Child Protection Enquiry UK | Policy and History

Child Protection Enquiry UK | Policy and History The purpose of the essay is to discuss and explain the child protection enquiry, its process, purpose legislation and critical issues. An accompanying leaflet has been designed to highlight the Child Protection enquiry taking into account age, diversity, oppression and anti-discriminatory practices incorporated. The age group focused on the leaflet is Young Persons aged 11-19. In addition, a commentary to justify the rationale for the design, content and structure will be carried out. Finally, an evaluation of how the issues discussed in the leaflet and essay have contributed to learning and relevance to future practice. The focus of the new millennium according to DfES (2005) is safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the child which by definition is the process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care which is undertaken so as to enable children to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully (DfES 2005a, p11). Wilson and James (2007) citing Working together to safeguard children (HM Government 2005a p 19 Para. 1.19) define child protection as the activity which is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering or at risk of suffering significant harm. In her view Gil (1970) considers that Child abuse consists of anything which individuals, institutions or processes do or fail to do which directly harms children or damages their prospects of safe, healthy development into adulthood. This definition was adapted by the National Commission of Inquiry into the Prevention of Child Abuse. Bentovim (1998) sustain that there is strong association between significant harm and insecure attachments, citing Carlson et al (1989) who found out that more than 80% of significantly harmed infants had disorganised attachments compared to less than 20% in a non maltreated comparison group. Jones et al 1999 further supports that all disturbances in case of child maltreatment are linked to the relationship with parents own experiences. Attachment difficulties are associated with parental childhood experiences of Abuse and Deprivation, Parental Personality Difficulties as well as Functional Illnesses such as Depression. It is important to identify parent child attachment difficulties to make sound intervention where there is evidence in literature that persisting Parent/ Child attachment combined with evidence of psychological maltreatment on follow up is a consistent finding. Additionally Wilczynski (1997) cited in Wilson and James (2007) ascertain that the most consequence of child maltreatment is death which indicates the necessity for early intervention to prevent the deaths of young children. It was estimated in 2003 that in the UK that the occurance of maltreatment leading to death is nine per 1 million children and as high as 24 per 1 million in USA. UNICEF (2003). The main perpetrators in most cases it was revealed were biological parents and the most affected age group was children under five years particularly babies under one year, (Brown and Lynch (1995), UNICEF (2003). This suggested that there is need to predict , prevent and protect children from birth, Axford and Bullock (2005) and the Assessment of children and families (DOH et al 2000, Brown et al 2006). As a necessity to prevent deaths and severe consequences intervention should take into account the family structure and normally comes in after a fatal consequence or maltreatment has alr eady occurred. Protective factors need to be put in place as a deterent to raising family standards, resilience to social and environmental stress Brown and Herbert (1997). Essentially it is through assessment that the needs of such children are identified that the needs of such children are identified as the starting point of intervention. Assessment as defined by Wilson and James (2007) is identifying the needs of children at risk of encountering significant harm so as to put in place safeguarding measures that will promote their welfare and wellbeing. Reder et al (1993), Munro (1999) and Buckley (2003) cited in Howarth (2005b) observed that in cases of maltreatment effective assessment is essential as the basis to inform meaningful planning/ intervention which will promote better outcomes for children and families. This depends on professional knowledge, skills and ability to engage in multi-disciplinary team work, the child and the family to identify family needs. Additionally practitioners need to be aware of challenges and factors that can distort assessment such as perception of abuse, their values and beliefs and the application of theory to pra ctice. Parton (1991) cited in Scourfield (2003) argue that one of the most contested social issue is child protection. The main reason being that the state is seen to intervene with families so as to protect vulnerable children, at the same time giving respect to the family unit structure. This has raised public scrutiny with concerns that the state has not intervened enough to protect children or social workers have been accused to negligent and not having identified significant harm. On the other hand they are accused to have intervened too much and unnecessarily impacting on families. Typical examples highlighting the controversy are (the inquiries into the deaths of Jasmine Beckford, Kimberly carlile, Ricky Nearve, Victoria Climbe and baby P. On the other hand too much intervention was cited in child abuse investigations in Cleveland 1987, Pooch dale and Orkney) just to name a few Scourfield (2003). These contradictions and dilemmas are believed to originate from the increasing recognition that child abuse is socially constructed. This is dependent on different commentators perspectives of abuse and harm. Obviously this perspective will raise the argument whether the intervention to be carried is supportive or authoritative and reactive. Munro (2002) believes abuse is ways of treating a child in a harmful and morally wrong manner that impacts on their socio-psycho wellbeing. In trying to define abuse variations from different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds/values is to be considered. However article 19 of the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) agreed on an International formulation to condemn child abuse. This defined abuse as all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse. Furthermore it is important to acknowledge the British national commissi on of inquiry into the prevention of child abuse which broadened its scope outside the family. They hold that child abuse consists of anything which individuals, institutions, or processes to or fail to do which directly or indirectly harms children or damages their prospects of safe and healthy development into adulthood National Commission, (1996:2). All the above definitions mention harm as a result of actions, omissions or exploitation. As mentioned earlier individual societies in conjunction with their legal systems supply more detailed definitions and guidelines. The UK society through the department of health and social security 1988 categorised the following specifications as guidelines and standards. These are physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. Explain these or not see word count? Munro (2002). The Children Act (1989) was set up as a measure to encourage partnership working between families and the state. It also encouraged the provision of family support to reduce the risk of severe consequences resulting in coercive state intervention. Prevention was expanded from simply to prevent children coming into care but to focus on providing services that helped and promoted families to up bring their children within their families Munro (2007). According to the Act family preservation is paramount and fundamental as well as partnership working with parents. Nevertheless it is not always the case that some parents who are neglectful and abusive sometimes see or have no capacity to constructively and systematically engage with social service intervention which try to help them. Some it is suggested become hostile, aggressive and abusive clearly not entertaining any advise or any interference with their family life. With such a contest going on the child will continue to be affected and further significant harm may occur during this contest. As said earlier social workers need to be aware of such parents and situations and act accordingly in this case in the best interest of the child who will be the focal point Bell and Wilson (2003). In the early 1990s a number of cases involving organised and institutional abuse were revealed which were outside the family context. The most prominent one being the Orkney incident in which children were taken into care following allegations of organised sexual abuse. The court hearing dismissed the case after five weeks leading the children to be returned home. Media coverage concluded injustice on caring parents fighting injustice inflicted by intolerant inconsistent social workers. This enquiry led to the selling up of regulations and procedures for dealing with organised abuse Bell (1999). Messages from research (1995) published and summarised the functioning of the child welfare system. It revealed cumulative effect of adverse publicity and policy changes that pinpointed professionals especially social workers as prioritising abuse concerns over other types of referrals. There was a division between child protection and child abuse and revealed an emphasis on tackling immediat e risks to the child and ignoring the wider social and psychological needs. There was a call to refocus of child protection in a holistic child in need context not just protection from abuse. Messages from Research (1995). (Bell 1999, Thoburn, Lewis and Shemmings 1995) revealed that the emotional impact of investigation on families whether guilty or innocent is traumatic and intrusive. Professionals need to be aware of this impact on families and seek to minimise it. The death of Victoria Climbe was a shocking event that revealed abuse and inconsistencies within professionals who had seen her. A public inquiry led by Lord Lamming (2003) also revealed that the voice of the child was ignored despite so many professionals being involved. Laming Report (2003). Gough (1997) assets that research revealed that not too often children are ignored as a active participants either as a source of knowledge/ information about their family situation/ circumstances or a reliable source of opinion on what needs to be done. Laming Report (2003). Contrary to this shortcoming one of the Childrens Act 1989 is to respect the childrens views and wishes about key decisions affecting their lives. The Act guarantees that childrens wishes and feelings must be taken into account in any matter that affects or involve them be it in court hearings, reviews and conferences. This also applies to Looked after children by local authorities, they have greater rights and voice on th e quality and care they receive. Coby (2006) The death of Victoria Climbe prompted the safeguarding agenda and policy Every Child Matters: Change for the Children Treasury (2003). The agenda proposed a radical transformation of both the organisation and culture of practice from a reactive service for a few to a more pro-active approach where all childrens needs are identified addressed at grass roots level before escalating to major serious problems. Innovative ideas such as the integrated childrens services would be essential tools. The every child matters agenda highlighted 5 outcomes for children i.e. are healthy, staying safe, enjoy contribution, and achieve economic wellbeing. Every Child Matters (2003). Working together to safeguard children DFES (2006b) highlighted the new arrangements to be implemented by different agencies to promote inter-agency co-operation to safeguarding and respond to the concerns that a child might be at risk of significant harm. The child protection policy and practice begins when a concern has been raised that a child may be at risk of abuse through neglect, physical, emotional, sexual harm. A number of sources could raise such a concern ranging from NSPCC, police, social services, a parent, neighbours, health worker, or nurse or teacher from school/nursery. It might be the case that some concerns are made anonymously or malicious. At times some anonymous concerns turn out to be true and this call that they are treated seriously. As soon as any concern is raised Social services will act as soon as possible Buckley (2003). The first response at the early stage is to make enquiries about the family concerned with other agencies linked to it such as schools, hospitals, GP, nursery or health services by carrying out an initial assessment following LSCB procedures. Initial assessment as defined by the Framework for the Assessment of Children in need and their families (DH 2000) is a brief assessment of each chil d referred to social services with a request for services to be provided. If the core assessment concludes that a child is in need of further support they will be classified as a child in need as defined by Section 17 of the Childrens Act 1989. The section mentions that it is the duty of the local authority to provide services to safeguard and promote the childs welfare and needs. If no harm is suffered the case is closed. If need be that the child needs to be seen by a S/W or police this is usually done within 24 hours after the allegation has been reported. When these initial enquiries are complete a decision is made as to whether there is need to pursue the matter or no further action required it is the duty of social workers to inform parents of any developments as soon as possible. Information such as the source of the allegation will be given to parents as long as it does not put the investigation into jeopardy or put anyone at risk. If for instance the allegation came from an institutional source like nursery, hospital or school it will be revealed . Members of the public names or identities are not revealed. During questioning or inquiries if it becomes necessary to ask a child/ the victim parents may be allowed to be present or may not be allowed if they are the perpetrators mainly or for any other reason. Depending on circumstances, Social Worker will work with both parents and child but in the best interest of the child. This is the time when parents can explain their views, concerns and what actions to be taken to address the concerns. Parents are also interviewed with their language if they dont speak English an interpreter will be available by social worker. If the need be the child may be seen by a doctor or paediatrician to ascertain what happened, treat the injuries or to seek clarity on injuries. Parents need to give permission for this if they refuse a court order will be sought for permission to have a medical examination. If a parent does not agree with proceedings they may seek legal advice. If a child is old enough to understand they may agree to be examined themselves if it is proved that they are old enough to, make such a judgement. All this is dependent on how well a child understands what is happening Merrick (1996). The medical examination is dependent on the nature of alleged abuse. It is important for the doctor to have a full understanding of the childs health and development. The examination forms part of the enquiry process as it is a way of gathering evidence and preserve any evidence to understand the abuse. The examination will reassure the parent and child that they will recover. The child may have preferences of who conducts the exam and who should be present. Social worker will also accompany or be present. If the results of the examination convince social workers that injuries were accidental not abuse no further action is taken. If the results conclude that there is likely to be significant harm or abuse further enquiries will be carried out. This may also involve enquiries regarding other family members so as to ensure that no harm has happened to them. A video recording interview may follow conducted by Social Worker and police if maybe they want to sue. This will also help if pol ice want to pursue criminal proceedings. This is done by trained officers who specialise in these procedures. It may be the case that the police need to remove the child from parents care to safeguard their protection and welfare. All necessary arrangements will be made in line with the intention of keeping the child within their family. If necessary Social Services may call a child protection conference if there is evidence of significant harm. Parents are invited and all the professionals involved with the child as well. These include social workers, police officers, doctors and other people interested in the welfare of the child. If the child is classified as having suffered or at risk of significant harm a strategy discussion meeting is pursued. A meeting consisting of all professionals from relevant agencies will meet to decide whether to proceed with a section 47 inquiry under the Children Act 1989. Under section 47 the Local Authority will investigate the case of a child in their area. Serious case review is conducted by the Local Safeguarding Children Board when a child dies or seriously injured, abused or neglected. This is an inter agency forum set up by Local Authorities to define and agree how best professional groups co-operate to safeguard children and also to ensure good outcomes for children are in place and achieved . Working Together to Safeguard Children Guidance (2010) Buckley (2003) identifies Child protection conference as a meeting arranged by social services if people are worried about a childs Safety. Child Protection Conference is carried out to decide whether a child is still at risk of continuous significant harm. The purpose of child protection conference is to bring under one roof all concerned and interested parties who are key to the welfare /wellbeing of the child. These include care professionals, medical professionals, lawyers, police, teachers and nursery practitioners. An independent child protection advisor chairs the conference and will meet the parents before the conference to explain all procedures and objectives of the meeting. Previously it was observed before the conference was introduced that the Child Protection system was regarded as inefficient and lacking since all stakeholders were not united and did not communicate effectively amongst themselves exposing a child to further harm and creating opportunity for further har m by not addressing potential risks or communicating concerns. All professionals who attend the conference are required to evaluate the welfare of the child, determine if there is potential danger and decide whether to put the child on the protection register. Care professionals will also decide course of action, such as upholding legal proceedings or criminal investigation if a decision to put the child on the protection register. A child protection plan is designed to control future proceedings regarding safety/welfare of child. The plan will highlight roles within the inter agency and enhance productive communication between individual agencies. After three months a further meeting is held to review and monitor progress. Every six months review child protection conferences are carried out. If any concerns or any of the elements in the plan are not working well they can be altered. There will also be discussion on every conference whether your child needs to remain on the Child Pr otection register. Access to file, confidentiality and complaints procedures will be adhered to. A number of legislation is relevant to the Child Protection agenda. The Childrens Act 1989 believes Children are generally best looked after within the family, with both parents playing a full and without resorting to legal proceedings. The welfare of the child is significant and their wishes should be taken into account seriously. The act seeks where possible to protect children within their families. A number of provisions were designed to improve the family and home environment to protect children. Inter communication between multi disciplinary agencies was encouraged to indentify/ address risks to a child/children so as to safeguard and protect children. Sections 17. 27 and 47 (cite) the Childrens Act 2004 highlights the need for increased accountability, integrated planning, multi- disciplinary planning and delivery of services and above all providing for children with special needs. The Human Rights Act 1998 embraces the European Convention on human Rights into UK law. Although it does not specifically mention children because they are treated as persons in the eyes of the law just as adults. The adoption and Childrens Act 2002 amends the Childrens Act 1989 by recognising the definition of harm to include witnessing domestic violence. Following Victoria Climbes death at the age of eight Lord Laming was asked to conduct an inquiry to establish whether a new legislation was needed or any other recommendations to improve the Child Protection in England. As a response keeping child safe report (Dfes 2003) and the Every Child Matters Green Paper DEFS (2003) which later became Childrens Act (2004). The Childrens Act (2004) does not add/ subtract anything from Childerens Act 1989 instead it sets out an approach to integrate services to children so that every child matters meets the five outcomes: being safe, healthy, achieve, enjoy, make a positive contribution and achieve economic wellbeing. The Childrens Act further places a duty to Local Authorities to appoint childrens Commissioner for England who is accountable for the delivery of service. Local authorities and their partners (police, health services and the youth justice system) have a duty to co-operate in promoting the wellbeing of children and young people and to make necessary arrangements to promote childrens welfare and wellbeing. As required in the lay out working together to safeguard children statutory guidance, non statutory ( area in protecting committees are replaced by the new local safeguarding children bears. They are trusted with further functions of reviewing and investigating (section 14) which they use to review all child deaths in their area. It also revises legislation regarding physical punishment by making it an offence to hit a child to an extent of causing mental harm on the skin (section 58) which repeats the defence provided to parents on reasonable chastisement of the children and Young P ersons Act 1993. The 2006 Children and Adoption Act enforces contact / contact orders when separated parents are in dispute giving more flexible powers to facilitate contact. As recommended in the Care Matters White Paper (Dfes 2007) the children and Young Persons Act is expected to give and provide high quality care and services for children in care and places a duty on registrars to notify local safeguarding board on all deaths Daniel and Ivatts (1998). The Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 requires UK Border Agency to recognise and promote safedguarding childrens welfare section 55 in line with other public organisations that have contact with children. The apprenticeships,skills, children and Leaarning Act 2009 requires two local lay community members sitting on each local safeguarding children board. Some of the provisions in the Act have been targeted for repealing by the coalition government including the duty on schools to promote the wellbeing of children and the requirement to set up childrens trust and draw up children and Young Peoples plans (Dfe 2010) There is also legislation that has been set up to protect children by monitoring adults who pose a risk,creating offences which they can be charged and stopping them from working with children. These are the sex offenders Act 1997, Sexual Offences Act 2003, Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, Domestic Violence , Crime and Victims Act 2004 guidance on offences against children,the serious organisational crime and police Act 2005, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 after the death of Holly and Jessica. The forced marriages Act Civil Protection 2007 and the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008. Out of all the legislation it is important to mention that they do not cover the minimum age at which a child may be left alone and how old a baby sitter should be. Having explored the child protection system and legislation it is important to address one of the critical debates in the topic which is: Does child protection work in all communities especially the ethnic minority and disabled groups? Most recent research carried out has revealed so far some of the issues which are far reaching as shortcomings. It has been suggested that new research shold explore the family structures and values on how different ethnic minority groups slip into situations requiring child protection. Highly focused studies are neede to focus and understand how some practices and beliefs in specific minority groups such as genital mutilation or the racial abuses of mixed heritage children brought up in white families. Qualitative studies into attitudes towards sexuality in different cultural and faith groups. Maybe the time limits regulating initial assessment s into culturally sensitive work re impacting on complex work to be properly carried out (such as refugee fa milies) The courts , conbferences and social work practice must be aware and pay attention to the needs of ethnic minoritoies . If these are addressed then the child protection system will be ethnically tolerant and culturally competent in the best of the chid and as hood practice. Thoburn et al (2006). Disabled children are more still likely to be abused and neglected because they rely on institutions which have a history of failing over the past decades. The institutions either lack the resources, capacity and transparency in addressing abuse/neglect and also inefficient procedures to guarantee disclosure to assist disabled children to overcome the communication barrier especially on abuse. Worse still there is more vulnerability to children whose parents are disabled. There is more likelihood of them being taken into care on the grounds of neglect than those children whose parents are not disabled. Organisations and local authorities need more structures in place and transparency to help vulnerable children and families to be able to communicate and express their worries, fears and anxieties Corby (2006). LEAFLET COMMENTARY 500 WORDS NEGLECT AND EMOTIONAL ABUSE. WHY THIS AREA? It has been a neglected area since the death of Maria Colwell Professionals focused on physical and sexual abuse. This meant the neglect and emotionally abused children and their families were not adequately represented thus getting limited resources and being filtered out of the Child protection system. When the Childrens Act 1989 was introduced it tried to address these issues and further went on to introduce registrations in the neglect/ emotional abuse category. This commitment is of great significance to practitioners whose objective is to tackle any form of child maltreatment as resources became available. Development of Identity as a Blogger | Proposal Development of Identity as a Blogger | Proposal Piyas Roy FORMATION AND TRANSFORMATION OF BLOGGER AS AN IDENTITY IN BANGLADESH INTRODUCTION General Overview As first evolved, the idea of being a blogger, always been counted as someone being technologically advanced, as long as a socially aware person with a good knowledge on contemporary reality with a good sense of expression through different forms of text. The identity of a blogger in the early days was so influential that, creative thinkers having least knowledge on blogging got huge interest over it and started to introduce themselves as a blogger, instead of just a creative fellow or a writer or anything else. But a single incident took place in the year of 2013 has drastically changed the scenario. Peoples of Bangladesh, where the country’s population is Muslim majority, started treating the bloggers in a generalized way as Islam hater atheists in general. Not only the disparity in ideology, but the situation turned so awful that holding the religious agenda, incidences like assassination of bloggers started taking place in the history of Bangladesh. In this study, I will t ry to find the formation and reformation of blogger, as an identity in Bangladesh thorough its impact on socio-religious ideology and how the ideology of freethinker bloggers get perceived by the members of different stakeholders. Background of the Study Being introduced in the year or 1996, the initial use of VSAT and dial-up based internet brought first change in Bangladeshi computing with the world wide web while the cyber space gathering was mostly based on yahoo groups (Sabir, 2015). On the other hand Justin Hall’s created the first ever blog in the internet history opened a new dimension which has been categorized and titled by Weblog by online diarist Jorn Barger in December 1997. As the technology got improved Blogger introduced the first ever free blogging platform in August 1999 which was a revolution for the blogger community, though that blogging was in an individualistic manner for each blogger to writing blog post separately onto their own platform (Thompson, 2006). For Bangladeshi bloggers the first revolutionary attempt was somewhereinblog.net which started the community Bengali blogging platform from 15 December of 2005. Bloggers of which platform later on diversified in some other platforms like amarblog.com, sachalayatan.com, mukto-mona.com and so on, turning blogging as a trend for the people of new generation. The trend of blogging turned so popular that some mainstream newspapers online version and online newspapers like the Daily Prothom Alo, introduced blogging facility as a scope of citizen journalists for inviting bloggers to become voice for the voiceless citizens. The first generation bloggers have not bounded within the lines of blogs only, but also widened their blogging in social network platforms also, mostly in Facebook. In February 6 2013, The International Crimes Tribunal-2 sentenced Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Quader Mollah to life in prison for his against humanity role during the liberation war of Bangladesh. To raise voice against that unfair verdict Bloggers and Activist Network initiated the protest by organizing a human chain in front of the National Museum, which ignited the huge nationalist movement of Shahbagh, demanding the death penalty of war criminals or Liberation war of 1971. When the rebellion movement was at its pick, a blogger and one of the initiator of Shahbagh movement Ahmed Rajib Haidar, was found dead by stabbing on February 15 near his house. From investigation, it was found that Rajib was threatened by some Islamic Fundamentalists for his involvement with Shahbagh movement and his online activities in against of Islamic sentiment. That particular assassination has started the series of killing in Bangladesh, targeting the bloggers and online activists. The next victim was another blogger Mamun Hossain, who has been hacked to death in Dhaka with the same acquisition of spreading hate speeches in against of Islamic religious sentiment. Another private university student and online activist Ashraful Islam also found dead in his flat in Savar, having a deep cut injury in throat. Islamic fundamentalists got accused for this case also. Some of those attacks got failed, such as in case of blogger Asif Mohiuddin, later who has to leave country and started living in United Kingdom, as provided Asylum by the government for his life threat in Bangladesh. In March 2013, in a meeting with Prime Minister’s Office Allama Muhammad Mahbub Alam, Editor of Dainik Al Ihsan accompanied with a group of Islamic fundamentalists suggested repentance (‘tauba’) for the bloggers who are accused of making offensive statements against Islam and its Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) enclosing a list of 84 bloggers acting in that objectionable norms and a request to the government to shut down all those blog sites including somewhereinblog.net, amarblog.com, mukto-mona.com, sachalayaton.com and some others which are severely used by claimed atheists for spreading anti Islamic ideology, according to their claim. It was also found that the series or killing was miraculously following that list of 84 provided by Islamist leaders. That series killing has got an update this year on February 26, by the brutal assassination of freethinker, founder for Muktomona blog and science writer Avijit Roy near Ekushey Book Fair. Avijit’s wife and another blogger Rafida Ahmed Bonya got severely wounded during that same attack after recovering has to leave country and fly back to USA alone, from where those two came to Bangladesh to visit this year’s book fair few days ago. Prime suspect Farabi Shafiur Rahman got arrested by law enforcement agencies few days later, as he was accused for threatening Avijit over social networks for last few years d ue to his pro thinking and writings. On the contrary a miscreant cyber group Ansarullah Bengali Team claims their success in murdering Blogger Avijit through their Twitter Account. Here is not the end. Till date the latest incident took place with blogger Washiqur Rahman, on March 30 in Dhaka for the same acquisition of anti Islamist writing and practicing atheism in public sphere. Analyzing the total series of killing, the acquisition comes in front referring the bloggers and online activists being atheist and anti Islamist. Basically that identity of bloggers was used as an effective weapon by the Jamaat-e-Islami to divert the attention of people from the revolutionary demand of punishing the war criminals of 1971 with maximum penalty. On the contrary either the bloggers are being threatened of killing, leaving the country for securing their life, or started leading a new life leaving the unforgotten blogger identity aside, for the sake of security. Operational Definition Blog The word blog is a shortened form of the word Weblog, which refers to some websites, easily counted as the digital version of diary, where the publisher write posts in regular basis with identical date stamps for the posts for each days separately. Though firstly blog writing was and individual task for each blogger, later on community blogging platforms like forums or community blog sites evolved with the feature of all the bloggers to gather in a single space so share their thoughts and to place opinion on each other’s ideas. Blogger In general, the people who writes blog regularly, is known as blogger. But in case of Bangladeshi people someone who has the authority to write something over cyberspace either in blogs or in social media platforms, be counted as blogger. Research Question Throughout this research, I will try to find out the possible answers for the following questions: How the identity of blogger in different blog sites is formulated in Bangladesh? How the ideological warfare between bloggers in real space has been provoked by that of the virtual space? How the ideology of blogger has been perceived by different stakeholders/groups? Research Objectives After the successful completion of this study we will be able To understand the building blocks of blogger identity in Bangladesh and its changing form as time passes due to several socio-religious factors. To know how stakeholders from different classes of the society perceive the concept of blogging and the ideology the bloggers promote. To understand the view of blogger community members regarding the current trend of blogging and online activity in Bangladesh. To have a clear scenario of blogging in Bangladesh and to assume its future trend. Rationale of the project For last two years the issue of bloggers has been emerged with high importance. In one side, group of miscreants backed by the fundamentalist are constantly threatening the bloggers to stop their activities against the religious believe. On the contrary, in spite of having the fear of death in front, the bloggers are continuing their activities using different blog sites even in Facebook as platform. To take a control over it, government introduced The Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006, having a very few impact on the bloggers activity. On the contrary the series death incidents of the bloggers turned the government’s role under fire on ensuring citizen’s life security. More specifically the after the brutal death of Avijit Roy, a Bangladeshi American blogger and write known for pioneering Bengali freethinkers has put Bangladeshi law and order system under question in the international periphery. As long as the bloggers, the involved Islamic fundamental forces can be perceived having related to the international Islamic terrorist movement, which can also be a threat to Bangladesh’s global image and its diplomatic relation with other countries. So undoubtedly the issue regarding bloggers is a highly emerged one among the contemporary Bangladeshi social issues. Significance of the Research Till date, some blogs post, articles have been worked on bloggers’ identity formation and reformation in Bangladesh, in a scattered manner in different platforms from online publications, social media to newspapers. But no academic research has been done yet on such important topic. I hope this research can focus on the subjected topic immensely to have a better idea about the bloggers identity issues along with the ideological warfare of virtual world, impacting on the rage of fundamentalist in against of blogger community as a whole. Scopes and Limitations General purpose To determine the way how different stakeholders perceive the identity of a blogger, how that identity can come across evolution influenced by social factors and finally how the identity of virtual space can impact in real world. Subject matter Blogger identity, ideological clash with fundamentalism and its acceptance and denial in different categories of stakeholders in the society. Limitation of study This research will focus on the identity formation of only the Bangladeshi bloggers. Bloggers from other countries will not be accountable in this research. Also in different social issues bloggers often got involved in creating public opinion and awareness, even getting opposing with the governmental or any other influential forces. But all the ideological conflict issue will not be covered in this research. Instead of only bloggers ideological clash with the fundamentalist Islamic force, their ideological warfare will be counted as the matter to discuss about throughout this research work. Population or universe Bloggers and online activists playing the role of acting force of fundamentalist movement, Stakeholders from different phase of society. Locale of the study Bloggers and associated different stakeholders originated in Bangladesh. Period of the study: From the historical point from where journey of community blogging started its journey to 2016. Bibliography Sabir, S. A. (2015, February 04). History Evolution of Bangladesh Internet. Retrieved April 19, 2015, from Bangladesh Network Operators Group: http://www.bdnog.org/v2/conference_paper/Bangaldesh-Internet.pdf Thompson, C. (2006, February 20). The Early Years: A Timeline of How Blogging All Began. Retrieved April 19, 2015, from NYMag: http://nymag.com/news/media/15971/

Charles Dickens’ live Essay

Charles Dickens’ highly reputable and famous book, Great Expectations has been one of the most dominating, important and effective novels he has written. It originally emerged in a serialised form in ‘All The Year Round’ (a weekly journal conducted by Charles Dickens) in 1860 -1861 and is, to this day and age, thought to be one of his paramount novels. When the book was published, critics were instantaneous to give diverse and mixed reviews towards the book, disliking the exaggeration of both the characters and plot Charles Dickens had carefully formulated. Although the critics were assorted in their reviews, the readers were genuinely ebullient towards Great Expectations that the 1861 edition enforced five printings. Great Expectations was published during the Victorian era which also was the time in which Charles Dickens’ lived. The Victorian era had a very high mortality rate due to children catching cholera or tuberculosis, which lead to their deaths. Children had strenuous and dejected childhoods, if they were lucky enough to survive in to adulthood; because families did not have enough money children would work to meet financial satisfaction. They were employed in difficult positions, commonly in factories or jobs people would not usually do, with long working hours lasting eight to twelve hours a day and generally six days a week. By the 1830’s certain charities and associations approached the problem and helped children and their families by giving food and clothes. Ensuing the 1840’s, school was an obligation and children stopped working to go to school and to get an education. Charles Dickens’ family did not prosper in wealth, money was a concerning subject in the family. The large family’s needs and living expenses were too much for John Dickens (Charles Dickens’ father) salary that when Charles Dickens was four months the family had to move to a smaller home to save money. Charles Dickens wanted to become a gentleman (an educated man), although it seemed unlikely when John Dickens was arrested and sent to jail due to failure of paying debts. In order to pay off the debt Charles Dickens was sent to a shoe-polish factory. Charles did not have a happy childhood, which I think is reflected in some of his books like Great Expectations. This brings me to the young boy Phillip Pirrip, also known as Pip, the protagonist of the story. I am going to be writing about how Dickens creates sympathy for Pip. Pip never seems to attain his dreams for a more improved life. At the very beginning of the book, we meet Pip and we find out that he will be narrating this story, the book is his story and is told in his words. Pip’s narration, straightaway, brings about his childhood problems which creates sympathy for him. Pip is first introduced in a graveyard. The setting of a graveyard seems very sombre, dark and upsetting. ‘The marshes were just a long black horizontal line then, as I stopped to look after him; and the river was just another horizontal line, not nearly so broad nor yet so black; and the sky was just a row of long angry red lines and dense black lines intermixed.’ Darkness and blood is suggested by the imagery of the landscape of the marshes with black and red lines. It does not give a blissful feeling to us either. Pip talks about his deceased parents, he is an orphan and this makes us feel pity for him. He seemed to be a very innocent child, this is reflected through the inscription on his parent’s graves. Pip has memorised these inscriptions and he has also created an image of his deceased parents and siblings which further tell us that he is an innocent child, as most children have great imaginations compared to adults. We see the advancement of Pip’s life when he meets with an escaped convict, who escaped from hulks (prison ships that transport criminals to Australia), who is later to be revealed as Abel Magwitch. Pip seems to treat the runaway convict with kindness through fear of the convict. ‘After each question he tilted me over a little more, so as to give me a greater sense of helplessness and danger.’ This quote of Pip’s narration, made me feel sorry for him because he is being threatened through fear and you cannot help but feel as if Pip is in grave danger now that he has associated with such a threatening convict. ‘I was dreadfully frightened, and so giddy that I clung to him with both hands.’ Pip is being bullied by Abel Magwitch, it makes us feel compassion for Pip, it also makes us think Pip is so helpless. His violent sister, who always reminds him how grateful he should be for her bringing him up, and her husband, the ever so friendly blacksmith Joe, who is like a brother to Pip, both look after Pip. â€Å"†¦I supposed that both Joe Gargery and I were brought up by hand.† this quote means both Pip and Joe were beaten by Pip’s sister. Dickens makes us feel sorry for Pip in this quote due to Pip’s treatment from his sister’s fierce temperament as no one would like to be beaten. Irony is used when the stick used to beat Pip is referred to as the ‘Tickler’. Tickler is the cane with which Mrs. Gargery hits Pip. The mannerism in which Mrs. Gargery butters the bread for Pip and Joe is ‘†¦trenchant†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢, she has a forceful and vigorous way of buttering. Her apron is coarse, full of needles and is tough. She wears this apron as a reminder to Joe and Pip meaning that she is looking after them. ‘† I tell you what, young fellow,† said she, â€Å"I didn’t bring you up by hand to badger people’s lives out. It would be blame to me, and not praise, if I had. People are put in the Hulks because they murder, and because they rob, and forge, and do all sorts of bad; and they always begin by asking questions. Now you get along to bed!† ‘ To keep Pip well behaved, silent and grateful, Mrs. Gargery threatens, punishes and accuses Pip of ingratitude. Pip himself feels an enormous amount of guilt for his innocent actions, like asking some questions, which have been unfairly warped to seem as if Pip was doing a bad thing. The guilt Pip feels is unprincipled. Although, Pip is not only treated this way by Mrs. Gargery, he is also treated unethically by Mr. Pumblechook, Mr. Wopsle and the Hubbles.

Cybercrime: Crime and Online Protection Act

Therisa Knapp Criminal Justice Week 4 paper November 10, 2012 Cybercrime I feel that cybercrime is any illegal actions using computers. The use of computers is basically a gateway for identity theft in my opinion. By using computers criminals have it easier to pull off scams and schemes to profit off of victims’ hard earned money. Any business transactions being done over the internet is perhaps at risk. After reviewing the slideshow presentation in week fours learning activity I learned that cybercrime is the theft and destruction of information, resources, or funds by way of computers. Siegel, Introduction to Criminal Justice, 2011) There are three types of cybercrimes; cyber theft, cyber vandalism, and cyber welfare. Cybercrime is increasing in the United States. Cyber theft involves the use of computer networks for criminal profit. (Siegel, Introduction to Criminal Justice, 2011) In learning more about cyber theft I was surely surprised of some examples mentioned. Some exa mples of cyber theft are: †¢Computer fraud †¢Pornography and prostitution †¢Denial of service attacks †¢Copyright infringement †¢Identity theft Internet securities fraud (Siegel, Introduction to Criminal Justice, 2011) I had no idea that pornography and prostitution was mentioned along with copyright infringement. The second cybercrime mentioned is cyber vandalism. Cyber vandalism is a malicious attacks, disrupting-defacing, and destroying technology. This crime is motivated by malice not greed. (Siegel, Introduction to Criminal Justice, 2011) Some examples of cyber vandalism are: †¢Virus-worms †¢Trojan horses †¢Web defacement †¢Cyber stalking †¢Cyber bullying Siegel, Introduction to Criminal Justice, 2011) Learning these examples I had never given a thought of cyber stalking and cyber bullying would have been included in vandalism. I would have thought that there was maybe a cyber-harassment for a cybercrime. The final type of cyber crime is the cyber welfare. Cyber welfare is a series of politically motivated attacks designed to compromise the electronic infrastructure of an enemy nation and disrupt its economy. One serious example is hacking sensitive computer networks. (Siegel, Introduction to Criminal Justice, 2011)The extent of cybercrime in the United States is far reaching as coast to coast and border to border. Where ever there are computers, networks, internet, and people; there is a possibility of cybercrime happening to not only private individuals doing business transactions but businesses themselves. I think that one way to control cybercrime is if a person is intent on purchasing items over the internet, then that individual should purchase a Visa/MasterCard and load the money onto it. This way ones bank account would not be affect them. Perhaps the Federal Government should impose a law to use loadable credit cards to control the cybercrimes.I certainly do think enforcement can be effective becau se if the Federal Government imposes the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, The Digital Millennium Copyright Act, the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998, and the Child Online Protection Act, (Siegel, Introduction to Criminal Justice, 2011) then the Federal Government has the power to enforce these acts. The Federal Government needs to let the public be aware of these â€Å"Acts† and the consequences that they bare and strongly enforce them. Cybercrime can defiantly destroy lives. Criminals benefit from pulling off scams and schemes.The three types of cybercrime can be devastating especially in the United States. The economy is in dire straits and Americans’ work hard for their money and cannot afford to have such a crime committed against them. Reference Siegel, W. (2011). Introduction to Criminal Justice. Therisa, I am glad that you made an attempt to complete this assignment. Cybercrime is on the rise in the US and it seems that the criminals have an upp er hand in this activity. You did a good job in this assignment, keep up the good work. You should not being or end a paragraph with a reference.Your first sentence should be your introduction sentence, what is your paragraph going to discuss. Your last sentence should be your conclusion or transition sentence to the next paragraph, all in your own words. You should put the in-text citation after the information you use to signify that the material is from a resource. This was addressed in my written directions and checklist. There is some good APA information under Doc Sharing. If you need any help in your writing there are some resources that the school can offer you. You can also get help from your instructors if you ever have any questions. SCORE: 54/55 Related post: Snatch Theft Essay

Understanding Deforestationâ€a Growing Global Problem

Deforestation is a growing global problem with far-reaching environmental and economic consequences, including some that may not be fully understood until it is too late to prevent them. But what is deforestation, and why is it such a serious problem? Deforestation refers to the loss or destruction of naturally occurring forests, primarily due to human activities such as logging, cutting trees for fuel, slash-and-burn agriculture, clearing land for livestock grazing, mining operations, oil extraction, dam building, and urban sprawl or other types of development and population expansion. Logging alone—much of it illegal—accounts for the loss of more than 32 million acres of our planets natural forests every year, according to The Nature Conservancy. Not all deforestation is intentional. Some deforestation may be driven by a combination of natural processes and human interests. Wildfires burn large sections of forest every year, for example, and although fire is a natural part of the forest life cycle, subsequent overgrazing by livestock or wildlife after a fire can prevent the growth of young trees. How Fast Is Deforestation Happening? Forests still cover about 30 percent of the Earths surface, but each year about 13 million hectares of forest (approximately 78,000 square miles)—an area roughly equivalent to the state of Nebraska, or four times the size of Costa Rica—are converted to agricultural land or cleared for other purposes. Of that figure, approximately 6 million hectares (about 23,000 square miles) is primary forest, which is defined in the 2005 Global Forest Resources Assessment as forests of native species where there are no clearly visible indications of human activities and where the ecological processes are not significantly disturbed. Reforestation programs, as well as landscape restoration and the natural expansion of forests, have slowed the net deforestation rate somewhat, but the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reports that approximately 7.3 million hectares of forests (an area roughly the size of Panama or the state of South Carolina) are permanently lost every year. Tropical rainforests in places like Indonesia, the Congo, and the Amazon Basin are particularly vulnerable and at risk. At the current rate of deforestation, tropical rainforests could be wiped out as functioning ecosystems in less than 100 years. West Africa has lost about 90 percent of its coastal rainforests, and deforestation in South Asia has been nearly as bad. Two-thirds of the lowland tropical forests in Central America have been converted to pasture since 1950, and 40 percent of all rainforests have been lost. Madagascar has lost 90 percent of its eastern rainforests, and Brazil has seen more than 90 percent of the Mata Atlà ¢ntica (Atlantic Forest) disappear. Several countries have declared deforestation a national emergency. Why Is Deforestation a Problem? Scientists estimate that 80 percent of all species on Earth—including those not yet discovered—live in tropical rainforests. Deforestation in those regions wipes out critical habitat, disrupts ecosystems and leads to the potential extinction of many species, including irreplaceable species that could be used to make medicines, which might be essential for cures or effective treatments of the worlds most devastating diseases. Deforestation also contributes to global warming—tropical deforestation accounts for about 20 percent of all greenhouse gases—and has a significant impact on the global economy. While some people may receive immediate economic benefits from activities that result in deforestation, those short-term gains cannot offset the negative long-term economic losses. At the 2008 Convention on Biological Diversity in Bonn, Germany, scientists, economists, and other experts concluded that deforestation and damage to other environmental systems could cut living standards for the worlds poor by half and reduce the global gross domestic product (GDP) by about 7 percent. Forest products and related activities account for approximately  $600 billion worth of global GDP every year.