Evidence Based Practice (EBP) in Juvenile Justice Systems Essay exampl

Evidence Based Practice emerged in the late 20th century, becoming widespread in the 21st century. According to Research and Practice: The Role of Evidence-Based Program Practices in the Youth Mentoring Field ( 2009) â€Å"The concept of Evidence Based Practice (EBP) actually has its roots in the medical field, where the work of Archie Cochrane (1972) and others examined the key role that the substantial body of medical research and literature could play in how doctors make decisions in patient care† (para 6); Thus, a doctor’s decision would be an â€Å"educated† decision, based on evidence gathered (patient symptoms), history of cases they have overseen, or research of previous case diagnosed by another doctor, with a related case. Evidence Based Practices are defined as â€Å" integration of: (a) clinical expertise/expert opinion, (b) external scientific evidence, and (c) client/patient/caregiver perspectives to provide high-quality services reflecting the int erests, values, needs, and choices of the individuals we serve† (â€Å"Evidence Based Practice (EBP),† 1997-2014); often described as the â€Å"Best Practices†. The evidence itself is not the basis of decisions made, but it does help support the process of care given to our clients. Programs, policies, and practices are developed for at-risk youth, based on the evidence and research generated from this approach. The basis of such evidence is not to be the deciding factor, as stated above, but to help us identify programs, and policies that benefit our youth in positive ways. There is no doubt that human service organization will undergo changes, in relation to the people they serve. Hasenfeld (2010) suggest such sociodemographic changes are a result of immigration and migration, which c... ...t Practices in Juvenile Justice Reform. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.princeton.edu/futureofchildren/publications/highlights/18_02_Highlights.pdf Evidence Based Associates. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.evidencebasedassociates.com/about/history.html Evidence Based Practice (EBP). (1997-2014). Retrieved from http://www.asha.org/members/ebp/ Evidence-Based Programs for Juvenile Justice Reform in Louisiana. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.njjn.org/uploads/digital-library/resource_1650.pdf Kauffmann, M. (2010). Intergrating Evidence Based Practices into Juvenile Justice in NC. Retrieved from http://www.ncchild.org/sites/default/files/Integrating%20Evidence%20Based%20Practices%20into%20Juvenile%20Justice%20in%20NC.pdf Research and Practice: The Role of Evidence-Based Program Practices in the Youth Mentoring Field. (2009). Mentoring Resource Center, (30).

Many Epic Heroes Struggle to Return Home

The following essay is a comparison analysis of the circumstances of the exile and return of the main characters from The Odyssey, Genesis 4 and Ramayana. The three men differ in motivation but are all led by a spiritual power. Odysseus is a complex main character. The king is not only a brave, intelligent warrior who is highly respected by the gods and mortals, but he has obvious negative qualities; making it difficult at times for the reader to sympathize with him. Odysseus’ complex character and poor judgment causes him to partake in dangerous adventures; prolonging his return. One example is when he sails to Ismarus and battles the Cicones. Once chased back to sea; Odysseus arrogantly announced his name to Polyphemus as he sailed away. This announcement creates another battle for his life; once Polyphemus identifies Odysseus as the man who took his sight to his father Poseidon and a plan for revenge on Odysseus is made. Odysseus did not however have to establish himself as a hero. He was considered a hero before leaving for Troy. It was not the desire to be a hero that drove him to his many adventures and battles; it was victory which motivated Odysseus. Cain, unlike Odysseus, is not perceived as a hero. He is responsible for his fate of exile when he takes the life of his brother and lies about the murder to God. Cain is not considered noble or heroic for his choices in life. In contrast, in Ramayana, Rama can be perceived as a noble man. Rama does not question his father’s order of banishment. Rama lives according to his Dharma, which is evident through his actions. An example of his noble actions is when his step-brother Bharata finds out about his mothers sinister acts which led to Rama’s banishment and Bharata becoming king. When Bharata approaches Rama in the woods, Rama refuses to go back to the kingdom and claim his rightful thrown, because it would be against his father’s orders. Odysseus while heroic would not be considered noble because of his deceitful and selfish ways. Self-righteousness, thievery and dishonesty caused Odysseus to continuously engage in dangerous adventures. Rama was not flawed in character and did not put himself or his companions in harms way due to selfish behavior; he was an honest and selfless man. The return of both Odysseus and Rama are similar; unlike their exile. Both men return to their kingdom to successfully carry out their rule. Their homecoming differs however; Odysseus returns with vengeance, asserting his authority; killing the suitors who had caused so much grief in his absence. Odysseus’ exile and return are influenced heavily by the gods. Once reunited with his father, the suitors’ families come for revenge. It is only with the influence of Athena that civil war does not break out. Rama’s return is a more joyous and celebrated return. He returns to become the rightful king and has a successful rule, where the people of his kingdom are very pleased. All three stories, Ramayana, The Odyssey and Genesis 4 involve divine intervention and spiritual influence. The lives of the three main characters, Odysseus, Rama and Cain are influenced by a higher power. The gods are heavily involved in the events taken place in The Odyssey; especially Athena. Rama lives his life before, during and after exile according to his Dharma and Cain is in a spiritual exile from God and prosperity. Selfishness and deceitfulness are similar characteristics in both Cain and Odysseus. Cain lies to God when asked of the whereabouts of his brother. Odysseus lies continuously throughout The Odyssey. Both men are responsible for their exile, with the exception of Odysseus’ original reason for leaving his kingdom; the war in Troy. Rama is not responsible for his exile however; it is his step-mother who demands his banishment. All three men struggle to return to their homes. Odysseus’ struggle is primarily physical; he has many battles to be won before returning home. His character does not, for the most part, grow emotionally. Rama, while following his Dharma, struggles emotionally with the disappearance of Sita and does have some physical battles with the rakshasas during his exile. Cain’s struggle is spiritual; after being exiled by God, he is forced to live destitute, with barren land and without God’s grace. In conclusion, Odysseus, Cain and Rama all differ in character; it is only Rama that continues to act righteously during exile while the other two men act in self-righteousness; causing their predicaments. They all however seek to be home; Odysseus and Rama seek their kingdoms and Cain seeks the good graces of God. References Mack, M., Knox, B., McGalliard, J.C., Pasinetti, P.M., Hugo, H.E., Spacks, P.M., Wellek, R., Douglas, K. and Lawall, S. (1992). World Masterpieces. The Norton Anthology. (6th ed., vol. 1). Norton & Co., New York. Ramayana Summary. (n.d.). Retrieved May 19, 2007 Â   Â   Â   Â   Â  

Praying Mantises The Suborder Mantodea

With its large eyes and swiveling head, the mantid entertains and fascinates us. Most people call members of the suborder Mantodea praying mantises, referring to their prayer-like posture when sitting. Mantis is a Greek word meaning prophet or soothsayer. Description At maturity, most mantids are large insects of 5-8 centimeters in length. Like all members of the order Dictyoptera, mantids have leathery forewings that fold over their abdomens when at rest. Mantids move slowly and prefer walking among the branches and leaves of plants to flying from place to place. The mantids triangular head can rotate and swivel, even allowing it to look over its shoulder, which is a unique ability in the insect world. Two large compound eyes and up to three ocelli between them help the mantid navigate its world. The first pair of legs, held distinctively forward, allow the mantid to catch and grasp insects and other prey. Species in North America are typically green or brown in color. In tropical areas, mantid species come in a variety of colors, sometimes mimicking flowers. Classification Kingdom - AnimalPhylum - ArthropodaClass - InsectaOrder - DictyopteraSuborder - Mantodea Diet Mantids prey on other insects and are sometimes considered a beneficial garden insect for that reason. However, hungry mantids do not discriminate when feeding and may eat other beneficial insects as well as those we call pests in our gardens. Some species of Mantodea even prey on vertebrates, including small birds and lizards. Life Cycle Members of the family Mantodea undergo simple or incomplete metamorphosis, with three life cycle stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females lay 200 or more eggs in a frothy mass called an ootheca, which hardens and protects the eggs as they develop. The nymph emerges from the egg mass as a tiny version of the adult mantid. As it grows, the nymph molts until it develops functioning wings and reaches adult size. In temperate climates, adults live from spring to fall, when they mate and lay eggs, which over winter. Tropical species may live as long as twelve months. Special Adaptations and Defenses A mantids primary defense is camouflage. By blending into its environment, the mantid stays hidden from predators and prey alike. Mantids may mimic sticks, leaves, bark, and flowers with their colors. In Australia and Africa, some mantids molt after fires, changing their color to the black of the charred landscape. If threatened, a mantid will stand tall and spread its front legs to appear larger. Though not venomous, they will bite to defend themselves. In some species, the mantid may also expel air from its spiracles, making a hissing sound to scare off predators. Some mantids that fly at night can detect the echolocation sounds of bats, and react with a sudden change in direction to avoid being eaten. Range and Distribution Over 2,300 species of mantids occur worldwide. Mantids live in both temperate and tropical climates, on every continent except Antarctica. Twenty species are native to North America. Two introduced species, the Chinese mantid (Tenodera aridifolia sinensis) and the European mantid (Mantis religiosa) are now common throughout the United States. Sources Suborder Mantodea, Bugguide.netMantodea, Tree of Life WebInsects: Their Natural History and Diversity, by Stephen A. Marshall