likely that the positive outcome agreed upon is more likely to be successful.

The third aspect of anti-oppressive practice is minimal intervention. Parrott (2006) has split this into three levels of intervention; firstly at a primary level. This level of intervention should provide minimal support and usually takes the form of education and support, preventing the need for further assistance. Schemes such as Sure Start run by the government supports pregnant mothers until the child reaches school age and is designed to provide help and support to those from poorer backgrounds with the aim of tackling issues before they arise, (Directgov, 2011). The second level of intervention is done thorough early intervention with the intention of involvement being brief. The third level of intervention is usually enacted when something has gone wrong. According to anti-oppressive practice, the purpose of the intervention should be to reduce the consequences of the event. Taking away the risk of the incident reoccurring without changing the situation would be the ultimate goal, it is accepted that this may not always be possible. (Parrott 2006).

Wilson’s et al. (2008) view on anti-oppressive practice is largely the same as Parrott (2006) in that she sees the introduction of direct payment’s and individual budgets for service user a positive thing. Wilson et al. (2008) also describe the service user as having ‘self-determination’ in that they are an entity able to make their own choices and decisions and should be encouraged to do so. Wilson et al. (2008) also discussed the over use of advocacy with social workers often assuming the service user requires someone to speak on their behalf. If a social worker is to truly empower the service user then they must acknowledge their right to make their own decisions.

Under government legislation, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (The National Archives 2005) which came into force in 2007 gives every adult the capacity to make their own decisions unless it is proved they are unable to do so. The act also protects ‘unwise’ decisions, where a professional may not make the same decision in a given situation; it does not mean the service user lacks capacity to make it, protecting their right to make their own choices. When a service user is deemed incapable of making their own choices, an advocate may be appointed to assist with the process. In instances where an ‘unwise’ decision is made, a social worker should weight up the right of the service user to make the choice and the risk involved in doing so. If the risk involved in making the decision puts the individual or the community at risk, then further consultation should be taken to discuss the point further. Although a social worker should not force a service user to change their opinion on a matter, they should provide a balanced view of the situation and highlight the possible effects and consequences of the choices available in the hopes that a more positive decision will be made.

Mental capacity to make a decision is not a blanket issue; someone may have the capacity to make some decisions and not others. Elderly people with illnesses such as dementia may lack the capacity to make decisions one day but able to do so the next.

Advocacy is most often thought of as acting on behalf of someone who is unable to do so for themselves, however acting as an advocate can also mean empowering someone by giving them the information, ability and opportunity to make their own decisions, (Parrott 2006). The ‘Big Society’ is an example of collective self-advocacy in which a group a people with similar interests are encouraged get together to form one unified voice. Encouraging the formation of such groups often lessens the feeling of isolation in people facing social exclusion. Collectively it also gives them a stronger voice and the ability to request change to services and resources which have historically been withheld or are inaccessible on an individual level.

Decision making in social work comes with the element of risk management. As discussed previously, it is good practice to for service users to make their own informed decisions provided they understand the consequences of their choice as well as having the capacity to do so. Hothersall and Maas-Lowit (2010) describe how the term ‘risk’ was historically used to describe the likelihood of something happening, with neither a positive or negative connotation. In modern society, risk is viewed as the likelihood of a negative outcome occurring, the term ‘chance’ is used when something is deemed to have a more positive outcome, however both words mean the same thing; the likelihood of an event occurring.

Much like Parrott (2006) and Banks (2006), Hothersall and Maas-Lowit (2010) have noticed a change in the way social workers perform in relation to risk, describing the profession as becoming ‘risk adverse’. The policies and procedures put in place for social worker to work within have minimised risk to such an extent that the option of choice has been greatly reduced.

When carrying out assessments, Hothersall and Maas-Lowit (2010) highlight how reports and case notes focus on the risk of a situation rather than the needs of the service user, taking away the understanding of what has caused the situation to focusing instead on who is to blame and minimising the risk of it reoccurring. Cases with a higher level of risk to either the individual or the community are often afforded more resources than those with lower risk levels.

Hothersall and Maas-Lowit (2010) also view risk positively in that the outcome could be beneficial to a service user. By understanding the risk, what other options are available and taking steps to minimise any negative effects, the outcome of the risk taking may be highly beneficial to the individual. This is often the case when people with mental illnesses return to live in the community from hospital care. Whilst taking medication, the service user may pose a very minimal risk to the community; however the perceived risk may be much larger. Provided steps have been taken to acknowledge and minimise the risk and plans have been agreed in the event of a crisis situation, then the right of the service user to reside in the community should outweigh the requirement to keep them in institutional care.

Risk is a factor which can be minimised but not eradicated; the nature of social work is surrounded by risk on a daily basis. Even by following policies, codes of conducts and planning for all perceived eventualities, the outcome may still be an unwanted one. Hothersall and Maas-Lowith (2010) perceive this to be inevitable in the field of social work and it is learning from these cases that will improve professional judgement.

My first placement as a social work student was with a homeless charity working with young adults. The impact of social exclusion was evident in every aspect of the job. Many of the young people who visited the centre had a poor level of education, often had a criminal record, had spent time in care, were unemployed and many had learning difficulties. Although I had academic understanding of social exclusion, the reality was far different from what I had expected.

One of the service users I was asked to work with was a young woman who had spent a larger proportion of her childhood in care. She had recently suffered a mental breakdown and lost custody of her young child to its father. Living in poverty, being a single mother and suffering with mental illness are all forms of social exclusion. I was asked to assist the service user with organising medical appointments and attending meetings. Working together, we made good progress in a relatively short time. On reflection, the work carried out was not done in terms of anti-oppressive practice. More emphasis should have been placed on allowing and encouraging the service user to act for themselves rather than having things done for them. Although this can be effective in the short term, in the long run it could form a sense of dependency for the service user.

The risk of the choices made by the service user should have been taken into consideration, and had it done so, it would have lessened the level of intervention. The child had been placed out of harm and the extent of the mental illness did not put the service user or the community at any immediate risk. Rather than daily support, it would have been more appropriate to invite the service user to discuss the situation they faced, the options available to them and the consequences of the choices available to them.

Anti-oppressive practice is about empowering people, promoting their right to make choices and working in partnership to reach an agreed outcome with the aim of improving their situation. People who are subject to the constraints of social exclusion are often denied these rights. Social workers are required by their code of practice to help service users take control over their own lives, promote independence and recognise that service user have a right to take risks. The nature of social exclusion makes it more likely that these individuals will, at some point in their lives, require intervention in the form of social care. By working with anti-oppressive practices, the effects of social worker intervention should leave a positive effect upon the service user.

In an ideal world their financial restraints would not affect the choices available to a service user, time and resources would be available to plan, consider and minimise risky situations making a wider range of services available. In the ever restricting financial climate, social worker are not afforded the luxury of such budgets and so must look at ways in which service user are still empowered and given as much choice as possible in how their situation is dealt with. As a profession, social workers should be moving more towards a ‘risk-taking’ approach and away from ‘risk aversion’.

Service users who live with social exclusion deserve to be given the tools and opportunity to improve their own situation; it is with tools such as anti-oppressive practice and a strong set of values and ethics that social workers can empower them to fight the social injustice they face.