This book presents a reconfiguration of the concepts of community in Latin countries as well as the community quality of life and well-being of different groups: children, young people, older adults, migrants. The traditional concept of community has changed together with the way people participate in community spaces. Community nowadays is more than a geographic concentration; it is related to social support, inter-subjectivity, participation, consensus, common beliefs, joint effort aiming at a major objective, and intense and extensive relationships. This volume presents unique experiences about culture, social development, health, water, armed conflicts, the digital media, and sports within communities, written by authors from Latin countries. This volume is a valuable resource for researchers, students, and policy makers in quality of life studies.

International organizations do not always live up to the expectations and mandates of their member countries. One of the best examples of this gap is the environmental performance of multilateral development banks, which are tasked with allocating and managing approximately half of all development assistance worldwide. In the 1980s and 1990s, the multilateral development banks came under severe criticism for financing projects that caused extensive deforestation, polluted large urban areas, displaced millions of people, and destroyed valuable natural resources. In response to significant and public failures, member countries established or strengthened administrative procedures, citizen complaint mechanisms, project evaluation, and strategic planning processes. All of these reforms intended to close the gap between the mandates and performance of the multilateral development banks by shaping the way projects are approved. Giving Aid Effectively provides a systematic examination of whether these efforts have succeeded in aligning allocation decisions with performance. Mark T. Buntaine argues that the most important way to give aid effectively is selectivity - moving towards projects with a record of success and away from projects with a record of failure for individual recipient countries. This book shows that under certain circumstances, the control mechanisms established to close the gap between mandate and performance have achieved selectivity. Member countries prompt the multilateral development banks to give aid more effectively when they generate information about the outcomes of past operations and use that information to make less successful projects harder to approve or more successful projects easier to approve. This argument is substantiated with the most extensive analysis of evaluations across four multilateral development banks ever completed, together with in-depth case studies and dozens of interviews. More generally, Giving Aid Effectively demonstrates that member countries have a number of mechanisms that allow them to manage international organizations for results.

Building Genuine Community emphasizes a notion of a community in which people are bound together by a common life situation and a common purpose without using that common purpose as an exclusionary factor that distinguishes between those who belong and those who do not belong to the community. Without being scholarly, technical, or obscure, Building Genuine Community lays the foundation for true community, which is "the seeking need of the age." True community is difficult to define. What makes some communities thrive and others fail? True community is not an ideal or a specific goal. Rather, it is a twofold direction of movement-a movement within each particular structure of family, community, and society to discover the maximum possibilities of the confirmation of individuals as true others within that structure, as well as a movement from structure to structure toward more genuine community. Building Genuine Community proposes nothing less than to do away with the old and tired polarities of the individual versus society, individualism versus collectivism, competition versus cooperation, and free enterprise versus socialism. In place of all these ideals, this treatise confirms that otherness is the only meaningful direction of movement for friendship, marriage, family, community, and society within a democracy.

Many people make a profession of faith and sincerely desire to serve God, but there are struggles and strongholds in their lives, and it appears that there is no way out. Rooted and Grounded can help any person who desires to know and serve God walk through this journey; break free of strongholds, and enjoy all that God has planned for them.

It's like drinking multivitamins that will assist in several areas of growth, development, and maturity.

"It is not my enemies who taunt me-I could bear that.... It is you, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend...." Ps. 55:12-13 The paucity of resources for pastoral care of acquaintance-rape survivors highlights the invisibility of this growing crime and its largely uncharted pastoral challenges. In fact, most rape is by an acquaintance. Only 16 percent of such cases are reported; and, because they are difficult to prosecute, only 5 percent of those reported result in guilty verdicts. Focusing on the psychospiritual effects of this sexualized violence, Kristen Leslie offers the psychological and theological tools to religious professionals for understanding the deep spiritual trauma of the survivor and how best to work with her to reconstruct a personal world of meaning, trust, and faith. Based on extensive interviews with survivors, Leslie explains the personal and theological issues they raise, what they found helpful from religious professionals, the images and metaphors most germane to their trauma and recovery, and how they coped with or healed from the experience of rape. An exemplary and important study in practical theology, Leslie's volume will not only equip pastoral caregivers and counselors with specific guidelines. It will also enlighten them on the crucial role that theology can play in the re-construction of shattered lives.

Years of drug and alcohol abuse and bad relationships culminated in an arrest-exactly the situation God chose to use to reveal Himself. Susan Wainscott traces how God worked in the life of her brother, Chris, as she prayed. Chris's story portrays a man held captive by the bonds of sin. Susan witnessed the power of prayer as she partnered with the Holy Spirit to reach into the pain and mire to minister to Chris. But the Holy Spirit's work encompassed more than Chris. God revealed Himself to Susan as well. Through the process, Susan learned more about God and His ways and what it means to go into all the world to proclaim the Good News. Prayer Works shows the journey of Susan and Chris as they battle a lifetime of pain and sin, struggling to live in Christ's victory. ________________________________________________________________________ "If you have ever wondered if prayer works, read this book. Susan Wainscot writes with honesty, vulnerability, and hope, because she knows the Source of all hope-Christ Himself. You will be captivated by the true stories in Prayer Works, but more than that, you will discover how to pray for your own needs and for the needs of others. Don't miss this excellent resource " Carol Kent, Speaker and Author of When I Lay My Isaac Down (NavPress) and A New Kind of Normal (Thomas Nelson) _________________________________________________________________________ Susan Wainscott, founder and CEO of Swimtastic Corporation, a leading franchise brand, expands her horizons to Florida. Remarkable travels through stormy waters led her on a new mission to reach the lost...Susan's brother. This began her writing career with Prayer Works. Susan's entrepreneurial spirit continues to thrive as she launches her new business venture: Susan's Diary. Visit her at SusanWainscott.com or SusansDiary.com.

Bertie Hall is a genuine believer in changing situations or conditions for the sole purpose of achieving quality of growth and success. He also believes real change requires action. He rejects bureaucracy, stagnation, greed, and mediocrity, which do not help to create a prosperous life for all people. Instead, he is totally convinced that new ideas combined with genuine tireless efforts can firmly unite the world for positive change in eliminating poverty in the world.

He believes that by working together the world can surely be a better place for all people to enjoy a prosperous life. Among those who need to come together would be world leaders, relevant authorities, governments, charitable groups, the church, and those who have an abundance of wealth. Every individual has his or her shared responsibility in making this possible.

"Hurry, Hurry Urgent Actions " indicates the urgency of making changes to the situations and the conditions that are affecting the lives of people across the entire globe in a negative manner. Change is always possible but it never comes easily. Bertie Hall's profound feelings about the need for change are fully expressed in his book.

A new model for treating infertility

This new book offers a revolutionary clinical model for treating individuals and couples who are infertile. The authors reveal how infertility profoundly affects a sense of identity and colors the most intimate relationships with family and friAnds. Step by step, this vital resource, shows clinicians how they can learn to support clients in overcoming their inevitable sense of loss and help them to regain their power.

The authors' advocacy of acceptance of infertility is a liberating approach for families who have been struggling to `resolve' these life long issues. This original book . . . .Can change your life.

--Linda Perilstein, executive director, Cradle of Hope Adoption Center, Washington, DC

First published in 1998, this study investigates the effectiveness of services for helping women who are survivors of domestic violence. Looking at a sample from Western and Central Oregon, it examines the utilization and perceived effectiveness of resources for survivors and, in doing so, it systematically assesses the efficacy of community and professional services. This book will be of particular interest to social work students and practitioners, but will also be helpful to those studying healthcare and law.

First published in 1985, this is the first published study of violence in the family to be aimed directly at people whose professions bring them into contact with domestic abuse victims, as well as those training for those professions. It documents the problems faced by women with violent husbands and discusses how the needs of these women and of their children can best be met. The first part of the book reports the results of original research carried out by the editor. The second part of the book is concerned with the response of the law, the police, social services, housing departments and health services. The third part draws on the conference at which this research was presented, and offers recommendations for the future, in terms if better practice and of broad social and economic changes. This book will be of interest to students of social work, health care, medicine and law, as well as those studying social policy, sociology and women's studies.

First published in 1994, this in-depth and long-term study presents an ethnography which is comprised of personal narratives of victims of domestic abuse and homelessness. Drawing on these stories, the book addresses a number of issues surrounding the provision of services for homeless women and domestic abuse victims, including the effectiveness of assistance programs and laws and potential solutions to the problems of both domestic abuse and homelessness. This book will be of interest to those studying social work, health care and mental health, sociology and women's studies.

In the early 1970s, the problem of abuse within the family unit began to surface on a large scale and 1975 was a particularly significant year for the recognition of interfamilial violence. This recognition provided the impetus for more concern and investigation of the issue and significant literature on family violence began to emerge during this period. First published in 1984, this bibliography contains information published in English on domestic violence and abuse from 1960-1982. It is arranged alphabetically by author, or by the first significant word in the title if no author is given. A concise subject index and an author index follow the bibliography itself. This book will be a valuable resource to those studying social work, health care, mental health, sociology, women's studies and law.

Chatting with notorious war criminal Charles Taylor on the lawn of his presidential mansion as ostriches and armed teenagers strut in the background. Landing in snow-covered Afghanistan weeks after the fall of the Taliban and trying to make sense of a country shattered by years of war. Being held at gunpoint by young soldiers amid the tragedy of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Standing in the middle of a violent riot in the streets of Kathmandu. Having hushed conversations with the widows of Europe's largest massacre since World War II. These are all scenes from The Disaster Gypsies, a compelling personal memoir by a relief worker and conflict specialist who has worked on the ground in a host of war-torn countries. Initially deployed as part of a humanitarian relief team in Rwanda almost by accident, Norris has experienced the tragedies of Rwanda, Bosnia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Liberia over a span of ten years. Rich with poignant human stories, The Disaster Gypsies captures the reality of modern war with an immediacy and compassion that puts the reader in the front seat for some of the most wrenching events of our times. Norris approaches his story with a unique and dynamic perspective, having worked both in the upper echelons of the U.S. government and in some of the world's most dangerous places. Moving from face-to-face encounters with powerful warlords to quiet moments with the victims of horrific violence, Norris gives readers a behind-the-scenes tour of a world most of them can barely imagine. He makes a compelling argument that these nasty civil wars were often dismissed as tribal, ethnic, or regional disputes by most Americans, when in reality such violence is fundamentallypart of the human condition. That may sound simple or even self-evident, but Norris contends that most people in the United States and Europe continue to view war as something that is outside of themselves and profoundly foreign in its nature, even as their own troops continue to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In this uniquely vivid and compelling textbook, the authors reflect on eight challenging situations they have faced in the world of child protection social work. Their candid accounts provide in-depth case studies in how to work reflectively, using theory and research in situations of pressure and dilemma. They cover many common aspects of practice, including: * assessing risk; * managing different professional perspectives; * working with uncooperative clients; * dealing with organisational change. Throughout the book, the authors pause at intervals to reveal their thoughts and feelings, either as reflections in the moment or afterwards, and they invite the reader to do the same. Their detailed analysis will allow you to understand why particular decisions might be made, and how you can overcome similar predicaments using the tools of reflective practice. Annotated further readings lists and a glossary of terms offer further resources for study. The realities of child protection social work can be intimidating for even the most seasoned practitioners. This book is designed to empower both students and qualified professionals to practise safely, responsibly and confidently.

his Handbook is aimed at any professional whose work involves predicting the behaviour of others-eg probation, social work, residential care and health and nursing staff. Contents include: basic principles . bias in decision-making . individual risk and external factors (applied risk) . definition of target behaviour, probability v. cost of recurrence, motivation to repeat behaviour, controls and disinhibitors, insights into past offending

The Handbook of Social Justice in Loss and Grief is a scholarly work of social criticism, richly grounded in personal experience, evocative case studies, and current multicultural and sociocultural theories and research. It is also consistently practical and reflective, challenging readers to think through responses to ethically complex scenarios in which social justice is undermined by radically uneven opportunity structures, hierarchies of voice and privilege, personal and professional power, and unconscious assumptions, at the very junctures when people are most vulnerable-at points of serious illness, confrontation with end-of-life decision making, and in the throes of grief and bereavement. Harris and Bordere give the reader an active and engaged take on the field, enticing readers to interrogate their own assumptions and practices while increasing, chapter after chapter, their cultural literacy regarding important groups and contexts. The Handbook of Social Justice in Loss and Grief deeply and uniquely addresses a hot topic in the helping professions and social sciences and does so with uncommon readability.

There are dozens of ways to be emotionally abusive: unwarranted criticism, sighs, a condescending tone of voice, disgusted looks, and ""the cold shoulder,"" to name a few. In some respects, emotional abuse is more devastating than physical abuse because victims are more likely to blame themselves. While a substantial amount of research has focused on physical forms of domestic violence, there has been little information available about more subtle forms of violence such as psychological, emotional, and verbal abuse. This book, a collection of acclaimed articles from the peer-reviewed journal Violence and Victims, addresses how psychological aggression can be reliably measured, as well as the challenges inherent in alleging or proving that these non-physical violent acts have occurred. Authors experts on these forms of abuse from a variety of social science discipline present research related to perpetrators of psychological and verbal abuse, victims of this abuse, and effective interventions. Articles examine the complexity and severity of psychological abuse, and focus on the fact that psychological abuse almost always precedes physical abuse, underscoring the importance of early intervention. They explore the role of gender and socioeconomic status in psychological abuse and discuss the primary personality characteristics of perpetrators. Links between abuse and poor birth outcomes are examined, as is dating violence and emotional abuse in the workplace. This collection of distinguished articles contributes greatly to our understanding of an insidious form of violence verbal and psychological abuse that can be extremely destructive and is experienced in some form by nearly half the population. Key Features: Delivers top-tier research articles by interdisciplinary experts on psychological and verbal abuse Explores the challenges of alleging and proving that these non-physical violent acts have occurred Covers aggression in intimate relationships and in the workplace Presents effective interventions

The methods of disaster research are indistinguishable from those used throughout the social sciences. Yet these methods must be applied under unique circumstances. Researchers new to this field need to understand how the disaster context affects the application of the methods of research. This volume, written by some of the world's leading specialists in disaster research, provides for the first time a primer on disaster research methods. Among the topics covered are qualitative field studies and survey research; underutilized approaches such as cross-national studies, simulations, and historical methods; and newer tools utilizing geographic information systems, the Internet, and economic modeling.