Full Inclusion Ministry Paper

Albert attends the Brownsville Church of Christ children's ministry and has given the hurt a new insight to a full inclusion children's ministry program. The church within one year and five years will be implementing different ways in which to make full inclusion possible for the children's ministry as well as for the church. This paper will further discuss Cerebral Palsy and the affects that it has on Albert and his family, as well as detail about the church and their children's ministry.Overview of the Brownsville Chi arch of Christ The full inclusion ministry that I am proposing is at the Brownsville Church of Christ is a local church in my hometown of Brownsville, New York. The Brownsville Church was built in the late sass's, and was one of the first churches built in the area until the early sass's. The church was established by a group of Christians who came together as a small group of believers, which served the LORD through community worship. The group of believers whom esta blished the church worshipped together in a small barn that is right next to the church they had built.Brownsville is a small community, therefore, the church today consists of believers of all ages, while a great deal of attendees are elderly, their children, and grandchildren. Overall, the hurt is in a fragile state appearance wise; however, the church is a close knit family who welcomes everyone to attend and join their church family, to serve the LORD together. The Church is organized and ran by Minister Leon, and has been running it for the past 30 years with his wife Helena. Throughout the years, the church has acquired two assistance that help Minister Leon run the church, they are, Chris and Jill.The church services are convened often for those who are time restricted, they include Wednesday mornings at am, Thursday evenings at 6:30 to 7:30 pm, and Sundays from 1 0:10-1 1 am, and pm. Holiday church services are 2 hours, Good Friday from pm, Easter service is am, Christmas Ev e service pm, and Christmas Service from 9:00 am-9:45 am. The services encourage those to come together and celebrate the birth and life of our savior, Jesus Christ. All new members are always welcome, as well as for the holiday services.The purpose for which the church was established was in order for members to meet in a civilized place, and come together to serve the LORD, and honor the values that we as Christians are to uphold. Through coming together as a community, we are honoring God's ideas of uniting as group to worship, we re in turn worshiping and uniting as a community, a sense of family serving and honoring the LORD. Summary' of the Current Children's Ministry The Brownsville Church of Christ children's ministry is directed by Richard, who has been the director of the Children's Ministry and Sunday school program for 17 faithful years.There are currently meetings on Sunday mornings, with one evening meeting on Thursday's that is specifically for older children, and it provides them with a period where they can thoroughly discuss biblical readings and religion more effectively. The Sunday school has our lead teachers, with an assistant in the toddler and infant classroom. Miss Claire is the lead Sunday school teacher in the infant and toddler classroom, Miss Rebecca is the preschool teacher, Mr.. Joseph is the lead adolescent program teacher, and finally Mr.. Brad is the lead teacher for the teen program.There are also volunteers that assist on the weekend, and they are in the classrooms to provide assistance to lead teachers in the children's ministry. The lead teachers all work together to coordinate a primary theme for their lesson plans, this provides siblings the same educational discussions t the same time, while meeting the appropriate age level for each. This promotes comradely throughout the chi arch and families within the church, developing a closeness be;en all that attend, meeting the ideas brought upon society by God himself.Througho ut the Early Childhood Center, the children meet for the children's ministry, there are 4 large classrooms for teens, adolescence, preschool, and infant/toddlers. All Of the classrooms are all handicap accessible if needed, and also provide plenty of room for the children to run and play. The classrooms have been remodeled in recent years, and are bright and hurtful, with a great deal of colors to promote learning. Each classroom is decorated in religious sayings, and art work produced by the students themselves that promote religious worship.The educational opportunities that are taught are in regards to the LORD our savior, and promotes Christian values and encourages godly behavior to all students. The children all learn in a fun, meaningful, learning environment that provides children with a fun experience while learning about the bible. In the infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms they listen to a lot of religious songs on Cad's including Kids Praise and Veggie Tales. In th e young children classrooms, they do a lot of children's bible readings to ensure comprehension, and fun activities that are educational and have biblical meanings.While the young adolescence and teenagers do biblical readings, discussions, and reenact scenes in plays that are often acted out in front of the elders of the church. The overall ideal of the children's ministry is to teach children about the LORD, and encourage Christianity through fun activities, and interaction. Necessary Key Elements Volunteers The use of volunteers is critical to the success of the children's ministry, essentially, these volunteers provide a great deal of assistance to the lead teacher.While the lead teacher provide the important information and knowledge to encourage the learning process, the assistance can walk around and help the children who need help or are not doing well, essentially allowing more of the students to have a meaningful learning experience. This will provide all students with use ful knowledge that will be beneficial to them as they get older and closer to Christ. Volunteers are useful in the church in a variety of ways, including in the children's ministry.The ministry requests for volunteers that will help assist the program through putting out a list every weekend that is for upcoming volunteers for the following week, which helps to ensure there will be enough providers to care for students. The volunteers do a variety of things in the classroom, including assisting students who need help with an activity or with general care for children while they are in the classroom, to include: diaper changing, assisting to the bathroom, assist with hand washing, handing out snacks, and getting materials ready for the lead teacher.Overall the goal of paving volunteers as assistance in the children's ministry is to have extra hands and eyes in the classroom, and to allow the lead teacher to maintain focus on the classroom as a whole. Having the assistance also provid es more individualized attention, while also providing more eyes and ears in the classroom, which to ensure overall safety for all children. Training In order for volunteers or other people to become teachers at our children's ministry, everyone must undergo proper training in order ensure the safety to all children within the ministry; which includes training on proper care for hillier with special needs.The training for lead teachers include: a background check, Healthcare CPRM certification from the American Red Cross, and a basic health and safety training program. All lead teachers and volunteers will also be required to watch a video in regards to caring for children with special needs, and lead teachers will be required to get certification in teaching children with special health, physical, and/or educational needs. This training ensures that if a situation arises, the students will be taken care of appropriately and precautionary measures are met to ensure their overall hea lth and wellness, as well as the safety of others.For volunteers, the training is different, since they are on a voluntary basis; and because the lead teacher will always be in the classroom, the volunteers don't need as extensive of training. Therefore, the primary training for a volunteer is that they are certified with CPRM through the American Red Cross and verified that they are not a registered sex offender, and upon volunteering will provided a short introductory training course on children's health and safety.Generally, volunteers will be repeat volunteers, and Hereford, the training will ensure the volunteer is truly interested in the opportunity of working with children and promoting the word of God. Materials Albert is a boy within the children's ministry who is confined to a wheel chair and there are only steps currently at the building, and therefore, there should be wheel chair ramps at entrances to the building for Albert to enter. Along with these ramps there should also be an automatic door button for Albert to press in order for him to be able to open the door to the church and into the classrooms as well.Within the church it-self there should be ramps or even elevators for those who may not be able to use the stairs, such as Albert or other children and adults that may have difficulties walking up and down stairs. Within the classrooms themselves, the walk areas should be wide enough so that Albert and others can maneuver their wheel chairs though, and it is important to ensure that the aisles and pathways are kept clear of toys and any other objects.Located in the corner of the room is a spot for children who may have difficulties with balance or other limited difficulties with soft patted mats where they have the opportunity to interact with teachers or oleanders one on one. The table at which everyone is seated should be able to accommodate the needs of Albertan wheelchair, or have a chair in which there is capability for Albert to transi tion to from his wheelchair if he feels comfortable with. The playground itself should be handicap accessible, and have a few areas in which a child with disabilities are able to play with others without feeling separated from their peers.By ensuring the Albertan overall needs are met as a whole, the environment will be an overall positive experience for everyone involved, including Albert and Other children that ay have disadvantages in a typical environment. Albert and Information on his Disability Albert is an 8 year old boy who has been attending the Brownsville Church of Christ children's ministry for a little over 4 and a half years now with his family on a weekly basis. Albert is a very caring and sweet boy who always seems to have a smile on his face when someone speaks to him.Albert is a special little boy, who has special needs that require some assistance on a day to day basis due to his diagnosis of Cerebral palsy. When Albert was 2 years old he was diagnosed with cerebr al palsy due to having a severe case of induce as an infant that was left untreated, and caused severe hardship. His parents first noticed his delays in rolling over, sitting up, and crawling all being significantly delayed. Unfortunately, Albert was never able to walk and was provided a wheelchair to get around.Through severe physical therapy, Albert can take few steps on his own, however, because of his limited physical movement in his lower portion of his body, is confined to a wheel chair majority of his days. Another medical complication brought on by Cerebral Palsy is Albertan seizures, and can often come out of nowhere. However, Albert has taken daily medications for years, multiple times a day, and they are taken to control and/or cut back the seizures, and decrease the severity.The severity of Albertan Cerebral Palsy is classified as severe, as he has lost mobility and has severe seizures, as well as other internal damage that is due to the Cerebral Palsy. Although Albert i s confined to a wheel chair, he makes every attempt to be involved in activities that he typical peers are involved in. When play time arises there are always children who like to sit at the table with Albert and do guzzles, color, or simply read a book with him.Alberta communication skills aren't that of his typical peers, due to his developmental delays that are associated with his diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy; however, he makes great attempt to socialize with his peers, and communicate with those around him with verbal and nonverbal forms of communication. Albert doesn't allow his disability stop him from having a life, and living a life like his typical peers; he is very interested in being like others, and works hard every day of his life to meet his highest potential. Research of Cerebral PalsyEtiology Cerebral palsy was first discovered and brought about by an English orthopedic surgeon named â€Å"William Little in 1861† (Italic, A. & Lurch, H. , 2010). Since the disco very of cerebral palsy by Doctor Little, there have been many people who have been interested in studying this disease further to truly understand it. The International Journal of Nursing Studies states that â€Å"cerebral palsy is a non-progressive, neurological condition, resulting primarily from damage to or malformation of the developing brain† (McCullough, N. Parker,J Kerr, C. & McDowell, B. , 2013). The disease does to progress over the years, and will present with Symptoms that do not decline over the years, and is often diagnosed at an early age, typically before the age of 3. The disease can occur for a variety of reasons, to include: random mutations, maternal infections, prenatal complications, alcohol and drug use during pregnancy, fetal stroke, and lack of oxygen, infant infections, and traumatic head/brain injury such as shaken baby syndrome (Mayo Clinic).There is no way to prevent Cerebral Palsy, however, there are precautions that can be taken to decrease the risk of an infant developing Cerebral Palsy, o include: don't drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or do drugs during pregnancy, report domestic violence or child abuse, and/or see a doctor if you see signs of medical complications during pregnancy or infancy. According to Mayo Clinic, one Of the leading healthcare facilities in the country, the signs to watch for â€Å"during infancy or preschool years†.By taking precautions and monitoring your child at a young age, it would be more beneficial to have an early diagnosis, so that they can begin treatment to ensure a positive outcome. Prevalence In today's society, it is fairly common to meet an individual adult, child, or arena of a child with Cerebral Palsy. The prevalence has increased over the years, and now affect a great deal of children that are born today. It is common for one to know someone with or who has children with Cerebral Palsy, because of how common the disease is.According to The Gale Encyclopedia, it states tha t â€Å"approximately 8,000 babies and infants are diagnosed with the condition each year† (Poplin, S. , Caret, F. , Lour, L. , & Labeler, M. 2011). Cerebral palsy can have many different symptoms in which parents need to kick for in order for their children to be diagnosed with this disorder. Although Cerebral palsy can be mild for most children there can be more severe forms in which can lead to more serious complications.Characteristics Characteristics of Cerebral Palsy can present itself in a variety of ways, and some like most diseases, the characteristics of Cerebral palsy can often be more severe for one patient, than it can be with another. While there are some characteristics that are definite between each patient, the overall symptoms depend upon the severity of the disease present. Cerebral palsy can impact the body in many different ways, including it can cause delays or impairment of a person's health and wellness, physical ability, intellectual abilities, commun ication, vision, and hearing.Cerebral Palsy can affect the entire body in a variety of ways, and the symptoms may become more apparent over time, as a child gets older. In general, cerebral palsy causes impaired movement associated with exaggerated reflexes, floppiness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk, abnormal posture, involuntary movements, unsteadiness of walking, or some combination of these† ( mayo clinic). The characteristics can dramatically affect a child's overall ability to function at a appellatively appropriate age level, and can often require intense therapies and treatment to live a generally normal lifestyle.According to Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, † other impairments are associated with cerebral palsy which are hip dislocation, displacement and spine deformities, sleep disorders, excessive drooling, bladder and bowel control complaints, and behavior difficulties† (McIntyre, S. , Morgan, C. , Walker, K. , & Novak, 1. , 2011). Altho ugh cerebral palsy can cause a variety of impairments on different areas throughout the body, not everyone experiences all of these symptoms.These symptoms can be mild to severe and may not occur at all in some cases, and present themselves significantly different in each person. Prognosis Because of growing technology, the prognosis for Cerebral Palsy is good. In recent years, there was a great deal of studies conducted helped to understand the disease and ultimately find a means of treatment that provides a better quality of life. The quality of life is overall better and a decreased death rate because of medications and treatments, however, a life with cerebral palsy will still require various appointments, therapy, testing, dedications, and treatments.Although cerebral palsy is a Nan-progressive disease, it can feel as though it worsens as a child ages, because the necessary requirements increase in order to stay as healthy as possible. However, the overall prognosis of a child with cerebral palsy depends upon the severity of the case. While the overall prognosis for mild Cerebral Palsy is good, with severe progression of the disease, there is a chance of the prognosis to become fatal. Generally though, with treatment of the symptoms, the patient has a great chance Of survival.According to The Lancet, â€Å"if all impairment domains re not severe, survival is only marginally less than that of individuals without cerebral palsy. If severe impairments are present, then life expectancy is reduced approximately in proportion to the number and severity of associated impairments† (Solver, A. , Farthest, C. , & Pharaoh, P. , 2014). Current Research One research was done to see if the health of children with cerebral palsy changes within a long period of time or whether it stays the same.In this study there were 156 children who had participated within this study. Within this study the parents of the children are asked to answer 50 questions which re based upon different areas of their children functioning areas. The results had shown that there are numerous reasons why health can change over time. It states that â€Å"in this study we relied on parent report of health status, and it may be that children would have reported a different view of their health status than that of their parents. Relation to monitoring the health of children with ambulant cerebral palsy, nurses need to be aware that several factors – motor function, age and communication abilities are associated with changes in health status over time† (McCullough, N. , Parker, J. , Kerr, C. & McDowell, B. , 2013). Although parents had answered questions about different areas of their children's overall areas of growth there are also other areas of development that can affect the way in which can affect health as well. It would be impossible to determine a child has Cerebral Palsy just by looking at them, therefore, it is essential to conducting testing.Social Dynamics Social dynamics is truly a significantly important part of any child's overall growth and development. Through maintaining positive healthy relationships, it helps create a healthy balance in a child's life. Colonization is something hat should be valued in a child's life and children should be encouraged often to socially interact with other children, in order to develop healthy social skills. Disorders of Childhood: Development and Psychopathology believe that peer relationships â€Å"serve as rich settings for constitutional learning (Parity, R. , & Troy, M. P. 22, 2014). However, quite often, children with cerebral palsy may have communication or other impairments that may often make their social dynamics more difficult than their typical peers. It is vital to healthy development, to promote social growth and development; therefore, through he encouragement, the child will more likely develop better social skills through parental and educators guidance. One common mea ns for encouraging social dynamics is to provide students with group activities or class discussions that requires social interaction amongst one another.As an educator or volunteer in the classroom, the primary goal is to ensure that students are interacting with one another and that not one child is being treated poorly or left out; therefore, as a teacher you are able to foster social relationships in the classroom and to intervene if necessary. Partnership Of Church, Family & School PIE/IFS Goal 1: Although Albert is confined to his wheel chair most of his days, Albert will work with his volunteer for 10 minutes per day. For most of Albertan life he has been confined to a wheel chair and has been going to physical therapy week for 5 years.Recently he has made huge strides and is now able to stand up to 10 minutes; and through continuing the work that is done at therapy, he will be able to make big endeavors in the future. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide Albert the o pportunity to work with his volunteer on his ability to stand with assistance. PIE/IFS Goal 2: Due to Albertan limited abilities to communicate because of his disability he tends to have frequent outburst of screaming because he is not able to communicate with others.Albert will focus on communicating more with teachers and peers at least 50% of the time within the classroom. Due to Albert having cerebral palsy this has left him with limited abilities to communicate with others around him. Albert tries to very hard both verbally and non-verbally to communicate with everyone although at times he becomes frustrated and upset. This causes Albert to have outburst and begin o scream due to not being able to communicate with others. This PIE goal will help Albert to work on his communication skill with his teachers and peers in order to have more positive outcomes.Everyone will work together in order to ensure that the number of outbursts that Albert is having because of frustration will be reduced. PIE/IFS Goal 3: Albert is currently delayed in his writing abilities due to his disability. Albert will continue to work with his teacher and parents to achieve a 60% increase in his writing abilities at the end of the year. This goal of encouraging Albert to improve his writing will help him to intention progressing at the rate of his peers. Currently, Albert is severely delayed and has complications with his writing abilities at school, and is in the second grade with first grade writing abilities.The delay is due to his fine motor skills impaired from the disease Cerebral Palsy; therefore, to improve his writing abilities, it would be imperative to work on his pencil grip and coordination and encourage writing in and outside of his classrooms and therapies often. PIE/IFS Goal 4: Albert will be able understand more about his religion and eventually have a personal relationship with God. Albert wants to have a deep connection to God, but sometimes ask why God would make him born with an illness like Cerebral palsy.He has the faith and wants to understand, therefore, by providing him with the knowledge he needs in regards to God and the creation of illnesses being separate would be beneficial to his growing religious beliefs. The goal is to educate Albert on the LORD's ability to cure illness, and how if this was possible, it would be done. It is important to provide Albert with the knowledge that we are all created beautiful unique individuals, and we are all beautiful in our own individual says. 2 Corinthians 5†³7 â€Å"For we walk by faith, not by sight† (ESP.).We must have faith and hope in our savior, and recognize that we cannot see all the work he does for us. Plan for Growth of the Ministry One Year In one year in the children's ministry, it would be beneficial to add in a wheel chair ramp in the front of the church to help those with disabilities enter the building without possibility of injury. The second goal for the church i n order to grow the children's ministry would be to ensure the playground is handicap friendly and accessible, as it is currently is not completely handicap accessible, there are areas with mulch that can impair the wheelchairs ability to maneuver appropriately.The last goal for the first year in order to grow the church ministry would be to widen all the doorways throughout the building, to ensure that wheelchairs can get through the doors without struggle. In order to fulfill the needs of the church the first year, the church would be required to get volunteers to do work and to have fundraisers for the equipment that is needed in order to improve the overall church and the children's ministry. Five Year Five year goals to achieve would be to create a summer camp for all hillier to attend, including children with special educational, physical, or medical needs.This would encourage full inclusion, while allowing children who are often not able to attend camps with typical peers, th e ability to be in a full inclusion setting. The church also would benefit from adding an evening support group for parents of children with special needs that would allow families to support one another through their difficult times. Another goal for future changes for the church would be to add a full inclusion Christian based preschool for children to attend from 0-5 years old, and would teach children n education that is centered on religion and the early childhood education standards.Conclusion The children's min sister that is being proposed at the Brownsville Church of Christ, and is a church that is in a small town in New York. The goal is to provide a children's ministry that is handicap capable and is able to meet the needs of special needs students. The church currently doesn't have handicap accessibility to enter the building, and could easily scare off a person or family with someone with physical disabilities. In order to promote a well-rounded program that encourages children or adults with disabilities to get involved in heir community and to do work for the LORD.

Words of Encouragement

Patrick Draughn Words of Encouragment From the outgoing class of 2012 to the incoming class of 2013 we would like to say congratulations to you all, you made it. It has been a long and the finish line is gradually approaching. This upcoming year will be the best and worst time s of your high school experience. There will be times when you can’t wait to get to school to show off your new outfit or to attend homecoming week. There will also be times where school is just not where you want to be today and your body will go but your mind stays at home.These times will come and these times will go but the one thing you must remember is not to forget why you come to school. Do not forget why you are attending high school. Don’t forget about the test on Monday because you were out with your friends this weekend and didn’t feel like studying. Don’t forget about the paper due next week because you were too busy deciding what to get Brittany or bobby something for t heir birthday. Don’t be late to class because you couldn’t decide what to wear with your fresh outfit or what accessories will match your dress.No this is not the time to slack off now is not the time to conduct the infamous virus known as senioritis. Now is the time to focus on your studies, guide your way through the path to graduation, and if you decide start figuring out what college you would like to attend if you haven’t decided already. To the prospective college students now is definitely not the time to get behind on your studies but to get a study plan started. Trust me it will be a necessity. I know there will be times where you feel like giving up and wanting to quit.I’ve been there, I’ve been up all night typing papers and having to get up at the crack of dawn the next morning for class. I’ve been beaten up in practice and having to come home to chores, siblings, and homework. I had the job where you had to work on weekends and homework was due Mondays instead of Wednesdays. I never said the road to graduation was easy but I promise it will be worth it, and after that road ends many more roads will begin to form. It’s always wise to plan your next destination and whether it may be college, military, workforce, or etc. make sure you’re making the right decision for yourself and no one else.You have control of your own destiny. I remember my senior year I was commander of the entire ROTC at my high school, captain of two sports teams, and I also had a job. Although there were times when giving up felt like the easiest thing to do I had to sit back and think was it the RIGHT thing to do. I received many rewards; honor roll, medals, even a state championship ring so it’s say to say I have accomplished many things throughout my high school experience but my biggest achievement was walking across that stage looking my principal in his face and shaking his hand while he gave me my diploma.I k new that I was finally finished everything was complete. I remember sitting down with my grandmother who is is a big influence on my life. We sat down and talked about college she told me how no one in our family has ever been to college and if I decided to go id be the very first. That was more than enough motivation for me to choose the right path for me so hopefully the right path for you students will be easy as well. In choosing your path I want you to remember one thing that my grandmother always told me.My grandmother was a very wise woman and although we had many conversations I never remember them all but I do remember that specific conversation over the rest because she told me something that has been engraved in my mind ever since that night. She said people can take a lot of things from you money, cars, clothes, homes, even your life; but there’s one thing no one will never be able to take from you and that’s your education. So to the upcoming senior class of 2013 I say good luck congratulations and may your road or path guide you to your destiny.

Social obligation of business

There were arguments that obligation of business is to maximize long term profit for shareholders In a sustainable way, while others call them to Involve more to social responses. Each judgment has its own reasons which this research sought to analyze. Based on that, certain social obligations of business will be addressed with evidences, showing their necessary of being more responsible to social outcomes. Key words: corporate social obligation, shareholders, corporate profit, social responslblllty Introduction There has been a long debate on the role of business in society.Some people agreed with argument of: â€Å"The social obligation of business is to sustainably maximize long-term profits for shareholders. Nothing more. Nothing less† . However, others judge: â€Å"Business has a key role to play in combating issue like climate change, since the traditional response of many environmentalists and governments (namely, to encourage behavioral and attitudinal change amongst the general population) Is not enough in itself to ultimately produce desired environmental outcomes† .Different Judgments have their own reasons based on appropriate grounds. My view Is that business should ensure long term profit and stable operation while promote applying CSR practices into their daily operation for better performance. Companies today are confronting intense pressures to address social concerns and it is undeniable that socially Irresponsible businesses may lose their competitive advantage . Corporate Social Responslblllty (CSR) Definition Since 1920s, the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) started to be discussed.However, due to the Great Depression economics and World War II, business leaders did not discuss about it seriously until the 1950s. The definition of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) varies between businesses and possibly changes at certain time points, depending on their visions and goals. There are so many definition for CSR . However, the most general definition for it is that â€Å"CSR is about how companies manage the business processes to produce an overall positive impact on society† . Appllcatlon CSR now a day has been a popular term in different businesses.However, it seems corporations pay more attentions to these activities than those of small and medium size, who usually blame that they do not have time and money to follow these luxury' practices. In all effort, the UN Global Compact guideline on ISO 260000 had been developed to help enterprises of all sizes to globally approach and practice CSR strategies. CSR application is not required by law, while business profits and social obligations are always difficult choices for management, CSR strategies are most of time considered for implementation, as the business trend is to contribute good thing and more responsible to society.We will analyze each situation in the next paragraphs, to understand better on why sometimes it is hard making decision. Corporate Social Responsible OR corporate profit? It is argued that social obligation or social responsibility was defined as the obligation of business to meet its economic and legal responsibilities and no more . This viewpoint is based on the notion that business organizations were set up with aims to provide goods and services to society, and enterprise were operated primary on profit motive.Many scholars agreed upon this point of view, including Milton Friedman (1970), as mentioned in his article in the New York Times Magazine . This belief has been maintained for many years not only by Friedman but also other usiness executives and scholars. It is true that the primary social obligation/social responsibility of a business is to bring benefits to its owners and shareholders who invest a significant amount of money there. Consequently, fulfilling the economic responsibility is the initial obligation of a business, it should also obey the laws and regulations of the so ciety while running its operations.Social matters are not the concern of business people, these problems should be resolved by the unfettered workings of the free market system (Friedman, 1970). In cases where corporate profit nd social benefit aligned, CSR might not be considered and therefore irrelevant. Or in other cases where corporate profits and social welfares are opposite, then the profit will be taken into consideration, as business management will always want to prioritize shareholder's interest.

The legalization of marijuana for medical purposes Essay

The legalization of marijuana for medical purposes - Essay Example Several studies have revealed that persistent intake of marijuana accelerates the occurrence of the diseases that the proponents of its legalization assert that it cures. Another controversy entails the method of treatment used with marijuana. Smoking is not a very good method for taking medication since it accelerates and causes other conditions. This paper will analyze and discuss in detail the reasons why legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes should not occur. The paper will provide the premise that states should not legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. It will first provide a history of the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes as well as the nature of the debate surrounding this issue. There has been a vigorous debate about legalization of marijuana for the last 40 years. Some of the policies supporters argue that marijuana is a safe drug hence individuals should possess small quantities. They also assert that criminal sanctions against personal use and ownership characterize at worst extremely harsh and unnecessary penalties. On the other hand, the opposers of the policies claim that alleviating of present laws contradict that marijuana is not a benevolent drug, particularly according to new psychopharmacologic information shows that marijuana shares many characteristics with other illegal drugs. (Joffe & Yancy, 2004). Although researchers acknowledge the medicinal value of marijuana since time in memorial, there are other traditional drugs that cure the same conditions that marijuana can treat since monitoring the dose of marijuana is hard (Koger, 2006). There is unreliable evidence that marijuana may be useful in treating a number of medical conditions hence a v ital force behind efforts to change the legal position of marijuana (Joffe & Yancy, 2004). However, doctors have used the plant for arthritic pain, treatment of pus-forming infections and fever (Koger, 2006). In addition, marijuana may have benefits on these conditions: wasting related to AIDS, nausea after chemotherapy, spastic disorders, and relief of interocular pressure related with glaucoma. However, despite the benefits the dose of marijuana used could risk a patient a prison sentence (Conboy, 2000). The debate on legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes remains very controversial. While the health professionals are ethically required to offer the best possible treatment, they also have to follow the state and federal laws. Consequently, there has been extensive research to establish the mechanisms, potential uses, side effects, and alternative delivery methods of the contents of this drug (Yambura, 2008). Political buzzwords such as â€Å"War on Drugs† have del ayed the legalization of marijuana in the U.S. In addition, the role of states’ rights complicates the matter further since it is not directly involved in the ethics of the policy as much as the country’s federalist structure (Rabbani, n.d). History of the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes In the modern world, marijuana is one of the most well known and diversified of plants. It was native to central Asia but only recognized for its medicinal purposes five years ago during the reign of the Chinese Emperor Chen Nung. However, marijuana’s medicinal properties were evident much later in the West. In the United States, marijuana was widely used for

Risk Analysis and Hazard Mitigation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Risk Analysis and Hazard Mitigation - Essay Example In this case, my organization’s building complex is the project for which risk mitigation actions are required. First, the project is to be subjected to a thorough risk assessment individually by the project management personnel. The risks assessed are to be compiled into one entity. Risk handling is determined by the nature of the risks identified and the personnel assigned particular risks to monitor, especially those that are not transferred in nature. The personnel’s duty is to monitor the identified risk and report to the risk management team and initiate response actions in respect to that particular risk. A detailed description of the risk is provided to enhance teamwork since precise information is key to the success of risk management through effective communication among the team members. In fact, at this stage the main objective is to identify risks and provide a detailed description to be used to determine potential and most appropriate solutions (riskinstit ute.org). I would employ the five methods of risk identification for the building complex project. First, documentation reviews would be quite essential in order to determine the complications caused by the apparent risks and other related requirements as well. For instance, a review of the project design and the planned implementation would be best tackled by the use of this method. Consequently, identifying inconsistencies between the proposed activities and alternative practices with projects’s internal operations would be easily handled. In addition, this would facilitate an effective means to identify and solve any conflict in the process of risk management activities. The success of this activity is absolutely dependent on effective information gathering. Information gathering method entails thorough brainstorming, interviewing the persons involved and analyzing the cause of every particular risk identified. To obtain the most possible volume of ideas, I would employ br ainstorming and interviewing since external and internal parties involved in the project would make an equal contribution. This would enable a team work spirit since the project owners, shareholders and the end users or rather clients are given an opportunity to provide their insights, which could not be identified without involving them in the process. Overall, the concept is a SWOT analytical approach to potential challenges to the project. This enhances project management since a breakdown of the information gathered through interviews and brainstorming activities is applied in the most appropriate way to tackle the risks identified. Additionally check list analysis is another method I would use to solve the multiple tasks, which are similar in nature fro this project. For instance, one on one interview with customers on their concerns in regards to the project would gather information on every aspect that affects them directly on completion of the project. Therefore, it would be appropriate to conduct interviews on all issues either correctly or sub-divide them for respective issues. In either way, the activity seeks to gather the customers' point of view on the project and interview correspondence would provide first hand information thus appropriate for other related aspects of the project that require customers input. Finally, I would employ

Controls Tmobile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Controls Tmobile - Essay Example T-Mobile, however, is part of a very dynamic technology market where both of these strategies are important in staying competitive as other companies constantly evolve their tactics. According to Miller, et al. â€Å"Organizational environments differ in their degree of instability or turbulence, thereby creating very different contexts for adaptation† (Miller et al., 1998). In short, this means that a company in stable economic times with few competitors or other outside pressures will adapt by making small modifications to its approach to strategic planning, but when faced with major outside forces it will certainly make quick assessments and implementation of change in order to compete. Because dynamic business markets means constant change and high competition, T-Mobile is much more likely than companies in other industries to use strategic plans that involve quick reaction to change on the operational level. While this often works to the benefit of the company there are drawbacks. Organizations in stable environments are more likely to employ strategic objectives that maintain the status quo and may keep the business headed in a positive direction for longer periods of time with little fluctuation. In the United States, T-Mobile and many of the major players in the telecommunications industry have responded to government deregulation by becoming more dynamic, perhaps at the price of long-term stability in the market. In order to excel, T-Mobile uses the strategy of employing dynamic change to deliver new products and services in dynamic, constantly evolving ways. At T-Mobile, the operational levels closely match the goals of the company’s dynamic plan, demonstrating its strength. The company employs the ‘better-faster-cheaper’ mantra, and quickly changes pace to meet evolving customer expectations with innovative new products and services, evidencing the quick response of the company to outside pressures. For instance, in advertising the new

Unemployment Benefits and Financial Difficulty Essay

Unemployment Benefits and Financial Difficulty - Essay Example Unemployment is not something that can be easily explained, especially considering that people who find themselves unemployed do not fall into one distinct group. There are a number of causes and reasons why one person finds himself unemployed with structural unemployment, frictional unemployment and seasonal unemployment being the most common types. Francine, on the other hand, is affected by seasonal unemployment which refers to individuals who hold jobs for a distinct period of time such as the job she had at the ski resort and which ended because the winter season is over. Her type of unemployment is hard to define since she is only available for a period of time for a specific kind of work (Tucker 172). However, she does not qualify for unemployment benefits since it is clear that she is not undergoing any type of financial difficulty being as she has stated she is not interested in working until the next winter season. Beauvoir, on the other hand, is affected by structural unem ployment where the skill set that she has no longer matches with the requirements of her place of work. This is a major problem that is occurring in the present time as the world becomes more technologically oriented. Another problem with this type of unemployment is the fact that it can last for a long period of time simply because firms are not willing to retrain their workers as a result of cost or the time involved (Tucker 172). Because Beauvoir was a full-time employee and did have the skills that were needed to carry out her job up to the time that the firm became upgraded, she does deserve the unemployment benefits to keep her going as she looks for a way to enhance on her computer skills.

Innovation Diffusion and New Product Growth Models Essay

Innovation Diffusion and New Product Growth Models - Essay Example A number of organizations consider these innovations as a critical driver for economic performance. Researcher Silva, (2009) has agreed that the 21st century is totally based on information, innovation and knowledge-based economy. The success of organizations is hugely depended on the gaining of competitive advantages by effectively managing the current technologies and work processes while simultaneously creating innovations for the future. Innovation within the organizational processes can be viewed as the proper and efficient application for better solutions for the existing as well as changing and evolving marketing needs (Silva, 2009). Â  Innovation is the most important tool to success for the organizations in the post-Fordism business era. Post-Fordism elaborates the ability of organizations to improve their flexibility and adaptability towards the changing demand and preferences of the local as well as a global market by emphasizing on small batch production, economies of scope and new communication procedure (Amin, 2011). On the other hand, the percentage of failing of organizations is also increasing day by day from 2% in 1960 to 14% in 2008 (Edmondson, 2011). A large number of once leading companies, such as Kodak, Nokia Xerox, Motorola, and Polaroid, has experienced a huge failure due to the acquisition of wrong organizational practices and behaviors, while the market is continuously reforming and modernizing with new sets of behavior and practices. The organizational design and stereotypical practices are hampering the desired growth for the various leading organization while small firms are making their w ay to secure a successful position in the market (Edmondson, 2011). The lack of expertise to suspect the future has caused for overconfidence in such organization (Edmondson, 2011).

Airline computer application Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Airline computer application - Essay Example Reservations and the internet Among the various airline computer applications the computer reservation system holds much importance in today’s date. It is a computerized system mainly used to feed in and store and occasionally retrieve information and basically conduct integral transaction on airlines travel. The computer application on reservation parameter has travelled a long way from its first introduction in the year 1950. Down the years with latest developments, modern technology implementation and change in laws the reservation system has also changed. It is a sole system of maintaining much of the management task. Be it maintaining records, flight schedules, seat management, passenger reservation, ticket booking, tariffs and many others. Previously all the information of a particular airline was restricted within its staffs and it was not allowed to be shared with others. But with the push of the travel agents in the year 1970, the emergence of the computer reservation system came into account where other airlines, travel agents and any individual can peep into the information for a particular airline. It has been globalized for all, where not only the purchases of tickets are facilitated; the whole system is accessible to the consumers. The first to introduce automated booking was American Airlines in the year 1946. To track various incidents and information and also to make work smoother, faster and more efficient the introduction was highly appealing to every airline worldwide. In due course they invested into research and development of the particular invention to make it more users friendly and easier and nearly in 1970 airlines were successful in building up their own systems. The major systems that are popular today are Worldspan, SABRE, Abacus, Patheo and Galileo. The American airlines are known to use mainly SABRE along with Lastminute.com, Travelocity and Expedia Abacus is considered to be much popular in the Asian countries (Wahab Sala h, Cooper Chris, 2001). In flight services and Provisioning programs In flight services and provisioning programs refers to the services available to the customers during the flight. It was claimed that in the year 1936, smoking room, dining room, lounge, piano and a bar was provided by the airline Hindenburg in a two and a half hour flight. Later on the facilities provided were revised and the facilities majorly provided was listed down to food and drinks and occasionally in long flights there was projector movie played for the entertainment of the people. Soon there was major requirement of the advanced in flight services and there was demand of designing the cabin in the preferred way. IFE systems were in corporate where the major players were Thales Group, Panasonic Avionics Corporation and Rockwell Collins. Down the years with much advanced technology is implemented and the in flight services have become much improved with various modern applications introduced in every way giv ing all the comfort and facility to the passengers. It is a major innovation since many of the flights include much longer journeys than twenty hours and passenger needs comfort and proper facility while traveling continuously for such long. The longer destination flights need more of these services as the passengers go through major time zone difference which usually makes them physically unstable. Good service and good provisioning programs becomes mandatory in these cases. Today there are vast entertainment services available with TV channels, musical programs, block buster movies, documentaries, educational channels, news broadcasting and many others. This is only because of the innovative software systems as well as hardware applications that got implemented in the recent days to facilitate the passengers. The major concern in installing these applications was cost parameters and system safety along with challenges like user compatibility. But thankfully these hurdles were easi ly

Imagination & Identity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Imagination & Identity - Essay Example From the time that one is young, there is a perception and specific reality that is created in terms of identity. Imaginary worlds and friends are some of the main concepts that are applied to this and which create a specific sense of what it means to belong to a specific identity or group. â€Å"Most under – sevens have an invisible friend, and children create their imaginary playmates not out of trauma but out of a serene sense of the possibilities of fiction – sometimes as figures of pure fantasy, sometimes, as observations of grownup manners† (Gopnik, 253). The ability to create an identity and sense of reality through imagination and by mimicking the identity of others is one which can then be expected to stay with children while growing older. This reality and vision is one which is combined not only with ideas of fiction but also with expectations of what one is to become. â€Å"We were always about becoming, not being, about the prospects for the future, not about the inheritance of the past† (Lapham, 45). Both of these articles agree that there is the need to create something from the imagination and to keep depicting that specific reality. The fiction then becomes a sense of identity that one grows into, either by imagining something, mimicking adult behaviors or by believing what one should be. The concept of building a reality out of imagination then leads into the capacity of creating identity. The creation of identity moves beyond the labels in which one holds, such as being a New Yorker or a scientist. More important, are behaviors and mannerisms that are associated with the identity and labels which one believes they have. For instance, when defining New Yorkers, the identity becomes: â€Å"New Yorkers are busy for obvious reasons: they have husbands and wives and careers and children they have the Gauguin show to see and their personal trainers and

CSC - Interim Report Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

CSC - Interim Report - Assignment Example Customer service and care are a critical component of any successive business venture (Mcardle, 2008, p.81). In this regard, the Swire hotels have incorporated the aspect of quality customer service and care in the operation of all their hotels. Swire Hotels is a collection of three hotel brands including House Collection, East Lifestyle Hotels, and Chapter hotels. The House collection hotels are small but luxurious hotels within the umbrella of Swire Hotels. Environmental factors like social status, family situation, and cultural background, influence the buyer’s decision-making process, especially in Swire Hotels (XKhosrow-pour, 2013, p. 34). According to Kapoor, Paul and Halder (2011, p. 43), the cooperation and synergy among Swire employees, promotes quality customer service and care. The reliability of employees indicates the level of customer satisfaction. Swire Hotels have a comprehensive employee performance appraisal, especially on the element of customer service. The appraisal process establishes the reliable and unreliable employees (Gibson, 2012, 89). According to Humphrey (2011, p. 67), after sale service is also important because it encourages repeat purchases. The Swire Hotels provide a wide variety of meals. It provides customers with many choices of food. Consequently, customers are satisfied because their need is met. Additionally, the differentiation aspect in the promotion of Swire Hotel food is important for customers (Sherman, 2009, p. 83). The strategy creates a better perception among the Swire Hotels Customers. The spread of the Hotels also enables the preparation of unique types of foods in common in various parts of the world. Consequently, Sire Hotels accommodate almost every customer in the world. The monadic approach does not entail the internal aspects of a consumer like psychology. The strategy is used by the Hotel to evaluate and analyze the suitable marketing techniques.

The Psychoanalytic Strategy Essay Example for Free

The Psychoanalytic Strategy Essay Introduction: The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is a projective personality test that was designed at Harvard in the 1930s by Christiana D. Morgan and Henry A. Murray. Along with the MMPI and the Rorschach, the TAT is one of the most widely used psychological tests. The original purpose of the TAT was to reveal the underlying dynamics of the subjects personality, such as internal conflicts, dominant drives and interests, motives, etc.   (Encyclopedia, 2006) The TAT works on the principle that a subjects unconscious can be tapped to reveal repressed aspects of personality, motives and needs for achievement, power and intimacy, and problem-solving abilities. The TAT is a projective test in that, like the Rorschach test, its assessment of the subject is based on what he or she projects onto the ambiguous images. Each story created by a subject is carefully analyzed to uncover underlying needs, attitudes, and patterns of reaction. Description: The TAT uses a series of 31 provocative yet ambiguous pictures that depict a variety of social and interpersonal situations (Encyclopedia, 2006). The subject is asked to tell a story about each picture to the examiner. Of the 31 pictures, 10 are gender-specific while 21 others can be used with adults of either sex and with children. As of 2001, the TAT is distributed by Harcourt Brace Educational Measurement.The 31 cards are meant to be divided into two series of ten pictures each, with the pictures of the second series being purposely more unusual, dramatic, and bizarre than those of the first. Suggested administration involves one full hour being devoted to a series, with the two sessions being separated by a day or more. There are several formal scoring systems that have been developed for analyzing TAT stories. Two common methods that are currently used in research are the Defense Mechanisms Manual (Cramer, 1991) and Social Cognition and Object Relations (Westen, 1991)scale. The examiner shows the subject a series of story cards taken from the full set of 31 TAT cards. The usual number of cards shown to the subject is between 10 and 14, although Murray recommended the use of 20 cards, administered in two separate one-hour sessions with the subject. The subject is then instructed to tell a story about the picture on each card, with specific instructions to include a description of the event in the picture, the developments that led up to the event, the thoughts and feelings of the people in the picture, and the outcome of the story. The examiner keeps the cards in a pile face down in front of him or her, gives them to the subject one at a time, and asks the subject to place each card face down as its story is completed. Administration of the TAT usually takes about an hour. TAT is often a part of personality evaluation tests. It is considered to be effective in eliciting information about a persons view of the world and his or her attitudes toward the self and others. As people taking the TAT proceed through the various story cards and tell stories about the pictures, they reveal their expectations of relationships with peers, parents or other authority figures, subordinates, and possible romantic partners (Encyclopedia, 2006). In addition to assessing the content of the stories that the subject is telling, the examiner evaluates the subjects manner, vocal tone, posture, hesitations, and other signs of an emotional response to a particular story picture. Several adaptations of the TAT were developed for research with specific populations. In the Thompson-TAT or T-TAT (Thompson, 1949), a version for black examinees, the adaptation consisted of little more than the darkening of the characters’ skin (Bailey Green, 1977). In the adaptation for handicapped examinees (cited in Zubin et al., 1965), crutches were simply added to some of the figures. In the versions developed for cross-cultural research culture-specific portrayals of the themes have been used in the TAT cards. Evaluation using TAT: Experts in the use of the TAT recommend obtaining a personal and medical history from the subject before giving the TAT, in order to have some context for evaluating what might otherwise appear to be abnormal or unusual responses. For example, frequent references to death or grief in the stories would not be particularly surprising from a subject who had recently been bereaved. In addition, it has been opined that the TAT is most effective when combined with other interviews and tests. Students in medicine, psychology, or other fields who are learning to administer and interpret the TAT are advised to be conservative in their interpretations, and to err on the side of health rather than of psychopathology when evaluating a subjects responses. In addition, the 1992 Code of Ethics of the American Psychological Association requires examiners to be knowledgeable about cultural and social differences, and to be responsible in interpreting test results with regard to these differences. Moreover, in interpreting responses to the TAT, examiners typically focus their attention on one of three areas: the content of the stories that the subject tells; the feeling or tone of the stories; or the subjects behaviors apart from responses. While the story content usually reveals the subjects attitudes, fantasies, wishes, inner conflicts, and view of the outside world, the story structure typically reflects the subjects feelings, assumptions about the world, and an underlying attitude of optimism or pessimism. Thematic apperception tests published recently have more structured and modern stimulus material and some carry parallel versions for ethnic minorities. These newer instruments have a more â€Å"actuarial† approach, that is, response scoring is based on a specific system involving numerical scores, and validation is grounded on statistical procedures (Masling, 1997). The psychometric validation of thematic apperception tests such as the CAST, the RATC, and the TEMAS mark a shift from a clinical to a psychometr ­ic approach in the development of thematic apperception tests (Masling, 1997). Limitations: The TAT has been called â€Å"a clinician’s delight and a statistician’s nightmare,† in part because its administration is usually not standardized. Since the TAT is used primarily for personality assessment rather than diagnosis of mental disorders, it does not yield a score in the usual sense. A normative scoring system for responses is absent in TAT. The original scoring system devised in 1943 by Henry Murray, is time-consuming and unwieldy. Other scoring systems have since been introduced that focus on one or two specific variables—for example, hostility or depression. While these systems are more practical for clinical use, they lack comprehensiveness. No single system presently used for scoring the TAT has achieved widespread acceptance. The basic drawback of any scoring system in evaluating responses to the TAT story cards is that information that is not relevant to that particular system is simply lost. The three writers, Scott O. Lilienfeld, James M. Wood and Howard N. Garb, have found that tests such as the Rorschach inkblot test, Thematic Appreciation Test (TAT) and the Draw-a-Person Test are frequently ineffective in identifying most psychiatric conditions due to a lack of standards in administration, scoring and subjective interpretation. A recent subject of controversy in TAT interpretation concerns the use of computers to evaluate responses. Computers have two basic limitations for use with the TAT: the first is that they cannot observe and record the subjects vocal tone, eye contact, and other aspects of behavior that a human examiner can note. Second, computers are not adequate for the interpretation of unusual subject profiles. American psychologists practicing in juvenile and family courts discovered that only 3 percent relied on a standardized TAT scoring system (Lilienfeld et al, 2001). Unfortunately, some evidence suggests that clinicians who interpret the TAT in an intuitive way are likely to over diagnose psychological disturbance. Uses of TAT: The TAT is often used in individual assessments of candidates for employment in fields such as law enforcement, military leadership positions, religious ministry, education, diplomatic service, etc. TAT is often administered to individuals who have already received a diagnosis in order to match them with the type of psychotherapy best suited to their personalities, or in some cases to help the therapist understand why the treatment seems to be stalled or blocked (Murray). The extensive research on achievement motivation by McClelland and his colleagues (e.g., McClelland, Atkinson, Clark, Lowell, 1953) gave the TAT widespread fame. It is sometimes used for forensic purposes in evaluating the motivations and general attitudes of persons accused of violent crimes (Lara-Kroon, 2007). The TAT is currently used as a tool for research around areas of psychology such as dreams, fantasies, mate selection and what motivates people to choose their occupation. The TAT can be used to help people understand their own personality in greater depth and build on that knowledge in making important life decisions. Criticism: The TAT is criticized as false or outdated by many psychologists mainly because of declining adherence to the Freudian principle of repression on which the test is based. They hold that TAT is unscientific because it cannot be proved to be valid or reliable. The TAT has been criticized for its lack of a standardized method of administration as well as the lack of standard norms for interpretation. Studies of the interactions between examiners and test subjects have found that the race, sex, and social class of both participants influence both the stories that are told and the way the stories are interpreted by the examiner. In addition, the 31 standard pictures have been criticized for being too gloomy or depressing, and therefore limiting the range of personality characteristics that the test can assess. The TAT cannot be administered to groups. Conclusion: Thus we find that Tat continues to remain a popular psychological evaluation tool. It has evolved over time to overcome certain drawbacks. Bibliography: Scott O. Lilienfeld, James M. Wood and Howard N. Garb (2001). Whats Wrong with this picture? Scientific American. May 2001. Lara-Kroon, Nicky Cohen de (2007). The history of projective testing (emphasizing the thematic apperception test). http://www.cohendelara.com/publicaties/history.htm Zubin, J., Eron, L. D., Schumer, F. (1965). An experimental approach to projective techniques. London: Wiley. Thompson, C. E. (1949). The Thompson Modification of the Thematic Apperception Test. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Bailey, B. E., Green, J. (1977). Black Thematic Apperception Test stimulus material. Journal of Personalit y Assessment, 41, 25-30. McClelland, D. C., Atkinson, J. W., Clark, R. A., Lowell, E. L. (1953). The achievement motive. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts. Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders (2006). Thematic Apperception Test. http://www.minddisorders.com/Py-Z/Thematic-Apperception-Test.html Murray A. Henry. Uses of the Thematic Apperception Test. http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/107/7/498

Signs of Elder Financial Abuse

Signs of Elder Financial Abuse CHAPTER 1: METHODS AND TACTICS OF AN ELDER FINANCIAL ABUSER Our families, communities and state legal system have worked in recent years to protect our loved ones from elder financial abuse. That said, families with elder adults still share a deep fear about the physical, mental and financial safety of their loved ones. Elder abusers, however reprehensible, often find ways to circumvent the protections that our families and society provide our senior citizens. Wrongdoers have their methods and tactics, and its our responsibility to counter them at every turn. If they think theyve gotten away with hijacking estate or trust assets, trust litigation attorneys should make them pay under the full weight of civil law. In my practice, which likely mirrors our country at large, the following are the five most common ways elder financial abuse happens: 1. Caregiver Abuse When a Michigan trial judge dismissed a familys lawsuit against a home care company for sending a caregiver with two felony criminal warrants to care for a man in his 80s, the national press erupted with questions about how this could happen. In this particular case, a caregiver company Kentucky-based ResCare sent a woman to a retired Detroit-area businessman to look after his ailing wife, who had dementia. It didnt take long until the wifes jewelry began to disappear, as well as the businessmans fortune. Court filings estimate the losses to be as high as $1.5 million. The caregiver, if she could be called that, moved the businessman out of his bedroom into the basement of his lakefront home and moved her mother into the home. The businessmans wife died, and within months the caretaker married the businessman. When the businessmans family members finally intervened and removed him from his home, his finances were in a shambles. He didnt have bank accounts with positive balances or working credit cards. He had his social security monthly payment thats it. The Michigan businessman and his family are simply representative of the widespread abuse affecting our growing elderly population. I have handled a number of cases where predators, posing as legitimate caregivers, soon take advantage of the elderly. This misconduct includes physical and medical neglect often coupled that with embezzlement and theft. The Michigan case didnt work out well not that any of these abuse cases by nature work out well. Even with a partial financial recovery, the seismic emotional repercussions stemming from misplaced trust dont easily recede. 2. Financial Exploitation Financial exploitation takes many forms. Every day, even though I have been counseling families for decades, I am regularly surprised. The sale of an elders medications; grocery bills more attributable to cash withdrawals taken by caregivers than bread and milk purchased for the elderly; lawn service for a small yard at $300.00 per week; money used for gambling; medical care and dental care neglected because of the theft of funds; and assignments of bank accounts into joint tenancy with a wrongdoer. Most families with victimized elders could readily add to the list of the ways elders are financially exploited. Vigilance helps. Here are some examples of vigilance: Be very careful and take precaution when hiring caregivers. Simply hiring a caregiver company is not an insurance policy against wrongdoing. Watch your elders bank accounts particularly withdrawal activity or changes in accounts. Sometimes the horse is out the barn door before you discover bank transfers but it is still better late than never (or a year later). Be careful and inquiring when you hear that your elder has been making frequent trips to the bank. Be vigilant in watching your elders mail. We have seen circumstances where financial information is hidden from the view of the elder and his or her relatives. This is a sign of great danger. Some financial advisors believe that an elders credit report should be ordered periodically. This could also be a good canary in the coal mine. We have seen cases where social security checks were cashed by wrongdoers. Direct deposit of social security checks, retirement and dividend checks provide some distance between a wrongdoer and your elders money. Review receipts from vendors (grocery store, pharmacy, Costco etc.) for goods purchased for your elderly relative. We have seen wrongdoing first discovered in this review. A $350.00 receipt from the local grocery store showing a $200.00 cash withdrawal can make even the most oblivious suspicious. Watch for service scams. New heaters, air conditioners, garbage disposals or lawn irrigation systems sold at a large premium are not unusual. Reverse mortgages can be a blessing or a curse. Reverse mortgages may provide a large lump sum payment or a stable predictable monthly income to senior adults, but money coming from reverse mortgages may also be a large tempting cookie jar for unscrupulous caretakers or relatives. More than once have I seen reverse mortgages paid to vulnerable senior adults with questionable capacity. The existence of a reverse mortgage is often not discovered by the senior homeowners family until the senior has passed away. 3. Misuse of Powers of Attorney Durable powers of attorney can be a great legal vehicle for senior adults to appoint a trusted agent to handle health, legal and financial matters. Such powers, when used with prudence by trusted family members or agents, provide legal protection when and if the senior becomes incapacitated or incompetent. Such powers when used correctly are an unfettered blessing. If misused, such powers can destroy a lifetime of planning. The effective and prudent use of durable or medical powers of attorney brings no headlines. In the same way, misuse of such legal vehicles is often kept secret and only met with incredulity by relatives when discovered. We have seen a number of incidents where powers of attorney were misused at the end of life of an elderly adult to benefit the holder of the power of the attorney. Examples of misuse include: The transfer of real property to the holder negating trust provisions that provide for a different distribution; entry and seizure of safe deposit personal property coupled with later denials of the existence of such properties; dramatic changes in bank accounts that are inconsistent with will or trust provisions; and transfer of vehicles. Some holders of medical powers of attorney have misused their powers to prevent family members from visiting the hospital bed of a gravely ill or dying relative. California has recently addressed this issue in legislation making such abuse much more difficult. In the meantime stories abound about how a son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter, could not visit a dying relative because a stepmother or stepfather prevented the visit. If these problems were not so common there would be little need to address it. For those who face the issue, they should immediately contact a lawyer familiar with elder abuse laws. Medical facilities should also be aware of their own limitations is preventing visits. 4. Isolation and Freeze-Outs Isolation of elders from their families, neighbors and loved ones is an all too common occurrence. Changed door locks, new locked front gates, mobile telephone seizures, failure to answer or open the door to visitors, and unreported removals of elders from their homes are part and parcel of isolation. These actions cause family members to fear for the safety of their loved ones and also may create a sense of helplessness. Unfortunately, such conduct is common. For Californians who encounter isolation or freeze-out abuse, the first step is to call Adult Protective Services or its equivalent. Local law enforcement agencies also often have task forces that deal with such abuse. Civil lawyers skilled and experienced in elder abuse issues can assist in such contacts and can also address such issues in civil filings that include restraining orders and other appropriate measures. Words of warning while isolation and freeze-out conduct might be obvious to the family member of the elder, such conduct may not be as obvious to authorities. Criminals and wrongdoers do not usually jump at the chance to admit guilt. While there is no excuse for elder abuse, wrongdoers will readily provide excuses. Common excuses include I had to keep everyone away because they just upset the elder; We had to move Grandpa to Arizona because they had the best medical care there; I had to keep Aunt Bessie from the phone because she only got upset when she heard from her relatives; Of course I had to keep my dad away from my sisters and brother because they are greedy and they only wanted to get his money; and I needed to protect my uncle because he was afraid that his children were going to hit him, push him down or lock him up in a mental asylum. Dont expect the isolator to readily admit that she bought her boyfriend a new Harley with grandmas money, that the house and surrounding are a pigsty because she is doing meth, or that all of grandmas jewelry was sold to support her drug habit. Youve got to dig at it when your loved one is isolated when you are frozen out. The process can be demanding, frustrating, and can cause anxiety. Still dont turn your back on your elder do something protect the vulnerable. 5. Unwarranted Transfers First, an obvious acknowledgment: families often have difficulty in transferring an elderly family member to an assisted living or nursing facility in situations where it is absolutely in the seniors best interests to have such a transfer. Id venture to say that most transfers are absolutely warranted and done with love and care for the senior. It is the unwarranted transfers, coupled with wrongdoing, that can petrify family members. The common setting for unwarranted transfers is the presence of a family member maybe a stepbrother or stepsister who is estranged from the seniors other children and family members. For whatever reason, and by whatever treacherous means, the wrongdoer is able to get the elder into his or her home and get the elders estate plan altered. Once the estate plan is effectively altered, it can be Katy bar the door for change. More than once we have seen circumstances that the senior is transferred against his or her wishes to a facility geographically removed from other family members. In the meantime, personal goods and family mementos are often discarded or hidden. These actions often cause even greater anger than money transfers. You simply cant replace photographs, family heirlooms, military awards, or personal collections with money. The discarding of important family treasures is an affront to the remaining family members a complete disregard of important family history and a glaring mark of the greed of the wrongdoer. Difficulties abound when trying to address unwarranted transfers. First off, the senior often lacks capacity. So what do we look at when the senior lacks capacity? One way to deal with an incompetent senior is to seek a conservatorship of his or her person and estate. This is not without complications. Does the senior really wish to be supervised by a stranger or even a benign family member? Conservatorships can be expensive and time consuming. Prospective conservatees are afforded counsel public defenders or otherwise. The costs of such counsel is paid from the conservatees estate. Courts are often reluctant to appoint conservators even for those with great impairment it is the taking away of ones freedom, even if such freedom increases vulnerability to scams and unscrupulous people. Detecting the Tactics of Elder Financial Abuse The sooner elder financial abuse is detected, the better the chance for recovery of estate and trust assets on behalf of the victims. So what are the typical signs or red flags to look out for? According to the guidelines of National Adult Protective Services Association, the following factors should be watched closely to avoid a potential personal tragedy and financial disaster: 1. Liabilities Unpaid Bills: What if an elderly loved one should have the means to pay the bills every month, but somehow their utilities get shut off? There might be more in play than just a seniors faulty memory a bad actor may have made off with money from the elders accounts, leaving the victim high and dry. 2. Surrender of Oversight: Very often we see cases of a new friend, neighbor or opportunistic relative appearing on the scene to offer their help in managing the elders financial account. At times they even succeed in gaining power of attorney. This effective forfeiture of oversight should be looked into closely for other indicators of suspicious activity. 3. Suspicious Withdrawals: As any good investigator will tell you, follow the money. When financial accounts begin registering unexplained withdrawals or checks set to cash, its time for you to speak with bank employees and get further details on whos making these transactions. 4. Vanishing Assets: Another tell-tale sign of elder financial abuse is when valuables begin to disappear. Suddenly an elders jewelry, cash or financial documents like stock certificates vanish, and the perpetrator takes to living lavishly with new purchases of fancy attire, vehicles, property, etc. 5. Changed Estate Documents: Wrongdoers who commit elder financial abuse will often seek to legitimize their predatory behavior with the stamp of legitimacy. Exercising undue influence on the elderly victim, theyll shop around for any lawyer who will agree to change a will or trust document in their favor. Ask your elderly loved one about any such changes if you are faced with such a situation, it may be time to consult an experienced trust litigation attorney. 6. Creditors Come Knocking: Is the elder encountering financial trouble where there should be none? Find out the explanation for property liens or foreclosure warnings. The reason behind creditor claims may be more than just a mistake your elderly family member might have been financially exploited by an abuser who cleaned out their accounts. Identifying Financial Exploitation and Scams As the population of senior citizens in California continues to grow, so too will the challenge posed by fraudsters who want to prey on our elderly and steal their money. To help seniors and their loved ones identify and avoid scams, Ive compiled a list of the most common ploys, tricks, and tactics financial criminals use against the elderly. So watch out for the following forms of fraud: 1. Grandparents Scam A senior will receive a phone call beginning with, Grandma? The caller will cleverly elicit the grandchilds name. Posing as the grandchild, the scammer will then say theyve gotten into some form of deep trouble they might tell the senior theyre in jail or stranded in a foreign country. Its an emergency, and they need help immediately! With the grandparent now upset and ready to assist their supposed grandchild by any means possible, the scammer will ask them to wire money to their bank account, often by Western Union. To avoid falling for the grandparent scam, dont let a caller drag you into the guessing game, whereby you willingly provide them with the names of your grandchildren and other relatives. If a scammer is more sophisticated, they might research their victim on social media sometimes theyll run the scam on platforms like Facebook. Call your family members and check on the whereabouts of your grandchildren, no matter how convincing a story you may hear over the phone or through social media. 2. Secret Shopper To your surprise, you receive a check in the mail for several thousand dollars to Wal-Mart or another big-box store. Youve been chosen for the secret shopper program! In reality, youre being conned into depositing a bad check. Once youve deposited, the scammers will ask you to mail them a check with the difference and thats in addition to your being responsible for the fraudulent check youve cashed. Secret Shopper is a nasty scam that leaves its bewildered victims thousands of dollars poorer. Keep elderly loved ones away from fraud schemes like Secret Shopper by using the too-good-to-be-true rule: if its too good to be true, its not true someones after your money. That means Secret Shopper offers are as good as garbage. 3. Email Scams Email scams have been around a long time and arent going away its cost-effective for swindlers to send out millions of spam emails, even if they only get one or two responses from potential victims. If you have an email account, youre going to receive these from time to time, even with the best spam filters. The most notorious email scams are Nigerian prince letters, which inform recipients that they have been selected to share in an enormous royal fortune in Nigeria or some other West African nation. All the recipients have to do to gain their riches is wire money to the esteemed prince to pay the transaction fee. Naturally, there is no pot of gold at the end of the Nigerian rainbow, with the net result of your bank account being emptied. Another common type of email scam is known as phishing, the imitation of real websites to elicit personal and financial information. You might very well receive a bank alert that seems to be from your bank; the message will inform you that your bank account is overdrawn, you are the victim of identity theft, etc. Even the layout of the email and fake website will look convincingly real. Yet the actual purpose of the phishing scam is to get you to enter your bank account ID, password, Social Security Number, etc., into the phony website, all in order to defraud you. In addition to Nigerian prince emails and phishing schemes, you may also receive emails marked urgent, etc. Often theyll seemingly be sent from friends and relatives. Theyll have attachments in the form of letters or videos youre told to open. In reality, theyre fake letters with harmful attachments viruses or malware that are designed to infect your computer and steal your personal information. Online criminals can even mask their spam messages to make it appear they come from friends, family, and colleagues in their attempt to trick you into opening the attachment in order to unleash their virus. To steer clear of email scams, the best policy is simply to delete unfamiliar emails and not engage too-good-to-be true offers to share in African riches. If you get a bank alert email that youre unsure of, check your account online (dont click on any link in the message) or simply call your bank to check your account. Also remember to never open attachments in unknown messages, and be very weary of vague requests from seemingly familiar senders who might very well be identity thieves and con artists. 4. Investment Fraud Investment fraud is an all-too-common form of elder financial abuse, and scammers find numerous ways to perpetrate the crime against seniors. The first variety are classic Ponzi schemes, where elderly clients are recruited into dubious investment ventures promising big returns, but which in reality generate no profit investment proceeds are simply skimmed from client funds. Ponzi schemers will pose as legitimate entrepreneurs or investment advisors, sometimes offering free meals to attend their wealth seminars. By the time a Ponzi scheme collapses (as it inevitably will if authorities dont intervene), victims are often left penniless and effectively unable to recover any of the funds they had invested in the scheme the perpetrator likely spent all the money and distributed it out as false profits. Its unfortunate but true that there are also a few bad-faith brokers out there who are willing to defraud their elderly clients. Investment advisors and brokers who violate their clients trust can sometimes go years stealing before they finally get caught. To keep a financial predator from looting your accounts or those of your loved ones, make sure to review their background through FINRAs BrokerCheck it never hurts to get a second opinion on a firm or particular advisor. Along with Ponzi schemes and outright abuses by bad-faith brokers, also watch out for multi-level marketing schemes (MLMs). MLMs, otherwise known as pyramid schemes and network marketing, are technically legal business models that require the new member to recruit others into the venture in order to sell whatever product might be on offer. Senior citizens, at times lonely and in need of companionship, can be vulnerable to these schemes, some of which will send them box-loads of products and charge them whether they agreed or not. So while MLMs are technically legal, they are often highly exploitative of senior citizens through their deceptive terms and conditions. To steer clear of investment fraud, apply the too good to be true rule to investment offerings that boast sky-high returns and near-zero risk chances are its a Ponzi scheme. Conduct due diligence and consult a reputable advisor who can help you or your elderly loved ones make sound investment decisions. And stay away from MLM pyramids, the only point of which is to enrich their very top layer while exploiting everyone else below them with largely empty promises of wealth. 5. Telemarketing Fraud Often connected with investment scams are predatory telemarketing schemes, another way fraudsters look to entrap seniors. Many elderly Americans receive several phone calls a week from slick salesmen pitching everything from penny stocks to flimsy-sounding premium retirement programs for their portfolios. Quick-talking telemarketers will pressure lonely, confused seniors into once-in-a-lifetime investments in dubious or non-existent oil and gas holdings, foreign currency exchange, real estate, and even blockbuster movie productions. Another ploy is to hit up the victim for contributions to a supposed charity. Finally, dont be fooled by con men (and women) who pretend to be calling from your bank, hospital, insurance provider, etc. Theyre looking to elicit your personal information to commit identity theft against you. Its sad but true that financial abuse is made easy over the telephone. To prevent telemarketing fraud, make it an express policy to never sign onto anything over the phone. Courteously hang up and make sure to register for the US governments Do Not Call list. Keep it simple never give personal or financial information to unknown callers, no matter who they might claim to be. 6. Repair Fraud Seniors are frequently targeted for elder financial abuse right in their own home through the common tactic of repair fraud. If an elder is forgetful or possibly suffering from dementia, wrongdoers will look to exploit this weakness by overcharging for home repairs and yardwork. Sometimes scammers will even come around repeatedly, performing the same task several times over a given period and defrauding the victim in the process. Even unscrupulous auto mechanics have been known to jack up prices for elderly, confused customers and engage in dishonest, unethical practices like changing tires every few months. Another updated form of repair fraud is the antivirus scam, which can be perpetrated in person, online, or over the phone. You might receive a fake email, a telephone call, or even a door-to-door visit from someone claiming to check your computer for viruses. Theyll tell you your computer is infected and repair it, charging you for a non-existent service and possibly even stealing your personal and financial information while they access your computer. Countering repair fraud might mean going to the doctor and getting an evaluation over possible memory loss or increased confusion. Seniors with conditions like dementia must be protected from financial exploitation one effective way to shield vulnerable elderly loved ones from repair fraud is to obtain financial power of attorney. When a responsible younger relative takes on this legal duty, its sometimes possible to recover funds lost to repair fraud. 7. Sweepstakes Scams Fake sweepstakes, lotteries, and raffles represent a widespread form of fraud perpetrated against senior citizens. Youll get a flashy mailer informing you of your amazing prize winnings, or perhaps a telephone call or spam email. A fabulous fortune is yours to be had, youre told, and all you have to do to attain your winnings is pay a phony tax, shipping fees, or other made-up charges. Your social security number and bank information might even required to claim the supposed prize. In reality, of course, the sweepstakes is a scam meant to trick you out of hundreds or even thousands of dollars, potentially putting your identity at risk. The too-good-to-be-true rule applies to most scams, and ridiculous sweepstakes mailers are no exception. A real raffle or lottery wouldnt require you pay or provide sensitive personal info to access your prize. Sweepstakes offers and other contest winnings should be promptly tossed in the trash, and whoevers sending them through the postal system should be regarded with strong suspicion. Seniors should have a trusted loved one help them sort through mail and identify all such deceptive mailers. Countermeasures Heightened Vigilance What are some initial steps you can make to prevent elder financial abuse? Several measures are available for family members, lawyers, financial professionals and medical caregivers. Along with basic awareness, coordination and ongoing communication between parties translate to increased protection. Here are some basic actions you can take to keep elderly loved ones safe from exploitation: 1. Financial Oversight: A family member and financial professional at the local bank or advisory firm should establish a system of oversight over an elders accounts. In addition to setting up bill payment, keep a sharp eye on any excessive withdrawals or irregular transfers. Consider joint accounts with the elder, and look into the possibilities of a limited credit card for an elder susceptible to financial exploitation. 2. Revocable Trust: With a revocable trust in place, a trustee has access to a trust account without enjoying the status of legal ownership. Stopping irresponsible or just plain bad trustees from squandering assets translates to building in effective safeguards. 3. Communication: The human element is vital in preventing elder financial abuse, and that means maintaining effective lines of communication between all interested parties, whether it be the attorney, investment advisor or medical caregiver. Just as importantly, a loving relationship with an elderly family member makes all the difference in shielding them from harm. If a senior is lonely, theyll be more vulnerable to fraud or unethical sales pitches. Just visiting an elder regularly, talking and showing them you care is an enormous boost in keeping them safe. 4. No-Contact Lists: Boiler room telemarketers and deceptive mailers target elders who suffer from cognitive impairment. One way to block most, if not all, of these unwelcome solicitors is to contact the FTCs Do Not Call Registry, Nomorobo and the Direct Marketing Association. Speak with your elderly loved one about the harmful nature of these calls and fliers to help them spot when theyre being scammed. Protecting your elderly family member is virtually a full-time job for many it becomes a full-time job of care, comfort, housing, medical visits, and protection. Such duties may be embraced with love, but it is a love coupled often with real suffering. It is never easy to care for a parent with dementia or with chronic physical or mental problems. Both physical and mental exhaustion often accompany such care. Sibling issues arise between those who are near the elder family member and those who are geographically removed. Friends of the elder might be critical of the care or protections that are put in place for the elders benefits. Not all is black and white. Taking care of an elder adult often reminds us to reflect on the meaning of the Fifth Commandment: Honor thy father and thy mother. Doing this honor is a day-to-day process, and is not without its challenges.

Effects Of Crime And Violence On Television

Effects Of Crime And Violence On Television As we turn on the television today, there seems to be more shows that have violence in them then ever before. The same goes true for movies and video games which the violence has a damaging effect on the society. Studies done over the last forty years show that there is a link between media violence and an increase in violet acts committed by juveniles (http://www.ehow.com/about_4595746_does-media-cause-crime.html). With a rise in the violence in juveniles it raises the question whether the media industry has any duty with the violence it shows. Some facts need to be considered when looking at media violence and children. One factor is that many of todays population watches TV. Many say that the crime rates are going up and down due to the media. Also the shows show types of criminal behavior that could be of interest to the public. Unfortunately with many studies done over the forty years scientist have looked at media and crime they have notice a fine line which cant be crossed. When watching the news do you remember hearing about fourteen year old Michael Carneal firing a .22caliberr into a prayer group (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article)? How about sixteen Luke Woodham and fifteen year old Kip Kinkel who both shot their parent and then went to school and shot some classmates (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article)? When the media represents a crime such as this the people who do the crime and its affects is how the people began to see that population (Bjornstorm, Kaufman, Peterson, Slater 2010 p.269-293). Crisis such as can be a time when a population is over-presented as to be a bad person or even under presented as if what was happening did not mattered. When this happens those who are watching TV can end up thinking this behavior is okay and start acting like them (Bjornstorm, Kaufman, Peterson, Slater 2010 p.269-293). Since the 1950s many college professors studied how crime in cartoons and TV shows affected young children (http://www.ehow.com/about_4595746_does-media-cause-crime.htm). They found that after watching the cartoons the children are more aggressive immediately afterward. Also when the parents are involved the child seems to be less aggressive as well (http://www.ehow.com/about_4595746_does-media-cause-crime.htm). Scientist today say that crime images may be a factor as to why young kids chose a life of crime. Yet if their parents are involved in their everyday lives they are less likely to live a life of crime (http://www.ehow.com/about_4595746_does-media-cause-crime.htm). As you can see the findings from the 1950s is the same the findings today. One can see that there is no real evidence to say whether watching crime on TV leads to a life of crime they allow more research to be done. With forty years of research it is still hard to say ya or nah (http://www.ehow.com/about_4595746_doe s-media-cause-crime.htm). In the case of the three teens, there was a interest that the juvenile crime rate would raise even though there was a sixty-eight percent decrease between 1993 and 1999 (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). Of the four major crimes juveniles are arrested for such as robbery, rape, murder, and aggravated assault it dropped by thirty-six percent between 1994 and 1999 (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). However these statistics are deceive able due to such shootings as the three teens (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). The shootings only proofed that there is an increase in juvenile crime and not a decrease like the statistics believe. When it comes down to just how much crime juveniles are responsible for there is a tug a war between the Gallup Poll and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). The 2000 Gallup Poll believes that the juveniles are responsible for forty-three percent while OJJD P believes juveniles are only responsible for twelve percent (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). To me it is not not how much crime they are responsible for, but what gave them the idea to do the crime. After being arrested for the crimes he committed, Michael Carneal was asked what gave him the idea to commit such a crime in such a way (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). He said he had in the 1995 movie The Basketball Diaries (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). For anyone who has seen The Basketball Diaries know that there is a character who is a promising young poet and basketball player (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112461/). He turns to the sleazy life of someone who is addicted to heroin (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112461/). In one of his highs he goes into a dream sequence in which after breaking the door to his high school down he kills his fellow classmates (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112461/). It is scenes like these that lead to real teens thinking that if they have a problem at school this is how they should deal with it. The example of Carneal is proof that television has brainwashed our daily lives. We have become addicted to the television as if it was its own special kind of drug. The media which is placed on the television can be said to target young adults and teenagers. As shown by Carneal the media influences teens to demonstrate through their body image, peer/ media pressure and sexual misconduct. Based on a study done in 1994 by the National Cable Television Association this is very true. They found that violent content of television shows increased from over one-half of prime time. By the end of the study violence took the majority of television sending bad messages to teens (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). On top of that villains of the violent scenes seem to not get in trouble for the crimes they commit as well as the villain having no injury even after getting wounded (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). Such depiction give teenagers the sense that it is okay to act like this and get the teenage image which is not always a good image. We all know how important a teenagers image is everything to them. They look to actors and singers on television to give them that image they are looking for. Unfortunately, singers such as TuPac, 50 cent, Britney Spear, and and Lil Kim are some who catch our teens eye. Under the image are what use to be young people who started making the right choices, but made the wrong choices. Producers of the television shows and the market pick these people due to their invisible attitude and sex appeal. Spending a few millions of dollars in advertising is no big deal to them when they sell their clothing (http://www.suite101.com/content/advertising-to-teens-a14289). When you see teenager spending so much money to fit in or to be seen by the opposite sex with that sex appeal that is advertised it is really scary. There are those who ask the advertiser why they spend millions of dollars on advertising to contract teenagers and they will deny it (http://www.suite101.com/content/advertising-to-te ens-a14289). At first glance the thug image is of someone in prison, which is what it is. Criminals receive a one size fits all outfits when they are brought to the jail. Teens try to re-create this prison image, but that is not the only thing they re-create. With the image comes the actions that comes with it. The same goes for the girls. No girl wants to put a belly shirt on or low cut jeans when they feel as though their over weight (http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/women_and_girls/). This is when many girls become obsess with their bodies and become anorexic. All over the television you see young girls and women portrayed as femme fatale, supermom, or sex kitten (http://www.suite101.com/content/advertising-to-teens-a14289). It does not matter the role the women still looks good and gets what she wants in the end. These portrayals are what pushes them to join health clubs and attempt the fashion body as well as the anorexia. Both the thug image and the image of the you ng girls have something today with the crime since they are getting the ideas from the media. You are probably wondering what does image and violence seen on television have to do with crime caused by the media. It has more to do with it then anyone of us can about. When a villain gets shot and he does not die on top of the cool thug look it is tell guys that if they dress this way or act that way nothing will happen. In 1982 NIMH report reinforced this conclusion, and many other organizations took part in viewing media violence this way as well (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). They saw media violence as a serious threat to public health because it stimulates violent behavior by youth (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). An example of this would be on New York channels during a one week of content analysis of prime-time output, there were 3,421 acts and threats of violence observed (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). When looking at the violent committed many of these acts were committed without any compensation for the action (http://www.enotes.com/juvenile-crime-article). Maybe that is why by the 1990s most researchers had arrived to the idea that the effect of media violence on aggressive and violent behavior was real, causal, and significant (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). Once they realized that media violence and aggression was a problem they need to figure out how to fix the problem and the long and short-term effects. Some of the short-term effects are thought to be due to observational learning and imitation (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). There is arousal and excitation as well as priming (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). Arousal and excitation are not harmful as long as the person does not start a fantasy about how a curtain girl should be. Long-term effects range from observational learning to emotional habituation (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). On the flip side some researchers see observational learning as a short-term effect. You have to remember that the reinforcements a person receives when intimidating a behavior are largely responsible for whether the behavior persists (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). Some how the consequences of sho rt-term and long-term effects are different. A good way to look at aggression is with a longitudinal study. In chapter three three we learned that that a longitudinal study is where people measured at two or more points (Aron et. al, 2008, p. 86). In this study they surveyed sixth- and seventh-grade from twenty middle schools across the US on four different occasions (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). Two components of media violence and aggressiveness were measured for three thing a piece. Media violence was measured for assessing the frequency of watching action movies, playing video games involving firing a weapon, and visiting Internet sites that describe or recommend violence (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). Aggressiveness was measured by aggressive cognition, values, and behavior (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). What makes it on the graph is on the vertical line you have average effect size represented by r (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf /pspi/pspi43.pdf). On horizontal line you have five behaviors. Three have to do with aggressiveness while the last two have have to do with helping behavior and physiological arousal. There is also an standard error. Standard errors are shown in research articles as the lines that go above the tops of the bars (Aron et. al, 2008, p. 186). When they were done with the study they said that it was weak and that more studies needed to be done. That is where the meta-analysis comes in and the fact that maybe parents should play a bigger role. Meta-analysis looked at the methodological feature of the study in greater detail (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). When they did so they divided the study into two categories without using the methodological problems (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). In doing so for the five behaviors the best study was chosen to show how they affect each child. Here is an example of the graph from the article I got my information from. 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 -0.1 -0.2 -0.3 -0.4 Aggessive aggressive Aggressive Helping PH behavior cognition affect behavior arousal Parents have a big responsibility to make sure that their children are watching the right television shows. Even though there are some parents out there who do not care what their children watch there are ways to educate parents what these shows are doing to our children. A study done by Singer and Singer stated that when parents take an active interest in what their children are watching the child is more likely to tell the difference between realism and not (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). It has also been reported that when a parent restricts access to violent television there is a report of lower aggressive tendencies (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). We all know that when parents are involved children are less to get in trouble. Parents cant do all the work. The government and those who make the shows nee to take responsibility for what they make as well. Today efforts such as the V-chip and media education have been used to lessen the effects of media violence, but there is still not a stop. They talk about a gap that needs to be filled when it comes to some parts of the research (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). What they do know is that when you reduce exposure you reduce aggression (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf). Even with the V-chip and educating parents the media world is changing and so how parents protect their children from aggression will change as well. It seems like they will like to see the media world helping as well (http://www.psychologicalscience.org/pdf/pspi/pspi43.pdf).