Poverty Humanitarian Aid and Main Goal Essay

Poverty Humanitarian Aid and Main Goal Essay Poverty: Humanitarian Aid and Main Goal Essay Teresa Oliveira Ruth Taronno Introduction to International Development Studies 5 March 2015 The Role of Media in Our Society Media plays a significant role in our society nowadays. We are constantly bombarded with information without being aware of it for the majority of the time. It is all around us, from the news we listen to on the radio, the documentaries we watch on television and to the books and magazines we read each day. Poverty is an international issue that affects all nations, some more than others, and because it is a common issue, media tends to portray it in a more drastic way, in order to get our attention. The media marginalizes people by showing the public what they want to see, usually stereotyping different groups of people, and indirectly infixing a distorted view of reality in our heads. The information the media divulgates can be very biased about a story, advertisements, or coverage on different social issue, because its main goal is to make a story sounds interesting, outrageous and different, just so they can make money out of it. As part of the audience, we cannot evaluate the accuracy of the stories we read or the images we view without direct personal experience or specific background knowledge of the issue. Furthermore, highly politicized issues are likely to reflect the interests of a dominant social group, causing less powerful groups to be stereotyped and devalued (Bullock). The messages conveyed by the media are important because the media has the power, to a certain level, to manipulate people’s feelings. Depending on the way they portray their point of view, it can make us feel all types of emotions, and easily affect our judgment. Although poverty is one of the most devastating problems faced by many countries, stories about the poor are relatively rare on television nowadays. When exposed to so much information, from all around the world, our brains start to ignore it. In the article Famine as photo op by Will Braun talks about how media uses certain types of photos to show their audience what they want us to see. ‘’The distended belly is back in the news. It’s a shocking sight – a motionless, blank-eyed Somali child with emasculated limbs, a seemingly over-sized head and a swollen abdomen. Or maybe it isn’t shocking’’ (Braun), but we are so used to seeing these photos everywhere that we became numb to them. Will Braun brings up the question ‘’If the images numb us, is the fault the photographer’s or ours?’’(Braun). Because of the unlimited access we have to information, or attention span is becoming shorter and shorter each day, which causes the media to try harder to reach us. ‘’The average international story on national television news in the United States lasts one minute and twenty seconds. On that basis alone, it appears almost inevitable that there will be misreporting, even if inadvertent, on the journalist’s side and misunderstanding on the viewer’s’’ (Rieff). The lack of background information can lead us to make assumptions, and those assumptions can turn into negative beliefs and reinforce stereotypes. The media has power. Disaster areas that are covered by the news tend to get our sympathy and humanitarian intervention. Media coverage is critical for the fundraising efforts of international development NGOs in times of emergency. ‘’When the media gets involved, the public is aroused and public emotion can become so intense that UN work is undermined – constructive

Free Essays on The Burden Of Proof

â€Å"burden of proof† are not specifically mentioned within the U.S. Constitution however is implied in a several amendments. The burden of proof and where it lies has been the subject of many court cases and decisions. There are plenty of questions in the area of burden such as; where does it lie in civil suits, in what cases is the prosecutor bear more of the burden and where does the defendant, and so on. Many of the research provided here is from court cases and decisions that have shaped how the burden of proof is balanced. The constitution is used to shape the decisions that were reached by these court cases. In the Fourth amendment Americans are guaranteed to â€Å"†¦ be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (U.S. Constitution). There are a number of court cases that outline the requirements for searches without a warrant. Searches without a warrant require the owner or occupant’s permission and the law is specific in where the burden lies in situations where consent is granted to search. â€Å"Government has burden of proving that search without warrant was consented to by the defendant† (Kovach v U.S., 1971). In another case the question was raised as to whether the prosecutor must also prove that the search was consented to freely and voluntarily by the property owner. â€Å"When search is grounded upon consent burden of justification of search, that is, that consent was freely and voluntarily given, falls sq uarely upon prosecution; question is one of mental awareness so that act of consent was consensual act of one who knew what he was doing and had reasonable appreciation of nature and significance ... Free Essays on The Burden Of Proof Free Essays on The Burden Of Proof Burden of proof is defined as â€Å"the level of proof which different parties are required to demonstrate to persuade a jury or judge in a civil or criminal case.† The words â€Å"burden of proof† are not specifically mentioned within the U.S. Constitution however is implied in a several amendments. The burden of proof and where it lies has been the subject of many court cases and decisions. There are plenty of questions in the area of burden such as; where does it lie in civil suits, in what cases is the prosecutor bear more of the burden and where does the defendant, and so on. Many of the research provided here is from court cases and decisions that have shaped how the burden of proof is balanced. The constitution is used to shape the decisions that were reached by these court cases. In the Fourth amendment Americans are guaranteed to â€Å"†¦ be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (U.S. Constitution). There are a number of court cases that outline the requirements for searches without a warrant. Searches without a warrant require the owner or occupant’s permission and the law is specific in where the burden lies in situations where consent is granted to search. â€Å"Government has burden of proving that search without warrant was consented to by the defendant† (Kovach v U.S., 1971). In another case the question was raised as to whether the prosecutor must also prove that the search was consented to freely and voluntarily by the property owner. â€Å"When search is grounded upon consent burden of justification of search, that is, that consent was freely and voluntarily given, falls sq uarely upon prosecution; question is one of mental awareness so that act of consent was consensual act of one who knew what he was doing and had reasonable appreciation of nature and significance ...

Frankl Narration of the Concentration Camp Essay - 4

Frankl Narration of the Concentration Camp - Essay Example The introduction of the story whereby he relates the initiation with a lot of shock in the camp, the experience and adapting of the camps duties and routine and lastly he explains of the reactions of the deformity and mental anguish liberated. Frankly explains this by incorporating the ideas of the experience he persevered while he was working in a harsh condition. According to Frankl, a good life can only be attained if an individual finds the meaning of life and maneuvers over the hardships of life. He emphasizes that there are also three methods or ways in which an individual can find the meaning of the life. The first is changing the personal challenges into achievement, then establishing a need or work and finally encountering and experiencing something.Frankl never admitted the divine revelation of the bible and he argued that the salvation of mankind is through practicing the love among other peoples. Frankly accepts the fact that he wrote the book to strengthen his wife’s faith and make her see things in the perspective of reality not necessarily faith and believe as others do.Frankl was prominent in showing how those who suffer should control themselves and see the positive value of nature and not to rely on the mere faith and believe. He tries to show them how after suffering they can control their inner soul which is unlike th e lords' teachings in the bible. This portrays his character as a man who differed with the lords teaching and thus he could be compared with a pagan. In the theory of logotherapy, Frankl tried to explain that life is composed of challenges and struggles which are bad and good but a person should have motivation and courage toward being the victor. He also argues that an individual should fight against the blocks in life and derive the meaning of life through overcoming such suffering.

African Short Story + Questions Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

African Short Story + Questions - Coursework Example At the end of the story, the young boy walks to the bend of the river and forces himself to vomit the handful of grapes he has consumed. This is symbolic of his loss of innocence with regard to the grandfather whom he has hitherto idolized and loved wholeheartedly. The dates, which the boy considers to rightfully belong to Masood, have been given to the boy by his grandfather. They have come to signify the payment of a debt. This leaves a bad taste in the sensitive boy’s mouth. He vomits the dates to distance himself from his grandfather’s actions. The boy, in the innocence of his youth, takes things at face value. He obviously adores and idolizes his grandfather, considering him to be a â€Å"giant† among men. His sense of identity is centered round the mosque and in relation to his grandfather – the approval of the imam and that of his grandfather are equally important to him. He is a lover of nature, and empathizes with Masood’s concern for the date trees. He is sympathetic to the poor man’s plight. The grandfather is an avaricious, ruthless man, whose rise in social position has been at the cost of his humanity. He is obviously a powerful man in the community. His hypocrisy is evident in his reciting of his prayers and his approval of his grandson’s knowledge of the Koran, while simultaneously holding Masood in the vice of debt. He considers land to be the symbol of power and determinedly covets the little Masood still owns. He is jealous of Masood’s inherited wealth. Masood is a man who loves the land which he has inherited. His concern for nature is evident in his admonition to the boy, â€Å"Be careful you dont cut the heart of the palm.† Despite being helpless to overcome the debt and poverty, he sings and laughs and takes delight in life. His attachment to his ancestral land is deep, and is not just in terms of material

President Clintons Essay Example for Free

President Clintons Essay DeMan (1988) argued that most of the problems and hindrances to Implementing GIS in the earlier days of this technology are rooted in organisational and not technical. Understanding the organisation within which GIS are to function is fundamental to understanding the challenges of development and implementation. (Peuquet and Bacastow 1991) Peuquet and Bacastow (1991) examined the U. S. Armys digital topographic support systems (DTSS). The issues looked into were the organisational context, the elements of the development, history of the system, the recognition of some fundamental factors that had frustrated the development of DTSS. What they discovered were: For Organisational commitment to change- effective organisation of GIS needs not only people able to employ the technology but also people willing to employ the technology. The willingness depends on both the individuals and the organisation, this to overcome the long and pervasive resistance to innovation within both government and business (Morrison1966) Development of GISs is a mutual efforts- Management at all levels, as well as the prospective end-user must actively be involved through all the phases of the development process. A true appropriate functional requirement can only be derived with the detailed knowledge of the organisation uniquely possessed by those within the organisation. Sahay and Walsham (1996) identify factors and conditions under which GIS implementation is impeded or enabled, which they term as inhibiting and enabling factors respectively. INHIBITING FACTORS Data: This relates to its availability on appropriate scales, usability problems because of the over dependence on remotely-sensed data, quality problems due to maps being outdated, and non-standardised format of data that are not supported by standard software. Manpower: reflects an acute shortage of trained manpower that has the ability to understand and use GIS, and the general lack of awareness of GIS, especially among the planners. The dominance of GIS technocrats contributes to organisational issues being made subservient to technical concerns during implementation. Structure: relates to decision-making styles and the forms of developing country organisations decision-making (normal central), left to officials with inadequate knowledge about the technology and are responsible for taking critical decisions related to implementation. The sect oral form of organisation, the lack of appropriate policies to enable co-ordination, often leads to duplication of efforts. Financial: proves constraints in acquiring and maintaining GIS systems, also restricts the development and maintenance of training and research programmes . It is discovered that finding of a GIS project often comes as a pat of an aid package and the long times involvement in implementing GIS makes it difficult to provide sustained funding. ENABLING FACTORS Approaches: development of approaches that provides sustenance and by developing local expertise that would take over from the expatriates. Practices: development practices that smoothen transition of people from their existing ways of doing work to using GIS. For example enabling users to receive prior exposure to mapping systems and allowing systems development to take place in an incremental and evolving manner. Institutional Mechanisms: appropriate policy level initiatives around GIS . For example private companies and international aid agencies to aid in establishment of national level GIS institutions that would contribute to the development of local expertise. Sahay and Walsham (1996) basing their research of implementation of GIS in India, on the theoretical framework for their work was developed, using the concept social context of social context and processes, implementation and the linkages between context and process. Based on current thinking in IS implementation research (Walsham 1993). The Social context refers to conditions which are antecedent or given to the process for example the national culture of the country in which the system is being implemented. Implementation Process: this includes the adoption of decisions installation of apiece of hardware, acquisition, utilisation, acceptance or rejection of the GIS within the organisational context. Linkage between context and process: understanding of the interaction between the two. The social context may both enable and constraint the implementation process to evolve in certain ways, which can reinforce or reshape the existing, conditions. 5. 5. 2 PUBLIC ACCESS TO GEOGRAPHIC DATA In Europe, a European commission Directives of April 1990) required that all official agencies of all members states must make available all their environmental holdings of information to the general public a t reasonable cost (CEC1990). It is argued that it is not clear what constitutes environmental information, but certainly topographical information would seen to be a necessary part. Nor is it clear what constitutes reasonable cost except in so far as some organisation in any country should expect to Price its products in this category much more highly than other organisations in the same country or in others within the European Community. Geographical data and information is derived by aggregation to areas from bureaucratically compiled records pertaining to individuals, however some geographical data are not in aggregate form and their supply to a third party may then transgress regulations on privacy. However legislation on privacy constraints the uses to which such data may be put only when it is held in computer form. It is accepted generally that access to some geographical data may not be appropriate for example data created for military purposes. Many countries show immense differences in practice currently exist in data dissemination and policies. Many of the European countries are inclined to recoup as much as possible while U. S. A. Sees that almost free provision of federal government data as an entitlement of the citizen and as a precaution against the garnering of power by cliques through their sole access to information It seems no one has yet found a logical basis for charging for the use of topographic data. The price elasticity of geographical information is limited, especially where competitive products exist and except where the use of official products is required by statute. It is note that the development of brokering and legal advice services for geographical data seems very probable and this is likely to flourish on a national basis. NATIONAL SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURES Government agencies are involved as main external providers of geographical information for most operational applications of GIS, they also exert a profound influence on national developments which resulted in a phenomenon, Rhind (1996,1998) called a cocktail of laws, policies, conventions and precedents, which determines the availability and price of spatial data (Masser 1999). Traced back to the mid 60s the trend in which many governments throughout the world began to think more strategically about information needs, data collection, and the resources needed to deliver information to a wider markets; the potential of computer, cased surveying and mapping systems for creating multi-user, multi-purpose databases for the public administration was recognised. This vision was lost in the 70s and early 80s as the emphasis of how as spatial information systems were implemented for a wide variety of purposes within traditional institutional frameworks. (McLaughlin 1991 cited in masser1999). Later the focus shifted back to matters of geographical information and its use in society in the late 80s. TableI: the first generation of national data infrastructures. The table shows titles of some countries national initiatives, even though the terms used very from country to country three elements are of common: They are explicit national in nature; Refer to geographic information, spatial data, geospatial data, or in one case, to land information; Refer to terms such as infrastructure, system or framework, which imply the existence of some form of co-ordination mechanism for policy formulation and implementation purposes. They are term the first generation of national spatial data infrastructures (NSDI) These first generation NSDI have differences in terms of geography, levels of economic development and systems of government. DRIVING FORCES TO ESTABLISHMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURES Masser (1999) argues that two basic themes underlie these national spatial data infrastructures which are: growing importance of geographical information in the coming age of digital technology; and need from some form of government intervention to co-ordinate data acquisition and availability, Reports of the interest of some chief executives on these themes are: President Clintons Executive order for the National spatial data Infrastructure: Geographic information is critical to promote economic development, Improve our stewardship of natural resources and to protect the environment. Modern technology now permits improved acquisition, distribution, and utilisation of geographic (or geospatial) data and Mapping . (Executive office of the president 1994)

Conversion Efficiency of Active Energy and Solar Energy Essay -- Solar

Conversion Efficiency of Active Energy and Solar Energy Solar technology already boasts a century of R&D, requires no toxic fuels and relatively little maintenance, is inexhaustible, and, with adequate financial support, is capable of becoming directly competitive with conventional technologies in many locations. These attributes make solar energy one of the most promising sources for many current and future energy needs. As Frank Shuman declared more than 80 years ago, it is "the most rational source of power." The average amount of solar energy arriving on top of the atmosphere is 1,330 watts per square meter. The amount reaching the earth’s surface is 10,000 times more than all commercial energy used annually. Until recently, this energy source has been too diffused and low intensity to capitalize for electricity. Solar energy is a renewable resource and is converted to electrical energy in two ways - using photovoltaic materials which generate an electrical potential when exposed to light or using a thermal process that uses the energy from the sun to heat a working fluid in an electricity generating cycle. Another way of looking at it is as passive and active solar energy. Now you might be wondering what is meant by active and passive, isn’t all transformation of energy active? Passive solar energy relates to systems that are relating to solar radiation and angles to define solar positions which work with heating and cooling systems. To generate the higher temperatures necessary to make steam to generate electricity, the sunlight must be concentrated. Solar thermal technology often uses reflectors, in the form of parabolic concentrators or flat mirrors, to focus the sun's rays onto a water-filled pipe, known as 'abso... ...veloped thin film technology is hydrogenated amorphous silicon. This is the material normally used in consumer applications, although it is used, but less frequently, in power modules. The efficiency of commercial amorphous silicon modules has improved from around 3.5 % in the early 1980's to over 7% currently. The most efficient modules are made with multiple layers of photovoltaic material, for instance three layer amorphous silicon modules with germanium added to two of the layers (a-Si/a-SiGe/a-SiGe) which have a record cell efficiency of 13.5 %. Other types of thin films can be made using polycrystalline silicon, cadmium telluride (CdTe), and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). Today's solar panels are made with silicon. The silicon usually has impurities, which limits its efficiency. Purifying a chemical is too expensive. For that reason, smaller is better.

Manage group living Essay

Introduction (What you are going to cover in this document) I am going to cover group living for adults. There are various groups living for adults and each have a positive and negative impact. Group living can be beneficial for adults who are unsafe to live on their own and for individuals who are lonely. I will focus on residential care for group living. When individuals reach the stage where either they or their families have to decide it will be of their best interests to be moved into residential care, there are many factors that influence this. Age Mental capacity to make decisions Safety factors/risks Financial Living in a group can pose problems as individuals are brought together, individuals may not always get on with one another due to their views, morals, background and general preferences. The difficulties is pleasing everyone and ensuring they all live amicably together. The benefits in group living is having companionship/friendship and plenty of activities that they can attend with individuals they know and live with, still enabling them to have their own space and privacy if they so wish. Various group living: Residential care Elderly care complexes Hostels Supported living Residential enables 24 hour care Elderly complexes ensures they have a warden and activities if they so wish to join in, care provisions if they so wish Hostels are temporary living Supported living offers more choice and freedom, activities, meal provisions and warden input, where if needed they can have homecare provisions. Whichever an individual or their families choose they all have to promote a happy/safe environment for individuals, ensuring they meet standards set out for residential or group living provisions. Every group living environment/care home has to meet standards set out by the government, these are monitored by CQC, GSCC and local authorities to ensure standards are met. Within group living the environment has to be safe, clean and ensure individuals wellbeing, while Promoting their independence and uphold their rights to human necessities. It is important that standards identify the requirements associated with leading and managing group living provision; it includes developing the physical environment, daily living activities and group activities in such a way that they support the achievement of positive outcomes for individuals. By respecting each individual and their individuality, making a setting that enables individuals choice, freedom and to be able to express themselves. Comfort and warmth, meal choices and variation, respecting cultures and backgrounds and focusing on their wellbeing, health and happiness. Fitness for purpose: The regulatory powers provided by the CSA are designed to ensure that care home managers, staff and premises are ‘fit for their purpose’. In applying the standards, regulators will look for evidence that a home whether providing a long-term placement, short-term rehabilitation, nursing care or specialist service is successful in achieving its stated aims and objectives. Comprehensiveness: Life in a care home/group living is made up of a range of services and Facilities which may be of greater or lesser importance to different individuals. In applying the standards, regulators ensure the service package offered by the care home contributes to the overall personal and health care needs and preferences of individuals and how the home works with others services / professionals to ensure the individual’s inclusion in the community. Meeting assessed needs: In applying the right standards, inspectors will look for Evidence that the care home meets needs of individuals and that Individuals’ changing needs continue to be met. The assessment and service user plan carried out in the care home should be based on the care management. Individual care plans that meets and specifies their needs. Good residential care poses a variety of challenges, and requires high levels of expertise and creative ability from managers, staff and external supports. They need to be committed to enabling residents to take as much responsibility as possible for the planning and management of their own care. Managers should adopt a planned approach to meeting the needs and promoting the potential of individual residents, within a regime and culture for the unit, and groups within it, which provides the right balance of security, stimulation and scope for independence. ( Et al CQC website residential care) Quality services: The Government’s modernising agenda, including the new regulatory framework, aims to ensure greater assurance of quality services rather than having to live with second best. In applying the standards, regulators will seek evidence of a commitment to continuous improvement, quality services, support, accommodation and facilities which assure a good quality of life for individuals It is important individual have rights to their own choices that include risks. The risks they take need to be evaluated to ensure the decision does not outweigh the risk to individual or others. The difficulty within group living is what may be safe for one individual may not be for another, for instance one individual may be safe to come and go as they please whereas another may need supervision to go outdoors. This can pose a problem if fully independent individual leaves access door open or invite an unsafe party to go outdoors with them. There are risks associated with everyday living but ensuring everyone’s safety can be a challenge. Ensuring equipment, living quarters, and environment is kept safe and secure while promoting independence and choice. If a risk cannot be eliminated I would look at ways to reduce the risk, this way the individual is still in control but has measures in place to ensure their safety and the safety of  others. Addressing risks with individuals and fully informing them why something is classed as a risk enables them to make an informed decision as to if they want to continue to take the risk, dependant on the severity. Working with individual and listening to how they deem or see something works, but if they are adamant and the risk out weights the benefits then measure have to be put in place. The physical environment can promote wellbeing by having a nice homely atmosphere, allowing each individual to contribute to this. The lighting, warmth, setting, fixtures and fittings as well as what activities everyone enjoys and encouraging all parties to participate. By having a safe but nice environment it promotes wellbeing, by allowing and including individual to say what they like and dislike promotes inclusion. Encouraging them to participate in various activities gives stimulation and helps build friendships within group living. It is also important that the staff have good training and engage with individuals, that they remain friendly and impartial. Choice is one of the main factors whether this be meals, settings, activities getting the right balance and promoting their independence and involvement. All this contribute to their wellbeing and happiness. If the environment was a cold, damp, dark, with no opportunities for activities, there was no freedom of choice and made individual have set meals, toileting times and took their rights and independence away, I cannot imagine any individual would be happy and their wellbeing would decline. Maintaining and the upkeep of furnishings and decorations are important, the cost of this can be substantial, with the right budgeting and setting aside of finances will help maintain this, that way the upkeep can be maintained and the finances will be readily available. Part of this reflects in the amount it will cost for individuals to live there. Another way is to hold charity/fundraising days. I believe you can have cut backs but still maintain quality assurance without delivering low quality surroundings. Part of this is looking after the environment, if the environment is of good  quality to begin with individuals are more likely to maintain this and respect it as their home. Not allowing items that need repairing to get to the stage where they are in repairable or unsafe. Ensuring electrical items and gas servicing is maintained, this is a legal requirement within group living environments. Ensuring the environment is kept clean, safe and hygienic maintains it’s daily living requirements and reduces the risk of cross contamination. There has to be adequate space for each individual and the correct amount of staff ratio. When making decisions regarding the environment it is important that the individuals who live there are included, they may want some of their own belongings, like a chair of dressing table. All of these things are important to them as without been given the choice they will feel as though it is not their home. Each individual will have different taste, likes and dislikes, although this may prove difficult to please each one, if each one has some input they will feel included and are more likely to come together as a group to decide on what everyone wants. This should include decisions down to cost, what furniture, fitments; decorations they feel are the most important and make their environment safe, the safety aspect needs to be looked at the same as comfort. Chairs that support individuals and offer the right height, wash ability etc. Beds, dining room furniture, decor, plants, pictures, easy access between chairs. Ensuring the environment offers stimulation and relaxation. Daily activities are an important part of group living and these also need to be agreed upon. Trips, bingo, sing-along’s, flower arranging, exercise classes, outdoor activities, gardening, vegetable plots and planting. By offering choice and ensuring daily activity times are adhered to,  implementing an activities co-ordinator and ensuring staff encourage participation and inclusion of individuals and staff. It is nice for individuals when family members attend and this should be encouraged when possible. The best times for activities tend to be afternoons and early evening times. By offering activities throughout the day enables all individuals to include themselves at some point or another. Legislation states that individuals must have choice and ensure the activities are appropriate for age, genders, and cultures. The outcomes from these have to be achievable, ensuring individuals do not feel belittled or restrained. Individuals must have the opportunity to exercise their choice in relation to: leisure and social activities and cultural interests; food, meals and mealtimes; routines of daily living; personal and social relationships; Religious observance. The outcome must find the lifestyle experienced in the home matches their expectations and preferences, and satisfies their social, cultural, religious and recreational interests and needs. interests are to be recorded in care plans and that they were given opportunities for stimulation through leisure and recreational activities in and outside the home which suit their needs, preferences and capacities; particular consideration should be given to people with dementia and other cognitive impairments, those with visual, hearing or dual sensory impairments, those with physical disabilities or learning disabilities. When supporting others in the implementation of daily activities it is important they treat individuals with dignity and respect. That they encourage inclusion and allow individuals to do as much as possible for themselves. They also need to respect individuals who do not want to be included in group activities and mealtimes. Some individuals may prefer to  eat in privacy, by respecting their rights, choices and preferences. Some individuals may need more support than other, for instance if playing bingo they may not be able to mark the numbers off or see the card properly. Supporting these individuals is important for their wellbeing and to enable them to participate. Ensuring staffing levels are adequate so that workers are able to encourage and assist active participation without causing undue stress to staff members or residents. Each individual has the freedom of choice, this should be respected. An individual may not want to join in a certain activity but no others, for instance exercise or stimulation classes, All of these need to be specified in the care plan for each individual. By getting feedback and involving everyone in the decision process I can implement activities for everyone. Certain activities may need to involve numerous risk assessments to reduce risks but still allowing the individual to safely participate. Systems put in place will ensure all questions relating to each individual are clear and precise and cover all aspects of their needs, preferences and choices. No assumptions should be made and neither should anyone be forced to participate in anything they do not want to. Reviewing daily activities is important as individuals may become bored and activities become stagnant, less stimulating over time and frequency. When individuals participate a log should be made of how they participated and what level of participation was involved, these go into the care plans and activity log sheets. A quiz for instance may be easier for some but hard for others, by ensuring all levels are catered for by dividing classes or varying quiz questions for different groups. Reviews are made weekly when activities are organised for the week ahead, circumstances may arise that require a daily review. If new individuals become home members or the dynamics change. Positive group livings are established by ensuring individuals are supported to remain independent, given choices. By ensuring staff remain happy and supported in supporting individuals. Listening to individual’s preferences, choices and needs and maintaining a calm, warm and welcoming environment.  The decoration, cleanliness and staff all play a huge part in ensuring a positive atmosphere/establishment. Group living can promote positive outcomes for individuals due to the fact they are with other likeminded individuals, socialising each day, stimulating and building new relationships. They can be monitored more closely compared to living alone in the community. Friends and groups encourage each other and they have access to constant support. By living in an environment that is focuses on quality care whilst encouraging individuals to remain independent. Through group activities individuals are less likely to see a goal as a hurdle, it is more enjoyable as a group and tends to forget they are actually working towards a goal or find it easier as a group, having support encouragement from others. If an individual has mental health issues and tends to become depressed and withdrawn, we are able to work towards a positive outcome within a group living environment by supporting them to socialise, less likely to become withdrawn, there is more support available for them. If an individual tends to have frequent falls due to the fact they neglect to use a walking aid, through group living the risk could be reduced by the constant reminder/prompting to use a walking aid and monitoring of their wellbeing and current health conditions. Group living can have a positive impact on individuals if the right conditions and support is readily available. Each individual is encouraged and supported to maintain relationships by activities, group talks and staff members interacting with them. When individuals build relationships this is maintained by seating and setting but not to the point that it disinclines others or creates a divide. Creating divides creates problems, therefore this should be discouraged. Creating an open warm caring environment starts with the staff and generally flows towards residents, encouraging individuals to accept and understand other individuals they live with. Having days out, meetings and group talks and activities encourages individuals to build relationships and maintain them, by dealing with problems and issues as and when they arise, fairly and  openly. When conflicts arise they should be dealt with fairly and non-judgemental. Looking at each individual’s aspect of how they view and how they feel, by encouraging resolve and not allowing conflict to cause divides or non resolutions must be adapted. A conflict arose where 2 individuals who had previously been very close friends argued when it came to mealtimes; one was unable to sit by the window due to her dislike of watching people walk past whilst she ate her meal. The other loved sitting by the window, neither of them had explained to each other their reasons. By getting both of them together after speaking to each individual first we were able to come to a resolve and they were more understanding of each other’s needs and choices. By seeing this they both sat where they wanted and built further relationships with other residents. It is important to have working schedules and patterns in group living so that individuals have continuity of care. Assigning workers to groups of individuals and ensuring staffs are not over worked is also imperative to not only their wellbeing but the wellbeing of the residents. There are times when schedules will affect residents such as mealtimes, activity times and times when staffs need to attend team meetings. Fill care plans in and ensure the home is running smoothly. It is at these times that I need to ensure staffing levels are adequate and residents are still tended to. By having a good rota structure, staff that is reliable and choosing the best times that suit not only staff but also the residents. You cannot make individuals go to the toilet at the same time or have meals at set times. Baths and other necessities that individuals need, this would be institutional abuse, therefore maintaining good staff levels and been prepared for unforeseen circumstances are so importa nt, this will contribute to the smooth running of the home and environment. Changes to schedules are made when staff members who possibly do better at certain times of the working day to others. For instance one staff member whose shift patterns are late but they appear to be able to encourage individuals to participate in activities or certain activities. Then they  would be moved. By knowing my staffs strengths and weaknesses I am best able to place them in shifts that are organised around activities, days out or other requirements. Another instance is a certain individual may become accustomed to a certain staff member and prefer them to bath her/him. All of these things need to be taken into account when rota’s/schedules are being prepared. Meal times, activity times and such alike will need more staffing. Evening and bedtimes also require staffing levels to be adequate. If schedules/rota’s are looked at properly and ensuring there is sufficient levels for unforeseen circumstances/having a contingency plan in place helps and if good communication is made with staff then these can easily be resolved. Ensuring staff have a good development plan and supporting staff in training and knowledge is so important. This ensures staffs do not become stagnant in progression/ knowledge. In house training is beneficial so that staff can address current issues with current residents. However sending staff on training courses will also be just as beneficial, but training is a requirement that needs to be maintained. Staff have to be trained in the right areas: NVQs, Moving and handling, POVA, Medication, Health and safety, First Aid amongst others. By supporting staff in training and ensuring there is room for progression within the workforce staff retention and further progression will have a knock on effect for residents, ensuring the best care practises that are up to date. Whilst it is good for care staff to build a relationship with residents it is important they maintain professional boundaries. I support them in doing this by maintain professionalism at all times, I ensure I deal with any concerns appropriately and if needed involve family members of the individual. By explaining to individuals the reason we are supporting them and why relationships need to remain professional between workers and residents is for their best interests so that both staff and residents are able to make the best decisions without emotional attachments. Obviously there will always be a level of attachment but by maintaining a professional  one, individuals are less likely to ask staff for things or to help with needs that are not within their remit or put either party at risk of say abuse, neglect Etc. The last thing anyone wants is a worker or staff member to get attached to the level where either party feels obliged to do something and then keep secrets. This puts both parties at risk and does not give a good example to others. By setting our clear professional boundaries to staff and toward residents helps maintain clarity, I give examples of why it is important to maintain these and the risks should these not be maintained. Supervisions and appraisals all go towards this process and these are regularly maintained for the benefit of staff and business. Residential care is not a cheap option. Because it caters for those with complex disabilities, a high degree of dependency needs for intensive staff support and supervision, or for high levels of professional skill and expertise. It must be properly resourced to be safe and effective; this is not to say that residential care may not be the most economical way of providing proper support for some groups of people with extensive or complex needs. But care on the cheap will generally be bad care, and will often do more harm than good. Residential care requires adequate funding, and a clear framework of quality controls and quality assurance to ensure high standards of service and practice. I have a responsibility to see that the residential service is well-managed and staff at all levels properly equipped through training and development programmes for the task they have to do. A framework of external regulation, registration and independent inspection is essential, including the General Social Care Council, if the public is to have confidence in the standards of care, conduct and practice competence provided. Providing a positive group living environment starts with the management of the home and maintaining this environment, staff training and interaction. By ensuring and training staff to encourage choice, preferences and encourage the residents to remain as independent as possible, ensuring adequate monitoring of staff, supervisions and appraisals remind staff to adhere to care practises. A short summary of what you have written or the conclusions you have come to: I have come to the conclusion it is imperative for the individuals whom live in residential care to remain as independent as possible. That they are involved in the decision process of their care, daily activities and the home environment. The boxes will expand to fit as much as you want to type in them. When you have finished first go back and proof read what you have done, checking for spelling, punctuation and grammar errors. Then read it through with the criteria next to you and show, by putting the criteria number in the end column, where you have covered the criteria.