5
Crime Prevention
through Social Development
Ed Rawlinson
Abstract:
The
following document outlines the emergence of Crime Prevention
through Social Development (CPTSD) as one pro-active method of crime
prevention addressing root causes of crime. A review of the
literature reveals that CPTSD programmes have a positive impact on
promoting of pro-social behaviours in at-risk populations — with
at-risk
being
defined as: those more likely to be involved in the criminal justice
process either by committing a crime or as a victim of a crime.
Normalization is seen as a process of gathering heterogeneous
audiences together for CPTSD deliveries in generically named
programmes that will not scare off participants who are at no or
less risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. These
participants help establish normative environments that support the
objectives of the CPTSD delivery. Additionally, it is seen that all
social service agencies are converging toward the similar goal of
promoting community wellness. Earlier and more CPTSD initiatives are
encouraged. Finally, a case is made for the development of training
materials to assist in CPTSD programme needs assessment,
instructional design, delivery and evaluation.
17
The Role of
Initial Teacher Education in the Development of Interculturalism in
Irish Primary Education
Joe O'Riordan, B. Ed.
Abstract:
This paper examines how the views of teacher education
students in a College of Education in South Western Ireland have
developed during their three-year programme. The survey took place
in May 2003 and examined first year and third (final) year students
in the Bachelor of Education programme. The survey examines the
personal and professional beliefs of the students and analyses the
difference in scores. The paper then moves on to look at various
aspects of how teacher education can affect the appropriate
knowledge, skills and attitudes of intercultural issues as they
relate to the education of all students.
33
A Qualitative Study
of Public Perspectives on Family Support Services in Ireland
Claire M Jackson & Catherine M Heffernan
Abstract:
Family Support Services (FSS) were set up to help families to cope
with the stress and strain of modern life. Such services have been
considered to be of immense value to people living in designated
disadvantaged areas. However, there is little information on the
public's perception of family support services in Ireland. Since the
provision of efficient and effective services requires knowledge of
users' needs, it is essential that these issues be addressed. The
purpose of this study therefore is to investigate parents' views and
experiences of family support services by a qualitative exploratory
study conducted in the North West Sector of Cork City in the late
20th century. This area was selected as it is one of the most
socially disadvantaged areas in Ireland. The study consisted of
in-depth interviews with 10 mothers and a focus group with another
10 mothers. Such as small scale study was undertaken as there was a
distinct lack of evidence on users' views on Irish FSS to warrant a
larger sample. Analysis of mothers' accounts suggested that use of
FSS was affected by the perceived stigmatising effect of using the
services, disillusionment at the quality of the service provision,
the invasion of domestic privacy and lack of users' input into the
services being provided. There was also a lack of knowledge amongst
the respondents about the services and it emerged that more
effective advertising about the available FSS in the area was
needed.
Family Support Services are targeted at
families coping with normal parenting stresses but can also be
effective when working with vulnerable families who are affected by
domestic violence, child abuse, racism, prejudice and mental health
difficulties. As a result, FSS have much to offer the public but the
absence of studies on users' perspectives needs to be addressed if
efficient and effective service provision is to be provided. Little
has been published since the study was conducted and given the
importance placed on FSS, it is crucial that some research be done
in the near future.
51
Some Reflections on
the Irish Association of Social Care Educators
Niall C. McElwee, PhD
Abstract:This
paper is an abridged version of one presented at the annual
conference of the Irish Association of Social Care Educators held in
Athlone in October 2004. It comments on some of the challenges we
face as educators.
58
Chasing a Rainbow?
Victimisation and the Gay and Lesbian Community in Ireland
Kiran Sarma, PhD
Abstract:
In recent years it has become widely recognised that the
gay, lesbian and bisexual community in Ireland experiences a
disturbing amount of anti-gay crime. This said, with the exception
of a few largely exploratory studies, there is a complete absence of
high quality research that examines these experiences in Ireland and
we have been forced to formulate our response on a vague notion that
"it is a problem" rather than a truly informed appreciation of its
extent. This paper argues in favour of such research, and suggests
the form it might take based on a review of findings from
international studies and the methodological barriers they have
encountered.
74
Fabrication or
Induction of Illness in a Child: A Critical
Kenneth Burns
Abstract:
This paper
argues that the variance between professionals on the use of
terminology to describe and define this form of child maltreatment
may lead to a loss of focus on children's welfare. The author argues
that the label Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy has outlived its use and
recommends the adoption of a new label `Fabrication or Induction of
Illness in a Child'. The article presents a critical analysis of the
titles of 410 unique library entries collated from electronic
libraries to discern the prevalence of labels to denote the
fabrication or induction of illness in children.
The article also reviews recent developments in the UK courts and
some critical observations on the challenges to the field. The
author notes with concern that there does not appear to be a
preponderance of service user narratives or critical perspectives in
the literature. The adoption of a more critical orientation and the
acknowledgement of critical service user narratives may be a useful
focus for future research. The paper reviews the merits of
electronic libraries to efficiently discern an up to date reading
list on a particular theme or issue. Electronic libraries can be of
particular use to research minded practitioners and as a tool to
support evidence-based practice. The use of electronic libraries to
facilitate the research process is affirmed, although some issues
regarding accuracy and research skills are noted. Electronic
libraries can be of particular use to research minded practitioners
and as a tool to support practice.
93
On Being a Lone Parent. A
Reflective Story
Liz Shiel
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