Volume 7, Number 1, Summer 2006

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Table of Contents and Abstracts

Abstract: Using an action research approach this paper examines the complexity of designing and developing an innovative and user-friendly approach to professional social care education that incorporates advances in educational technology. The project has just moved to the operational stage following an 18-month period of consultation and reflection. Therefore, this paper represents an outline of the development phase and d progress report of the first eight weeks of delivery.

Abstract: This article describes a research study on aggressive behaviour among students in a middle school'. The study was initiated in response to concern about aggressive behaviour held by the school administration. A survey on aggressive behaviour was administered and followed by interviews with a sample of students, Student interviews highlighted a number of very important issues to consider when assessing and responding to aggressive behaviour in a school: school crowding, the playing out OC dominant masculinity, involving students in finding solutions to identified problems, and considering the role of the whole school culture in sustaining aggressive behaviour.

Abstract: As part of the UK's National Health Service modernisation agenda, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland set up a Service Improvement Unit (SIU). The aim of the SIU was to identify key areas in the Health and Social Services that needed improvement and to provide a structured framework in which to achieve the necessary developments.

A key area identified was the interface between children in care and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. It was believed that a lot of work needed to be undertaken to identify those children and young people in the 'care system' that had 'mental health' difficulties and to ensure they received the necessary interventions in an appropriate and timely manner.

In order to take forward this improvement, a multi-disciplinary project team was set up under the SIU scheme to look at this issue. The project's title was 'Knowing to Care!' which reflects the basic notion that the more we know about the children and young people the better we are caring for them.

Abstract: In recent years drug abuse has been recognised as a growing problem in Northern Ireland The following article examines the family backgrounds of a group of young children (n=388) who were looked-after by social services and looks specifically at a group (n=162) whose family lives have involved adults who misuse drugs. Children from drug-abusing families did not show greater levels of recorded abuse or neglect than the other children in this 'looked after' population, nor were they more likely to stay within the care system. However, the prevalence of heroin and cocaine use in this population was extremely small. Drug abuse in this population was found to be significantly associated with alcohol abuse, mental health problems and offending behaviour within the family. There was evidence of a reduction in drug abuse within families over a two year period of social work Involvement

Abstract: Prader Willi Syndrome — 'A Family's Experience'

Genetic research has offered, and continues to offer, a medical explanation of chromosomal disorders such as Down Syndrome and Asberger Syndrome and more recently the rare chromosomal disorder Prader Willi Syndrome. This research gives a pathogenic explanation of disorders which includes historical background, genetic defects and clinical features. This study set out to offer an insight into the effects of PWS on the child and his/her family. It also aimed to highlight what support systems are in place in the Co. Louth area of Ireland for individuals with PWS. Unfortunately, PWS is not curable at this time. Between 1995 and 2003 there were 39 diagnosed cases of PWS in Ireland, an average of 4.3 per year. On average there are four infants or children diagnosed in Ireland With PWS per year. (Turner, 2004, National Centre for Medical Genetics).

This study is an exploratory and descriptive case study. This case study drew on multiple sources of evidence to construct a valid and Unique illustration of PWS. The primary source of data was derived from in-depth interviews with the parents of a 3-year-old girl who has PWS. She was diagnosed during the third week of life. The evidence of this study suggests that non-specialist medical staff are not generally familiar with PWS. Training in relation to diagnostic criteria for chromosomal disorders would be extremely beneficial to them and to families that are affected by the syndrome. This study highlights the need for parents to be their own child's advocate in obtaining desired support services in their area. Support Services in the North East region have been greatly increased due to the setting up of the North Eastern Health Board (no", known as Health Service Executive, North East Region) Early Intervention Services (EIS), in 2000.

Abstract: The Social Care Education and Training Project at the Dublin Institute of Technology is a four year project funded by the Department of Health and Children The project has increased the number of students enrolled in social care courses at the Institute and delivers Continued Professional Development courses for workers in the specialised residential units. The article describes an induction model developed and delivered by the project team to new workers in the specialised residential units in the Dublin region although the course is suitable cor all residential care settings. The evaluation suggests that the majority of participants found the induction module worthwhile because it had d positive effect on their professional practice and increased their self confidence. This supports the need for formal induction training for all new workers to ensure they perform their professional duties as effectively as possible in their new working environment.