Articles

Walking in Sunshine, or Away From It? Creating a Unified Transparency Index

John Hogan et al. — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 01:30:53 PDT

Abstract: Despite the strengths of the two bodies of literature on Freedom of Information (FOI) and Lobbying Regulation, a main inadequacy is that they fail to meet each other. The reason why both the FOI and lobbying regulation literatures need to be synthesized is that both should be seen as the two sides of the deliberative democracy coin: FOI legislation aims to regulate the actions of state officials, while lobbying laws seek to regulate the actions of private interests attempting to influence such officials. The novelty of this paper is that we thus extend and link the ideas raised in these two bodies of literature, by performing a comparative analysis across 16 jurisdictions in North America, Europe and Asia. Our first main goal is to identify a measure for the effectiveness of FOI legislation throughout the world that can be compared on a normalized scale. Secondly, we combine these scores with those from the extant literature on lobbying regulations, producing what we refer to as an overall ‘sunshine score.’ This score will represent one of the first encompassing transparency measures in the literature, which helps us better conceptualize a unified understanding the relationship between FOI and lobbying rules, as well as the openness of democratic systems throughout the world.

Creating a Framework for a Single European Sky:the Opportunity Cost of Reorganising European Airspace

Niall Neligan — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 03:24:45 PDT

The object of this article is to critically evaluate the legal framework for a European Single Sky project in light of the recent European Court of Justice decision in International Air Transport Association v The Department of Transport. The article will examine in detail the framework regulations outlining the major provisions from the recommendations of the Commission's High Level Group in 2000, to the implementation at a micro-level by national authorities of the legislation adopted in 2004. Furthermore, this article will examine whether the savings to air service providers from the Single European Sky project in the long term will be negated by the short term outgoings associated with compensating passengers in the event of delays, cancellations and denied boardings caused by non-systemic factors.

Child Sexual Abuse, Links to Later Sexual Exploitation/High-Risk Sexual Behavior, and Prevention/Treatment Programs

Kevin Lalor et al. — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 07:58:39 PST

This paper reviews the literature on the nature and incidence of child sexual abuse, explores the link between child sexual abuse and later sexual exploitation, and reviews the literature on prevention strategies and effective interventions in child sexual abuse services. Our understanding of the international epidemiology of child sexual abuse is considerably greater than it was just 10 years ago, and studies from around the world are examined. Childhood sexual abuse can involve a wide number of psychological sequelae, including low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Numerous studies have noted that child sexual abuse victims are vulnerable to later sexual revictimization, as well as the link between child sexual abuse and later engagement in high-risk sexual behaviour. Survivors of child sexual abuse are more likely to have multiple sex partners, become pregnant as teenagers, and experience sexual assault as adults. Various models which attempt to account for this inter-relationship are presented; most invoke mediating variables such as low self-esteem, drug/alcohol use, PTSD and distorted sexual development. Prevention strategies for child sexual abuse are examined including media campaigns, schoolbased prevention programmes, and therapy with abusers. The results of a number of meta-analyses are examined. However, researchers have identified significant methodological limitations in the extant research literature that impede the making of recommendations for implementing existing therapeutic programmes unreservedly.

Student, practitioner, or both?:Separation and Integration of Identities in Professional Social Care Education

Fiona McSweeney — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 04:39:26 PST

This paper presents and discusses some of the findings from a qualitative study of identities in work-related learners. The theoretical framework of structural symbolic interactionism is outlined and the two identities of interest, that of student and practitioner discussed. The aim of professional education is viewed as enabling the practitioner to deal with ambiguity and change through critical examination of work practices and location of these within theoretical frameworks. It is argued that for knowledge and behaviour to transfer to the work setting the student and worker identities need to be integrated rather than kept separate. Factors identified as influencing the integration and separation of the social identities of student and social care practitioner are discussed.

Child Sexual Abuse and HIV Transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa

Kevin Lalor — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 05:57:31 PST

The purpose of this paper is to examine the risks of HIV transmission to children through sexual abuse and exploitation in sub-Saharan Africa. The paper is based on a review of pertinent literature. Child sexual abuse in this region must be defined broadly enough to encompass widespread coercion or violence in early sexual relations in some regions, the practice of ‘transactional sex’ and constructions of masculinity, emphasising multiple sexual partners and power over women and girls. The high HIV prevalence in SSA is briefly described. Research evidence showing the link between child sexual abuse and HIV transmission is reviewed, although this is a topic where very little direct empirical work has been conducted. Particular methodological and ethical difficulties have been encountered by researchers. Future research directions are indicated.

Rewarding Community Engaged Scholarship

Elaine Ward — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 05:57:29 PST

The Same, but Different: Salary Scales, Progression Arrangements and Duties in Institutes of Technology (IOTs) and Universities

Kevin Lalor — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 10:07:31 PDT

Arís is Arís Eile: Scéalta Mar Ais Teanga sa Naíonra

Maire Mhic Mhathuna — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 03:52:29 PDT

Achoimre Déantar cur síos san alt seo ar ról na scéalta agus na leabhar mar áis fhoghlamtha teanga is scéalaíochta sa naíonra Gaelach. Déantar anailís ar an teoiric a bhaineann le forbairt na teanga is na scéalaíochta féin sa chéad is sa dara teanga. Deineadh cluastaifeadadh ar na seisiúin scéalaíochta i naíonra Gaelach amháin gach coicís ar feadh sé mhí. Scagadh na hathscríbhinní chun féachaint cén modh scéalaíochta a bhí in úsáid ag na stiúrthóirí is cén dul chun cinn a bhí á dhéanamh ag na páistí. Tugtar cuntas anseo ar na straitéisí scéalaíochta a bhí in úsáid ag na stiúrthóirí sin agus ar na naisc a dhein siad idir na scéalta is na gníomhaíochtaí eile sa naíonra. Tuigeadh gur chabhraigh an modh inste rialta leis na páistí chun páirt a ghlacadh sa scéal. Tuigeadh freisin go raibh tábhacht ag baint leis an scéal céanna a léamh go minic chun seans a thabhairt do na páistí dul i dtaithí ar an mbrí is ar an bhfoclóir is chun deis a thabhairt dóibh ceangail a dhéanamh idir na scéalta is imeachtaí an naíonra is a saol féin.

The Experience of Young People Remanded in Custody: A Case for Bail Support and Supervision Schemes

Sinead Freeman — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:22:05 PST

This article focuses on the potential role and benefits bail support and supervision(BSS) schemes may have for young people in the Irish context. This article is based on a wider Ph.D study examining the issue of coping on remand. The research used court observation and semi-structured interviews conducted with young prisoners aged 16 to 21 years in remand custody. The findings indicate that young people often end up in remand custody as a result of non-compliance with bail. The case is made arising from the research, that the operation of bail support and supervision (BSS) schemes may benefit these young people greatly.

Minority Stress and Health: Implications for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Young People

Cathy Kelleher — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:41:11 PST

Historically, the pathologisation of LGBTQ orientations shaped research and professional practice, while the impact of stigma was not considered. Within a minority stress conceptualisation however, stigma-related prejudice and discrimination experienced by LGBTQ people constitute chronically stressful events that can lead to negative health outcomes. Minority stress has been linked to psychological distress among gay men and lesbians and may contribute to elevated rates of distress frequently observed among LGBTQ youth. This study explored the impact of minority stress on psychological distress among LGBTQ youth in Ireland. Measures assessing three components of minority stress (sexual identity distress, stigma consciousness, and heterosexist experiences) were administered online to LGBTQ youth aged 16-24 years (N=301). Each minority stressor had a significant independent association with distress. Stepwise regression analyses identified the linear combination of minority stressors as significantly predictive of distress [F(3,201)=30.80, P=< .001]. Results suggest that the oppressive social environment created through sexual/transgender identity-related stigma negatively impacts on the well-being of LGBTQ youth. Findings have implications for health professionals and policy makers interested in the concerns of LGBTQ youth experiencing difficulties related to minority status and will facilitate the development and tailoring of interventions aimed at reaching those most at risk.

Street Children: a Comparative Perspective

Kevin Lalor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:05:51 PST

Objective: This paper examines the findings from recent studies of street children in Ethiopia. Methods: Following a discussion of the term “street children,” comparisons are drawn between Latin American and Ethiopian street children in terms of gender, age, reasons for going to the streets, family relations and structure, delinquency, drug use, groups and the outcomes of street life. In particular, the victimisation of street children in Ethiopia is examined. Results: Widespread abuse of street children was reported. More than half of the street boys questioned reported being “regularly” physically attacked. Street life is also highly victimogenic for street girls. Sexual offences, in particular, were widespread. Forty four per cent had been raped and a further twenty six per cent had been sexually attacked. Conclusions: Similarities between Latin American street children and their Ethiopian counterparts regarding gender, background and street life experiences are noted. Comparisons concerning the victimisation of street children were not possible, as this is an issue that is relatively unexamined in the Latin American context. Also, issues such as the developmental outcomes of street life and the process of leaving street life remain to be examined.

Childhood Sexual Abuse Among University Students in Tanzania

Denis McCrann et al. — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:20:25 PDT

Objectives: There are no prevalence data for childhood sexual abuse among Tanzanian university students. This investigation addressed this paucity. The nature of sexual abuse was also investigated. Method: Participants (N= 487) from a university in Tanzania completed a questionnaire which assessed abusive childhood sexual experiences, gathering information about age of victim, duration of abuse, perpetrators, amount of force or persuasion involved, and potential causes of child sexual abuse. A number of individuals were also interviewed about their experiences. Results: The overall prevalence rate for child sexual abuse was 27.7%, with rates being higher for females than for males. The average age of the victim when abuse occurred was 13.8 years. Perpetrators were generally unidentified by respondents; nonetheless, a surprisingly high proportion of female perpetrators was noted. There was a considerable amount of force or persuasion involved in the abusive behavior: betrayal of trust, bribes and physical force were cited frequently. Poverty and superstition were the primary explanations given for child sexual abuse. Conclusion: The study provides evidence for the existence of child sexual abuse in Tanzania. Poverty feeds the “sugar daddy/mammy” phenomenon and combined with various forms of superstition is an important factor in child sexual abuse in Tanzania.

Children's Perspectives on Coping and Support Following Parental Separation

Ann Marie Halpenny et al. — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:48:31 PDT

Increasingly, children experience ongoing change in family formation and structure and such fluctuation may threaten or diminish children’s feelings of security with regard to established family roles, relationships and routines. A number of studies have explored available support for children in the context of family transition, focusing in particular upon those organisations providing services to children and families. However, in order to gain more precise insight into the mechanisms through which children can best be supported, it is necessary to consult children themselves and to elicit their perspectives and responses to the changes in their family contexts. A primary aim of the present study, therefore, is to gain an understanding of children’s strategies for coping with parental separation, and the sources of support that they find most helpful in order to adjust to these changes. Sixty children, in two age groups (8-11 representing middle childhood and 14-17 representing adolescence) participated in the study. A qualitative approach was adopted with semi-structured interviews exploring children’s perspectives on the role played by different types of support, both informal (family, friends) and formal (counselling/peer support services, school). Key findings in the present study highlight the importance for children of being selective about whom they seek and accept support from, with the family being the preferred source of support for the majority of children. The study also highlights the need to provide a broad range of services in outside agencies in a non-stigmatising way and at various stages throughout the separation process.

Supporting Children's Participation in Second Language Stories in an Irish Language Preschool

Maire Mhic Mhathuna — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:48:30 PDT

This paper considers how children learning a second language were supported as active participants during storytelling sessions in an Irish-language immersion preschool in Dublin. Audio-recordings and observations were made of the story sessions once a fortnight over a period of six months. The resulting transcripts were analysed from an interactionist perspective, recognising both the cognitive and social aspects of the process. The staff were also interviewed and a questionnaire was completed by the parents. The analysis showed that the practitioners provided support for the children through dynamic repeated readings of target books, scaffolded interactions, sufficient experience of storybook reading and small and large group organisation of story sessions. The language of the stories was integrated with the language used in the other activities and interactional routines. Difficult choices had to be made in regard to the type and breadth of learning experiences provided when focusing primarily on second language learning.

Intercultural Books in Practice

Maire Mhic Mhathuna et al. — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:48:28 PDT

This paper examines the practical use of intercultural and multicultural books in Early Years settings in the Irish context. Questionnaires were sent to seventy early years’ settings in the Dublin region, focusing on the criteria they used for selecting such books. These responses indicated that staff viewed inclusion, the story, age appropriateness, illustrations and the language of the books as being important. The practitioners’ responses are compared with the views of authors on diversity issues and similarities and differences identified. Overall there was a greater emphasis on children in the practitioners’ survey while the authors focused on issues. A list of books recommended by practitioners is also included. Practitioners also reported the parents’ views on their use of intercultural books and positive responses were reported by those who consulted the parents. Key issues arising from the study indicate that in-service training needs to build on practitioners’ views and experience, insights gained from international research and experience will continue to be helpful and settings would benefit from involving parents in the selection, reading and discussion of intercultural books.

Beware of Lawyers Bearing Gifts:a Critical Evaluation of the Proposals on Fundamental Rights in the Draft Constitutional Treaty.

Stephen Carruthers — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:24:12 PDT

The article assesses how far the provisions on fundamental rights contained in the draft Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe advance the objectives of promotion of the rule of law, transparency, a balanced relationship between the Union and national legal orders, and effective judicial redress. Argues that while the proposed accession of the Union to the European Convention on Human Rights 1950 and incorporation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union 2000, notwithstanding justiciability problems, deserve support, the retention of the general principles of law as a source of fundamental rights and the suggested amendments to the Charter would not promote the constitutional objectives set by the 2001 Laeken Declaration.

Social Care Portfolio: an Aid to Integrated Learning and Reflection

Gay Graham et al. — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:20:23 PDT

The focus of the paper is on the use of a specifically designed portfolio in social care training as an aid to both integrated learning and reflection. Integrated learning is achieved through the use of discrete sections in the portfolio which require students to discuss their practice placement agencies from perspectives that demonstrate their understanding of subjects such as theories and practices of social care, psychology, social policy, legal studies. Reflection, which is considered a core element of social care training, is examined as a learning tool. A model for the promotion of reflection is presented which utilises peer learning, purposeful use of narrative and focused analysis to help students gain new perspectives on their learning experiences. Criteria for the assessment of both integrated learning and use of reflection are presented. Some comments of students recorded during the evaluation process are presented as evidence of their learning through the use of the portfolio model

Attachment Theory and Wellbeing for the Young Person in Residential Care: the Provision of a Second Chance Secure Base for the Child in Crisis

Gay Graham — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:17:08 PDT

Aristotle argued that happiness for humans is not possible in the absence of reciprocal, affective relationships or friendships (Sherman 1991). Such relationships for children are only possible in the context of satisfactory attachments which provide for them a secure base from which to explore their environment (Bowlby 1988). Young people placed in the child welfare system, particularly those in residential care, often experience a system that is problem focused, intent on physical protection and control, where warm reciprocal relationships are not prioritised. This paper states that young people in residential care, whose primary attachments, whatever their quality, have been disrupted; require care that prioritises reciprocal, affective relationships. Those children who have experienced satisfactory attachments, these need to be maintained. Those who have not had satisfactory attachments in their primary relationships, and consequently did not experience a secure base, require a “second chance secure base” that yields a sense of wellbeing and happiness in order to reduce for them the risk of developing pathology in the future. A secure base is a relationship within which a child or youth feels safe, nourished both physically and emotionally, where s/he is comforted when distressed, reassured when frightened. Where children who are placed in the child welfare system have not experienced a secure base with their primary carers it is essential that social care practitioners aim to form this quality of relationship with them which is what is meant by the provision of a ‘second chance secure base’. Such practice requires, inter alia, that the social care practitioners have a sound understanding of attachment theory, in particular attachment strategies, combined with highly developed observation and communication skills (Fulcher 2002). This paper presents attachment theory and strategies in a user friendly format for social care practitioners and uses practice examples to illustrate the use of this perspective in residential care with children across the various attachment strategies.

The Custodial Remand System for Juveniles in Ireland: the Empirical Evidence

Gay Graham et al. — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:17:07 PDT

This paper documents the present system of custodial remands for children under sixteen years in Ireland. The research includes the entire population of children remanded into custody during the summer of 2000 (N=117). A flow chart model illustrates these young people’s experiences, and the paper highlights issues such as the number of non-offending children who are in custody (21%); the cycle of repeated remands and court appearances (up to 22 repeats); excessive periods of time spent in secure detention (up to 351 days); and the use of remand facilities for those awaiting a suitable residential placement (57%). It provides an important baseline from which to assess the impact of legislative reform in this area

Child Sexual Abuse in Ireland: an Historical and Anthropological Note

Kevin Lalor — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:26:44 PST

Child sexual abuse in Ireland has entered the public domain only in the last twenty years. This process was accelerated by a number of high profile cases which became public in the mid 1990s. Prior to the recent past, few references to child sexual abuse in Ireland exist. The first written evidence is found in the Penitentials of the early Christian period. Penance is specified for those that “misuse” children. Mention of adult child sexual relations is also found in the Brehon law texts. Historians, sociologists and anthropologists of childhood suggest that patterns of child rearing vary across time and place, depending on socio-economic, educational, religious and industrial conditions. Such variety in the conceptions of childhood and the personal variation in child guardians suggests that child abuse should not be considered impossible or absent at any point in time and place. Even where little evidence is initially apparent, we must be sensitised to the revelations and exposures of recent years, which have clearly shown that the sexual abuse of children is more widespread than had previously been imagined.