Alcohol Abuse During Adolescence Khoa Nguyen Essay

Alcohol Abuse in Adolescence Khoa Nguyen San Jose State University The period of adolescence, from the age of 10-21, is one of the most critical and pivotal stages of the development of human beings. Although adolescence only covers roughly ten years, or about one-seventh of the entire human lifespan, decisions and actions made during this period of time can have drastic effects on the individual further down his/her life. Part of being an adolescent is experiencing new things, and testing out different types of identities to see which fits best. Erikson, a German-born American developmental psychologist, characterized this part of lifespan development as identity v.s. identity confusion(Erikson’s Stages of Development, 2016). Erikson believed that during this period in an adolescent’s life, they are faced with deciding who they are, what they are all about, and where they are going in life(Santrock, 2015). Part of finding that identity might come with trying new substances like alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other harmful drugs. Unf ortunately, sometimes their first try of the new substance does not become their last. Especially with alcohol, these drugs can be highly addictive and mistreated, translating to abuse. With their young unstable developing minds and with the easy accessibility and social acceptance of liquor, it seems like the adolescent age is bound on a crash course towards the abusement of alcohol. What is Alcohol

Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases

Question: Discuss about the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases. Answer: Introduction: Arrays of micro-organisms are present in the intestinal tract of the digestive system in humans. The gut micro biota comprises of around 400 different kinds of bacteria that inhabits the gut expressing varied kind of genes. These microbes play an important role in the human immune system. It has a symbiotic association with the human gut. They influence the enzymatic property and host physiology. These micro-organisms are connected to the autoimmune diseases and allergies affecting our physiology. The gut micro flora plays an important role in the immune system development and function. It determines the anaphylactic reactions of the food allergy. Several allergic reactions could be corrected if the composition of gut flora is altered. The micro flora in gut influences the manifestations and risk of allergy and its understanding is helpful in the prevention of food allergy. Recent studies showed that manipulations in the intestinal microbes lead to the treatment of allergies in human s. Location of microbes in the digestive system The stomach, small intestine and large intestine encompassing the gastrointestinal tract consist of colonized micro-organisms. There are a number of anaerobes outnumbering the facultative anaerobes present in the gut. The micro flora is less in number in the stomach and upper part of the intestine but present in large intestine comprising of the whole bacterial ecosystem (Lozupone et al. 2012). Bacteria are present in the lumen and the attached mucosa but does not penetrate bowel wall. The lower bowel is luxuriant with micro-organisms. The intestinal micro flora makes the most in the colon and feces. The bacterial micro flora is present mostly in the feces making it ideal for testing micro-organisms in the gut. Main types of microbes present in the gut The gut consists of various types of micro-organisms comprising mainly of bacteria that are anaerobes. The viruses, archaea and fungi are present in the gut but less in number. The dominant microbes are the bacteria that consist of the phyla Bacteriodetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria (Alonso Guarner, 2013). The bacteroides being the predominant presenting 30% consisting of anaerobic gram negative bacteria. The genera of bacteria like Clostridium, Eubacterium, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus are also present in the gut. The Lactobacillus and Escherichia are present less in number. The genera of Fungus are also present in the gut comprising of Saccharomyces, Candida, Aspergillus, Trametes, Bullera and Pleospora are also present (Ubeda Pamer, 2012). The Archaea are present involved in the metabolism of fermentation. Acquisition of the microbes in the gut The microbes in the gut are acquired during the time of birth. The fetus acquires these micro floras from the mother and is transferred to the infants during the birth. The number of microbes and the types of species transferred to the infant depends on the mode of delivery (Cho Blaser, 2012). The surrounding environment and transfer of bacteria from mother during and after birth generally determines the acquisition of microbes in the human gut. The type of birth determines the type of micro flora communities that the infant will acquire. The vaginal birth will give rise to the vaginal micro flora entities (Qin et al., 2010). The caesarean birth will provide the infant with a predominant skin micro flora consisting of microbial species like Propionibacterium and Staphylococcus. The hosts genetics, lifestyle, behavior and nutritional patterns establish the type and shaping of the micro flora in the gut. Role of the micro flora in the gut The gut flora comprising of the gastrointestinal micro flora present in the digestive tract of the humans have a metabolic, protective and trophic functions. The bacteria act as resistance in colonizing the exogenous bacteria and preventing the invasion of the intestinal mucosa by a foreign pathogen. The protective function is also executed by the nonpathogenic adherent bacteria preventing the entry and attachment of suspected pathogens into the epithelium (Belkaid Hand, 2014). The unwanted nutrient production is dampened by the commensal bacteria as it competes for the nutrients by consuming all the resources in the collective microenvironment. The metabolic role is also performed by the microbes in the gut by fermentation of the carbohydrates that are non digestible being the key source of energy in colon. The short chain fatty acids play an important role in the cell proliferation of the epithelium and in the differentiation in colon (Clemente, Ursell, Parfrey Knight, 2012). The trophic factor exists in the communication of the host with the resident micro flora at the surface of mucosa establishing the development of immune system that would be competent (Kamada et al., 2013). There is also an interaction of the microbes in the gut with the diet and immune system in humans. The microbes in the gut also play an important role in the immune system in human. Allergy in humans and its link to micro flora in gut Allergy is the response of the body towards any foreign substance called allergen. It triggers the body causing allergic reactions. It is an abnormal response by the body in response to pollen, foods, medicines or metals. The insect stings also acts as allergens. The allergies are developed due to environmental and genetic factors (Prince et al., 2015). The inflammatory chemical like histamine is triggered when there is binding of the immunoglobin E antibodies to the allergen and then to mast cell or basophil receptor (Ridaura Belkaid, 2015). The most common allergy symptoms are sneezing, rashes, runny nose and anaphylaxis in life threatening conditions. The immune system is an intricate regulatory network of pathways that alter the microbes in the gut sensitive to internal and external factors. A failure in these pathways could lead to diseases like the allergies, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune and metabolic syndromes. The diet, microbes and the immunity are interdependent and i nter linked (Tuohy et al., 2005). The allergies and autoimmune diseases are prevalent and disproportion of the micro flora composition in the gut influences the autoimmune and allergic reactions (West, Jenmalm Prescott, 2015). When the micro flora of a healthy person was compared to an individual with allergies showed a clear connection between the microbes in the gut to allergic reactions. The alteration in the composition of the microbes is due to reduced exposure to pathogens resulting in weak mechanism during the early life leading to allergies. Manipulation of micro flora to treat allergies The manipulation of the micro flora is done to treat allergies in human. The alteration in the number of the micro flora in the gut and use of probiotics would help to treat allergies (Ianiro et al., 2014). They are proved to provide health benefits to the humans in the form of micro-organisms. It increases the activity of the gut micro flora as it acts as substrate by stimulating growth. The combination of prebiotics and probiotics to the food or dietary supplements makes the stimulation of micro flora in gut helpful in reduction of allergies. How to manipulate micro flora to treat allergies One of the potential ways to treat allergies is the manipulation of the micro flora in the gut. The probiotics and their use have proved to reduce the symptoms of allergies and are safe. The intake of probiotics through diet has an efficacious effect on the micro flora and immune system to achieve manipulation and exhibiting growth of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. There is a lack of exposure to the symbiotic micro-organisms, infectious agents and parasites makes an individual susceptible to allergic diseases as there is insufficient stimulation of Th1 cells is called the hygiene hypothesis (Nakagawa Yoshimura, 2015). The cross talk between the gut micro biota and the host acts as a therapeutic intervention in treating allergies. The probiotics bacteria increases the permeability of the intestine and enhances the Immunoglobin A responses that are gut specific promoting a defense barrier in people prone to allergies. Probiotics also process the formation of dieta ry antigens reducing the allergy. The probiotics bypass the digestion in stomach and reaches to colon. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are used to prevent or treat the allergic reactions in humans (Kosiewicz et al., 2011). They act as immune modulators by stimulating growth and acting beneficial to the host. The right kinds of probiotics are important in treating allergies in humans. Practical problems in achieving manipulation of micro flora There is an uncertainty in the degree of desired manipulation in the gut micro flora. The uncertainty also occurs in achieving the optimal patterns of colonization and the composition of micro flora. The practical problem also lies in the ability of the microbes to treat the allergy. The location of the gut micro biota and the resilience of the genetic predisposition in host are also some of the practical problems in the manipulation process (Faith et al., 2014). Another problem lies in the achievement of optimal nutrition and the environmental conditions in the manipulation of the gut micro flora. The dietary and lifestyle changes are an effective implication in achieving the manipulation of gut micro flora to treat allergies. Prospects for successful application of micro flora manipulation The micro flora is present in the human gut have immense roles in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. They have their own micro-environment and they lives in symbiotic association with the human gut environment. For the successful application of gut micro flora manipulation through use of probiotics are helpful in providing the efficient immunoglobulin that treat allergies. It provides dietary agents that help in the treatment of allergies. In people prone to allergies have a weak immune system and less efficient micro biota. Therefore, probiotics surpass the digestive process and reaches colon becomes dominant over the hosts micro flora altering the micro environment by enhancing growth of commensal bacteria and in achieving the manipulation of gut micro flora in humans in treating allergies (Young, 2016). For the successful application, further studies are required regarding understanding of host, diet, environment and micro flora. References Alonso, V. R., Guarner, F. (2013). Linking the gut microbiota to human health.British Journal of Nutrition,109(S2), S21-S26. Belkaid, Y., Hand, T.W. (2014). Role of the Microbiota in Immunity and Inflammation. Cell, 157, 121-141. Cho, I., Blaser, M. J. (2012). The human microbiome: at the interface of health and disease.Nature Reviews Genetics,13(4), 260-270. Clemente, J.C., Ursell, L.K., Parfrey, L.W., Knight, R. (2012). The Impact of the Gut Microbiota on Human Health: An Integrative View. Cell, 148, 1258-1270. Faith, J. J., Guruge, J. L., Charbonneau, M., Subramanian, S., Seedorf, H., Goodman, A. L., ... Rosenbaum, M. (2013). The long-term stability of the human gut microbiota.Science,341(6141), 1237439. Ianiro, G., Bibb, S., Gasbarrini, A., Cammarota, G. (2014). Therapeutic modulation of gut microbiota: current clinical applications and future perspectives.Current drug targets,15(8), 762-770. Kamada, N., Seo, S. U., Chen, G. Y., Nez, G. (2013). Role of the gut microbiota in immunity and inflammatory disease.Nature Reviews Immunology,13(5), 321-335. Kosiewicz, M. M., Zirnheld, A. L., Alard, P. (2011). Gut microbiota, immunity, and disease: a complex relationship.Human health and disease in a microbial world, 37. Lozupone, C. A., Stombaugh, J. I., Gordon, J. I., Jansson, J. K., Knight, R. (2012). Diversity, stability and resilience of the human gut microbiota.Nature,489(7415), 220-230. Nakagawa, R., Yoshimura, A. (2015). Interaction between gut microbiota and host immune cells.Inflammation and Regeneration,35(3), 140-147. Prince, B. T., Mandel, M. J., Nadeau, K., Singh, A. M. (2015). Gut microbiome and the development of food allergy and allergic disease.Pediatric clinics of North America,62(6), 1479-1492. Qin, J., Li, R., Raes, J., Arumugam, M., Burgdorf, K.S., Manichanh, C., Nielsen, T., Pons, N., Levenez, F., Yamada, T. and Mende, D.R., 2010. A human gut microbial gene catalogue established by metagenomic sequencing.nature,464(7285), pp.59-65. Ridaura, V., Belkaid, Y. (2015). Gut microbiota: the link to your second brain.Cell,161(2), 193-194. Tuohy, K. M., Rouzaud, G. C. M., Bruck, W. M., Gibson, G. R. (2005). Modulation of the human gut microflora towards improved health using prebiotics-assessment of efficacy.Current pharmaceutical design,11(1), 75-90. Ubeda, C., Pamer, E. G. (2012). Antibiotics, microbiota, and immune defense.Trends in immunology,33(9), 459-466. West, C. E., Jenmalm, M. C., Prescott, S. L. (2015). The gut microbiota and its role in the development of allergic disease: a wider perspective.Clinical Experimental Allergy,45(1), 43-53. Young, V. B. (2016). Therapeutic manipulation of the microbiota: past, present, and considerations for the future.Clinical Microbiology and Infection,22(11), 905-909.

43243517029450 Essays - Leisure, Picnic, , Term Papers

43243517029450 Members Wanted Join with others in the fun by becoming a MEMBER We value your input00 Members Wanted Join with others in the fun by becoming a MEMBER We value your inputleft7029450 Quote of the Month !!!! Abraham Lincoln 16th U. S. President I am a firm believer in the People. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any National Crisis . The "Great " point , is to bring them the real facts and a cold beer !!!00 Quote of the Month !!!! Abraham Lincoln 16th U. S. President I am a firm believer in the People. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any National Crisis . The "Great " point , is to bring them the real facts and a cold beer !!!28575005753101 New Website up and running Check out highdesertbrewers.wordpress.com And also keep in touch via our Face Book page00 New Website up and running Check out highdesertbrewers.wordpress.com And also keep in touch via our Face Book page28194004257675 CHUCKARS Ball Game Member, Aubrey Weiber s will be heading up this fun event for the Family. Kids are welcome to join the fun day at the Ballpark . The Club will pay for entrance and supply tickets for hot dogs, Beer and Soda. We will determine the date in the near future, so please keep in touch00 CHUCKARS Ball Game Member, Aubrey Weiber s will be heading up this fun event for the Family. Kids are welcome to join the fun day at the Ballpark . The Club will pay for entrance and supply tickets for hot dogs, Beer and Soda. We will determine the date in the near future, so please keep in touch571503324225 Summer Picnic Update We want to welcome Member Jamie Radford to the Team !!! Jamie has agreed to help organize the Picnic and especially the activities for the Kids and the Adults We need suggestions from the Membership as to when a good date will work for everybody. We want this to be an annual Family event. This will be a Member and Guest Event with a pot luck and the Club will supply hamburgers and hot dogs and other special treats HELP US MAKE THIS A SUCCESS0 Summer Picnic Update We want to welcome Member Jamie Radford to the Team !!! Jamie has agreed to help organize the Picnic and especially the activities for the Kids and the Adults We need suggestions from the Membership as to when a good date will work for everybody. We want this to be an annual Family event. This will be a Member and Guest Event with a pot luck and the Club will supply hamburgers and hot dogs and other special treats HELP US MAKE THIS A SUCCESS37242751438275 Coming soon to the Snake River Landing Members- Jeff and Susan Gardner are opening The Tap Fill Located next to the McKinzie River Pizza, they will have a 40 tap system of your favorite craft beers and ciders You can fill your growler- enjoy a tasting tray of samples of your choice and of course you can sit with friends and enjoy an ice cold pint of your favorite Brew Opening is scheduled for early May Plan on stopping by and supporting Jeff Susan 00 Coming soon to the Snake River Landing Members- Jeff and Susan Gardner are opening The Tap Fill Located next to the McKinzie River Pizza, they will have a 40 tap system of your favorite craft beers and ciders You can fill your growler- enjoy a tasting tray of samples of your choice and of course you can sit with friends and enjoy an ice cold pint of your favorite Brew Opening is scheduled for early May Plan on stopping by and supporting Jeff Susan 381001400175 Up Coming Event MARCH IN MARCH March 18th Help support the Idaho Falls Fire Dept. by joining in this annual event and fundraiser The action starts at the Idaho Brewing Company at 4 PM with the Pipes Drums00 Up Coming Event MARCH IN MARCH March 18th Help support the Idaho Falls Fire Dept. by joining in this annual event and fundraiser The action starts at the Idaho Brewing Company at 4 PM with the Pipes Drumsright819150 Greetings to all Members and thanks for the support for the Valentines Party and big thanks to Bob

One Mans Struggle To Stay Alive Essays - John McCain, Free Essays

One Man's Struggle To Stay Alive Essays - John McCain, Free Essays One Man's Struggle To Stay Alive One Mans Struggle to Stay Alive Over the years John Sidney McCain, the white haired Senator from Arizona has survived many things. He has endured three plane crashes, a firestorm at sea, and a North Vietnamese prison camp, to emerge as a major player in the national political scene. The Vietnam War had a significant impact on Senator McCain. McCain spent five and a half years in North Vietnamese prisons, thirty-one months in solitary and was brutally tortured. Yet, almost immediately upon his release in 1973, he began putting Vietnam behind him. This lighthearted man has rarely lost sight of what he has called the shadow of Vietnam (Timberg 12). Due to his continuing contributions to the United States, John McCain has become a true American hero and would make an excellent president for our country. . John McCain grew up in a family rich with Navy heritage. John McCains grandfather was one of the navys greatest commanders and led the strongest aircraft carrier force of the Third Fleet. McCains father who was a submarine commander during World War II was equally distinguished by heroic service in the navy. Both McCains father and grandfather rose to the rank of four-star admiral, making the McCains the first family in American history to achieve that distinction. John McCain III followed in his grandfather and fathers footsteps when he entered the U.S. Navy Academy in 1951. McCain struggled during his four years at the academy, but in June 1954, he graduated with 899 other young men. The Class of 58 had been whittled down by 25 percent. Of the 899 who endured the four years at the U.S. Navel Academy, John McCain was one of them, standing fifth from the bottom. The Navel Academy was very rigid for McCain, but even as a teenager, he showed presidential traits, perseverance being on e of them. This feature is extremely important for John McCain if he wants to be the man to lead our country. John McCain continued to press on and in August 1958, McCain reported to flight school at Pensacola were he would begin his Navy career. Little did McCain know that his quick thinking would be tested not just once, but three times during his flying. One Saturday morning, as McCain was practicing landings, his engine quit and his plane plunged into Corpus Christi Bay. McCain survived with minor injuries but that would be his first of many brushes with death (Norman). The fall of 1965, John McCain had his second encounter with death where again, his quick thinking would save him. He was flying solo to Philadelphia to watch the Army-Navy game when his engine died. At one thousand feet, he ejected, landing on a deserted beach moments before the plane slammed into a clump of trees. McCains perseverance and quick thinking has been tested and both times, he has shown true leadership qualities that every president needs (Norman). Once again, John McCains skills would be tested. On July 29, 1967, he was where he wanted to be, on the flight deck of a Navy Aircraft. Before taking off to bomb Hanoi, McCain was going through his preflight checks, when a stray voltage from his plane blew apart the exterior fuel tank on McCains bomber. Two hundred gallons of highly flammable gas streamed onto the flight deck engulfing everything in its path. McCain still strapped in the cockpit of his plane was surrounded in a gulf of flames. McCain, quickly jumping out of his plane onto the flight deck, escaped just before the burning fuel set fire to his plane. When it was all over, 134 men were dead, missing, or injured. McCain and the other pilots in his squadron lost all hope in fighting the Vietnam War. All hope was restored when another Air Carrier had been losing pilots and where looking for volunteers to fill the ranks. John McCain signed on to the new squadron (Timberg). John McCains new assignment had finally come on October 26, 1967, when he took flight to Vietnam to bomb a power plant in Hanoi. Little did McCain know that Hanoi was now more heavily defended against air attacks than any other city

The new 4Ps for Dasani water Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The new 4Ps for Dasani water - Research Paper Example This paper illustrates that Coca-Cola Company has increased the number of people taking part in the marketing ecosystem of dasani water as the market continues to become more complicated. For instance, its marketing involves the incorporation of Coca-Cola contact center, customers, and field marketing. Workers and other participants in different departments including finance and market research come together to assess marketing solutions for dasani water. Â  Participants are responsible for establishing how to appropriately align individuals and support teamwork across its marketing environment. Additionally, dasani marketers have to deeply understand the lives of consumers before determining their preferences. Â  After aligning people for teamwork and information sharing, the company documents and automates the processes thereby creating an effective coalition. As the market becomes more complicated, process becomes essential in aligning the correct individuals with the appropriat e marketing activities. This would assist in performing close-loop marketing speedily while penetrating new markets. When marketing dasani water, the company employs state-of-the–art marketing ideas by establishment the correct set of processes to control the activities involved. Some of the processes used in marketing the product include execution, operational and analytical processes. During the execution phase, Coca-Cola Company uses both outbound marketing and inbound marketing to introduce this brand into new markets. Â  Dasani is also being marketed digitally through social media.

Virture according to Aristotle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Virture according to Aristotle - Essay Example These components are a person’s passion, faculty and state of character. However, amongst the 3 components, Aristotle has only identified moral virtues with the state of character. The state of character can be believed as complex inclinations or personalities to behave and feel in certain ways under certain conditions (Payne). A person’s appetite can be linked to his desire. The higher his appetite or desire, the more he would likened to be aiming for that goal or vision. This is the reversely proportional to a person with a lower appetite (Aristotle & Ross, p. 20-21). A person can be said that he is born with the potential of being morally virtuous. But for that person to be one, he should be trained on doing what is right to be truly virtuous even as an adult. Virtue is learned by constant practice and not just simply keeping it in mind. It should be shown to others rather than be kept in one’s head (Aristotle & Ross, p. 20-21). Virtue is a person’s disposition to perform the right way. In practical circumstance, there is an absence of rules. Right conduct can only be witnessed in some sort of mean in extremes which are deficiencies and excess. Between the feelings of fear and confidence, courage is the mean of the two. Aristotle stated that: â€Å"Of the people who exceed, he who exceeds in fearlessness has no name (many of the states has no name), while the man who exceeds in confidence is rash, and he who exceeds in fear and falls short in confidence is courage† (Aristotle & Ross, p. 28). Vices according to Aristotle are the bad characters of a person (IEP.Com). It can be concluded that virtues and vices are connected with the same things. They are being driven by the same factors. Virtue is the positive effects of these factors while the vice is the negative

Historical Background Of Foster Care In Ireland Social Work Essay

Historical Background Of Foster Care In Ireland Social Work Essay In order to fully appreciate the present situation of foster care in Ireland, an insight into the past history of foster care will be told. There has been a long tradition of fostering in Ireland. Foster care was present in the past, it was known as fosterage. It can be seen during the Brehon laws. Children from families of all classes were put into care of other families. This form of care was to lighten somewhat of the pressure for space in the home. This may have been as families were quiet large in the past and also financial difficulties. It also included children who were abandoned and needed the support and protection (Robins). The Brehon laws acted as the legal laws in Ireland and created two types of fosterage on where no remuneration was given and the other where a few is given (Shannon, 2005). Foster parents in both cases were to maintain their foster child to there rank. It was under a legal contract to keep and for the child until the period of was fosterage was not being cared for sufficiently, the chid was to be returned to there family home (O Higgins, 1996). Foundations of the present law around foster care were developed with the introduction of the Poor Law Amendment Act 1862. This provided children being boarding out to families who were not in work houses (O Higgins, 1996). The Infant Life Protection Act of 1897 presents where our recent system has originated from. This involved the appointment of females to inspect the conditions in which the children lived in, it also gave power that if not up to standards the child could be removed and placed in with families. Under the Health Act of 1953, health boards were empowered which provided for a major shift towards foster care. The arrangements that were introduced in boarding of childrens regulations in 1954, included provisions around the issue of being boarded out, placement in an approved school or if over 14 placed in employment (Task Force, 1980). Providing to be an important piece of legislation was the childrens act of 1908. It stated that a child who was neglected or abuse could be placed in the care of a fit person (O Higgins, 1996) Foster Care Foster care as previously discussed was a main expression towards the need for recognition of the rights of the child. Development in this area for acceptance that the child has needs of their own has led to the system of foster care that provides personalised family care that the workhouses and institutions could not provide. (Kelly and Gilligan, 2000, pg 7-8) Offers care in family setting Offers care in communication Offers opportunity to make attachment relationship to committed foster parents It can permit children to be attached and identify with family of origin It can include the childs family in care of child It can provide care and support into adulthood It can channel extra support from the agency for the child and carers (Kelly and Gilligan, 2000, pg 8) Modern child protection procedures are not sufficient as to make up a childs placement plan alone. It is more complex, as child care professionals now see the importance of individualisation and providing not only the physical care but the attachment and emotional needs ought to be provided for also (Kelly Gilligan, 2000). Children need to be placed in an environment where there needs are met, wishes can be supported and they can make individual choices for the future (Coakley, Cuddleback, Cox, 2007) Foster care is not a simple method of caring for a child; most children have experienced some form of trauma, may have been hurt or may have health or behaviour problems (Task Force, 1980). This calls for foster carers to be understanding and accept their emotions through being sensitive and caring. This can be a basis for the start of developing a relationship with the child (Fahlberg, 2004). The emergence of relative care in Ireland has proved beneficial to families. Keeping in with familys tradition and connection helps the development of childs identity, the surfacing of partnership as a key principle in child care (Broad, 2001). Legislation in Foster Care Firstly the researcher will examine the legislation in relation to relative foster care in Ireland. Child Care A ct 1991 There is a clear promotion for the welfare of children in the Child Care Act 1991. The health board has a statutory duty to identify children who are not receiving adequate care and protection (RWGFC). The welfare of the child is paramount and where appropriate the board is to give consideration to the wishes of the child based on their age and maturity (RWGFC). If social services are to meet the needs of children going into foster care then they must, among other things, listen to the child and include the children where possible in the decision making process (Kelly Gilligan, 2000). A plan is made which outlines aims and objectives for the placement and detailed guidelines for support to be given to the child, foster parents and natural parents (Shannon, 2005). UN Convention on the Rights of the Child The UN Convention was ratified in Ireland in 1992. It includes articles providing rights that relate to the childs life. It involves protection of the child from any form of discrimination and states the best interest of the child shall be held where possible when action is being considered which involves the child. It recognises the childs right to be protected and provided for. Foster care is mentioned in Article 20, stating that it is a substitute care provider when the parent or guardian fails to do so. This shows that foster care is a recognised as a suitable and appropriate form of care. Children Act 2001 The health board as stated in Section 23P requires at least 30 days notice for a private foster care placement to be arranged ad for an emergency foster care arrangement the health board requires notice within 14 days according to Section 23P2 (Shannon, 2005). At the time of notification, the health board has to be provided with the sufficient information around the foster placement (Shannon, 2005). It is said that the welfare of the child should be a primary concern to the foster parent. Section 23U allows for three interventions which the health board are obliged to use if the following occur. If it comes to the health boards attention that a private foster care arrangement has been arranged without notification to them or that the carers are not providing for the safety and welfare of the child then the interventions which can be implemented include a supervision order, an order to take the child and put into care or an instruction to terminate the order (Shannon, 2005). National Standards of Foster Care The national standards for foster care were devised following concerns around the quality of foster care services. These concerns were highlighted by the Report of the Working Group on Foster care, Foster Care: A child Centred Partnership (NSFC). The standards were developed by a committee who gathered information from experiences from individuals and organisations who work in the area of foster care and from a representative group of young people currently in foster care (NSFC). The National Standards for Foster Care 2003 provide guidelines on the provisions of quality foster care within the existing legislative framework (Shannon, 2005) There are 25 standards in all; the first 13 standards take into consideration the standard of care of the child including quality of response to factors around the childs needs and services required, whilst sticking to the relevant legislation (NSFC). The 2nd section involving the standards 14 to 17 are in relation to the assessment process of possible suitable foster carers and the training and support they require to provide for successful foster placements (NSFC). The final 8 standards are aimed at the duties and responsibilities of the health board. These standards provide guidelines which aim to promote the quality of services provided by the foster care professionals and Health Board (NSFC). The Child Care (Placement of Children with Relatives) Regulations The Regulations where put in place in 1995 as section 39 of the Child Care Act 1991 requiring the Minister for Health and Children to make regulations in relation to foster care. These regulations are directed at children who have been placed with a relative. The health board must pay attention to the rights and duties of the parents but the board must consider and consult with the child on his or her preferences (Shannon, 2005). Certain procedures must be implemented and fulfilled prior to the placement of a child in a foster care setting (Shannon, 2005). In relation to the welfare of the child needing to be considered, being placed in a family members home can cause conflict between relative carers and the birth family, so if this conflict cannot be settled then other placement should be considered (Shannon, 2005). Once the relative carers have lawful custody of the child, Article 16 of the regulations directs that the relatives take all reasonable steps to ensure the promotion of the childs health, development and welfare. In addition to the above many other factors contribute to the regulations. A relative intending to care for the child, must in according to Article 5 give in certain information regarding their health, two referees, examine into the relatives background such as criminal charges and any other relative information to the Health Board (Shannon, 2005). According to Article 12, the Health Board has to keep records of the children in foster care, including personal details of the child, an up to date case record containing certain documents (Shannon, 2005). In addition to this, the health board may visit the child as stated in the care plan. Whatever the arrangements made, Article 17 calls that the foster placement has visitation from an authorised member of the health board at least once every three months for the first two years (Shannon, 2005). To ensure the above aims of the childs placement, it is recommended that the case should be reviewed in terms of the successive of the placement and the possibility of the childs return to their natural familys home (Shannon, 2005). A foster care arrangement will end when the child reaches 18 years. Other possible reasons are that the child returns to their family home or at the request of the relative carers (Shannon, 2005). Assessment Process in Relation to Relative Foster Carers There are certain issues around the assessment process that are a cause for concern. Certain developments and amendments need to be applied to provide the best opportunity for foster care placements to be successful. In traditional foster care the assessment process lasts for a length of nine months usually, this process has to occur before the child is placed in the foster home. In comparison relative care, this process of assessment usually occurs after the child is placed with relatives due to the rapid movement of the child (Kelly Gilligan, 2000). A decision for the child to be placed with relatives is usually in the midst of a crisis. The family can be approached by the agency or the family themselves may contact the agency. As there are different regulations for traditional foster care and relative foster care, and the placement of the children occurs at different times, then it is questionable that there should be different assessment criteria (Kelly Gilligan, 2000). In recent studies, it shows that birth families themselves had preference to relatives caring for their children rather than with a home outside the family. Depending on the route to which the child entered relative care, either by agency approaching the relatives or the relatives approaching the agency, this can cause conflicting tensions between families (OBrien in Broad, 2001). The decision to take on the care of a grandchild is not an easy one. If the birth parents are not happy with the Health Service Executives decision to place their child in care, it can become a dilemma (Climo et al, 2002). The model of assessment of relative care is the same used for traditional foster parents. This is not right for relative carers as they have a connection with the child and family, the process is different to which they become known to the agency and the fact the placement is already made (OBrien in Broad, 2001). The assessment process of placement of a child with a relative usually occurs in two stages. The first is a preliminary assessment of the relatives; if the agency is content with the outcome then they proceed with the placement of the child. When the child is residing in the relatives family home the formal assessment process occurs (Kelly Gilligan, 2000). The following issues were found in a study done by David Pitcher assessing grandparents. The grandparents felt confused when being assessed and feared giving aware giving certain answers would result in their grandchildren not being placed with them. The process needs to be explained and the grandparents informed on the reason behind it to allow the process to be carried out in an honest manner (Pitcher in Broad, 2001). As grandparents have not planned to take on the full time care of a child, the can feel unprepared. Placement of the child usually occur mid crisis so it can cause the grandparents to feel stressed as they face meeting the criteria that is expected of them (Coakley et al, 2007). Social workers need to work with the grandparents in preparing them to cope with the challenges to promote successful placement and to alleviate these pending placements (Coakley et al, 2007). If the process is not explained properly this can lead to difficulty between the social worker and the grandparents. The grandparents can feel overwhelmed by the depth their private lives are being looked into. They can find this process negative and very intrusive and also it can be a frightening experience for them (Kelly Gilligan, 2000) As the process begins the grandparent should be given a written copy of the format of the interview. The social worker needs to give an honest explanatory description to the grandparents to prepare them for the process ahead. The aim of the social worker is to get an idea of the carers personality, to look at practical issues i.e. housing schools and to discuss together the perceived length that the placement will be (Broad, 2001) It can be of some reassurance for the birth parents that the child is going to live with people they know and may trust. The child can have different feelings of moving homes as in a study by Terling, 2003; found that trauma can be reduced when the child knows the person that will care for them rather than a stranger. Although the grandparent must acknowledge that while the child does know the grandparent, it does not reduce all of the stress and trauma that the child may experience when moving into another form of care (Broad, 2001). Also, the relationship between the grandparent and child must be looked at, questions need to be asked by the social workers such as does the grandparent actually like their grandchild and is there a sense of belonging for the child (Broad, 2001). Training should be specific to the carers needs. Parenting the Family Cycle The individual life cycle takes place within the family life cycle which is the primary context of human development (Carter Goldrick, 1988, pg 4). In early adult hood it can be expected that a couple will become parents of the younger generation, this can be an exciting period in a persons life. This new role that they adopt can involve responsibility in the childs developmental process and having authority in acting out parental roles to their children (Carter Goldrick, 1988). Perspectives of the role in later life are viewed as having less responsibilities and more time to reflect and relax. An older person is thought to experience retirement, dependency of others preferably their children or younger relatives, a sense of financial insecurity, possible loss of friends through death and the difficult time when a spouse dies (Carter Goldrick, 1988). Although this is a much generalised view, these experiences do occur. Grandparenthood can offer a person a sense of being and bring joy to their life. Becoming a grandparent can create new motivation and add fulfilment to an elderly person life. It creates opportunities for them to experience a new role and to develop a special close relationship (Carter Goldrick, 1988). Grandparents have a good position in their family network because they are not the parents of the children but they have a caring and considerate interest in their grandchilds development (Brubaker, 1985, citied in Bernades, 1997). A grandparents role has no clear guidelines, they can adopt rules but in remembering that they do not have the same authority that they had with their own children. Instead, grandparents can spoil and indulge in their grandchildren (Bernades, 1997). There are different styles of grand parenting involving different characteristics. The types of relationships they hold with their grandchild can vary from being distant to authoritarian and being involved in their life with assuming responsibility but having love and care (Hammer Turner, 1990). This can have an effect when a grandparent becomes a full time carer for their grandchild. If the grandparent was distant then it can be harder to develop a bond that has been absent. In comparison if a grandparent has been involved and caring, then to gain authority and create rules it can take some time and adjustments (Hammer Turner, 1990). It involves a lot more responsibilities than previously needed. They will have to set routines, assume responsibility in daily tasks and educate the child with essential skills and attend to the needs of the child (Hammer Turner, 1990). Grandparent hood can be seen as a second chance at parenting. This can be seen for grandparents when their own child has failed at their duty of parenting, the grandparent can become the main carer due to the fact that they feel part to blame. They may feel that in helping, they can fix the problem that they may have blame in (Hammer Turner). Another possible reason presented by Climo, 2002, seen that grandparents felt a commitment to the value of family continuity, they agreed to take care of the family. Their commitment to both generations their child and grandchild meant they felt it was their responsibility to step in (Climo, 2002). Also grandparents may not want their grandchild to be placed with strangers and fear that they may lose contact with their grandchildren (Climo, 2002). Factors Attributing to Relative Care It may be hard for the grand parent to deal with conflicting issues between themselves and the birth family so by introducing skills this can assist in managing family dynamics. This can essentially result in ensuring the best outcome for the childs welfare (Coakley et al, 2007). These include boundaries with birth parents, adopting care plan and following guidelines around maintaining a good relationship with the birth family (Coakley et al, 2007). If the grandparents allow continuous contact with the birth family, it can have a negative effect. This can be said when the reason for placement was abuse, if constant communication is occurring then the child may be put in danger. Also, the grandparents will never be able to gain responsibility, authority or develop a routine if the parents are interfering and not sticking to access plans that have been drawn up (Terling, 2001). Some argue that relative carers are not capable of meeting the childs needs (Sparr, 1993, Dubovitz, 1994 citied in Terling, 2001). There are assumptions that a child experience of parenting from their parents can be transmitted from one generation to another (Pugh De Ath, 1985). The grandparents capability needs to be questioned, looking also at their suitability of caring for their grandchildren, as they are the ones who raised the troubled parent (Gladstone Brown, 2007). Parental failure can be seen as a result of learnt behaviour from previous generations poor parenting (Davidson, 1997, citied in Climo, 2002). As characteristics run through the family, it can prove that the relative carers might have similarities in parenting to that of the birth parents. Especially in this case considering that the grandparents raised the birth parents. It can be said that if the reason for placing the child in care is due to abuse or neglect this can be a worry and should be considered (Terlin g, 2001). Implications can occur when a grandparent takes their grandchild into care. They can find it hard dealing with the childs emotional, behavioural, physical problems, issues of attachment or loss, perceived agency inadequacy, dealing with authority of the child welfare system and dealing with birth parents (Coakley et al, 2007, pg 93). A custodial role can affect the grandparents health as they need to alter their routine and plans, they can feel physical tired, have less time for themselves and have extra duties to do around the house with the addition of a new person (Gladstone Brown, 2007). As they are then busier, relationships can be affected. They have less time to interact and enjoy doing things with their friends, this can cause them to become socially isolated (Broad, 2001). Other relationships include the grandparents other grandchildren who can become jealous at the thought of their grandparent being closer to one grandchild and providing them with more attention (Jendrick, 1993, citied in Climo, 2002). Depending on the grandparents employment status, they may have to quit their job as they will be responsible for the child, this can have an affect on their financial income. They will have more to payout as an extra person, with less money to do this with (Gladstone Brown, 2007). It was found that grandparents can become to resent the situation they are in and it showed they felt they were incapable of keeping up with the child (Climo et al, 2002). Role of the Social Care Worker Relatives who foster care tend not to receive as much support, can ask for less help and it is believed that social workers feel they need less help than traditional foster care workers. The worker and grandparent need to draw up a support plan that will ensure the above do not occur (Broad, 2001). The social worker needs to assess what it was like for the grandparent when they were parenting their own children. They need to reflect on what worked for them when raising their children, try to identify possible mistakes they made and acknowledge how it will be different raising their grandchild (Broad, 2001). They need to understand it may be difficult in altering their role towards their grandchild, possibly identifying their idea of discipline as it may not be appropriate in terms of child welfare, for example corporal punishment was norm years ago but times have now changed. Also as the hope is that the child can one day return to their birth family, the parents own beliefs in raisi ng a child has to be made aware to the grandparent so they do not confuse the child (Broad, 2001). The grandparent may find parenting hard if they have to deal with social services monitoring them. It can be difficult for the grandparents as now there are many factors to be considered which put increases in the demand of them (Pugh De Ath, 1985). In comparison to parenting in the elderly persons time, the knowledge around the needs of the child in terms of physical, intellectual, social and emotional development has become more recognised. All of these will be monitored by officials in the case of relative foster care. As before a parent would not receive this type of pressure to ensure that their child is constantly receiving care and having there needs met (Pugh De Ath, 1985). Grandparents can feel inadequate under the high expectations of their role in the childs development. It can be quite a comparison as when the grandmother was parenting there was little demand to satisfy social demands. The importance was to run the household and the saying mother knows best was the pare ntal ethnic (Pugh De Ath, 1985). In comparison to traditional foster care, relative carers are said to not receive as much support as needed. Possible reasons for this are because the social care workers may have the idea that the relatives do not require the same level services (Dubowitz, Feigelman Zuravin, 1993, citied in Mc Coakley, 2007). According Schlonsky Berrick citied in Mc Coakley, social workers may be influenced by the relationship that is already present within the family. As the child is under the care of their family, the social worker may feel it is the families right to raise the child without the intrusion of them (Coakley et al, 2007). Another possibility is that the grandparents themselves either refuse or do not request support from services (Coakley et al, 2007). Grandparents may feel that asking for help or showing a need for help may be perceived as a weakness in their ability to cope. In the findings conducted by Mc Coakley 2006, it can be seen that mutual goals should be drawn up in the a ssessment process so that the best possible care for the child can be achieved. In addition to this, if the agency can show how committed they are in tailor making the families intervention and meeting the needs specific to the child and family then the family may welcome support more openly (Coakley 2007). Gladstone Brown (2007) identified the following factors which contributed to a positive relationship between the social worker and grandparent. It was found that firstly if a social worker presented as a friendly, considerate personality and the grandparents felt that they could connect and talk to them then they were more likely to open up to them. Social workers need to show an understanding to the situation, and allow the grandparents to feel appreciated for the contribution they are making (Gladstone Brown, 2007). Grandparents appreciate when a social worker responds to their needs and offers them informative advice and support on child management issues and referrals of other services that could offer support (Gladstone Brown, 2007). For a grandparent being informed can help them with their new role of parenting. As they are monitored and assessed, receiving feedback can allow them to know where they stand and how they can improve and also know what they are doing right. Also as their situation changes they need to know about entitlements that they can receive (Gladstone Brown, 2007).